According to the new rules on conditional triggers like Jinx Legend and Gutter Palace, in order to create the trigger it must fulfill all the conditions. Based on this fact, I want to know how Warwick Hunter trigger works, like: does it always create a trigger even if there is no damaged unit on the battlefield he is moving on?
Yes, Warwick’s "When I attack" ability will always go on the chain when he becomes an attacker, regardless of whether there are any damaged units on the battlefield at that moment.
According to RiftJudge FAQ #2344 and FAQ #4780, Warwick’s ability is an Attack Trigger (Rule 383.4.e). Unlike some triggered abilities that have additional requirements (such as "if I'm at a battlefield" for Sona, or Jinx Legend's check for hand size), Warwick's trigger condition is simply "When I attack."
Why it works this way:
- Trigger Condition: Rule 383.4.e states that Attack Triggers occur when a unit gains the Attacker designation. Because Warwick's text does not include a conditional statement (like "if there are damaged units") attached to the condition itself, the game does not check for damaged units to decide if the ability triggers.
- Resolution vs. Triggering: As clarified in the RiftJudge FAQs, the check for damaged units happens on resolution of the ability, not when it is placed on the chain. If there are no damaged units when the ability resolves, it simply does nothing.
- Strategic Value: This mechanic is intentional. It allows you to place the ability on the chain and then use other [Reaction] speed spells (like Flurry of Blades) to damage units in response. Because the chain resolves in reverse order (LIFO), your reaction damage will resolve first, creating damaged units that Warwick’s ability will then see and destroy when it finally resolves.
In summary: Warwick’s ability triggers and opens a chain automatically upon becoming an attacker. The presence of damaged units is only evaluated when the ability resolves, which gives you the opportunity to create those conditions in response.