Do players pick targets with spells before resolution or after, and can targets fizzle?

Ruling: For most spells, you must declare targets when you play them. Spells and effects never fizzle in Riftbound - they are either countered with specific cards (Defy/Wind Wall) or they always resolve as much as they can, though they can whiff (resolve with no impact) if target requirements aren't met.

Sequence:

• Declare targets when playing the spell
• Spell goes on the chain
• Spell resolves and does as much as it can

Nuances:

• Reflexive triggers (spells with "Do this:" text) work differently - they target after resolution rather than on cast
• A spell can whiff if there are extra target requirements (like targeting a unit at a battlefield) and the unit gets moved between the spell going on chain and resolving