0

If Icathian Rain targets a unit multiple times and Zhonya's Hourglass recalls it after the first hit, do the remaining damage instances still hit that unit?

verified
FAQ #3951·asked by 156869057851686912·January 4, 2026·Rules v1.4·Asked before Vendetta
Answer

Ruling: Yes, the remaining Icathian Rain damage instances will still hit the unit after Zhonya's Hourglass recalls it. Zhonya's uses a replacement effect that prevents death and recalls the unit, but the unit never leaves the board and remains a valid target for the already-declared damage instances.

Sequence:

  • Icathian Rain resolves and creates 6 instances of "Deal 2 to a unit" on the chain
  • Each instance targets when added to the chain, and targets cannot be changed once declared
  • If multiple instances target the same unit, Zhonya's Hourglass can prevent the first lethal damage by recalling the unit
  • The remaining damage instances still resolve against that unit because it never actually left the board
  • The unit will die from subsequent damage instances

Nuances:

  • Zhonya's Hourglass uses a replacement effect, not a revival - the death never actually happens
  • If a spell required targeting "a unit at a battlefield" specifically, recalling would make it an invalid target, but Icathian Rain doesn't have this location restriction
  • The opponent can declare all damage instances on the same unit upfront; this is not "switching targets"
Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Log in to comment.

Open Proposals (0)

No pending proposals.

Log in to propose edits.