If I cast Hostile Takeover against an attacking unit with Assault, does it retain the Might bonus after I gain control?

Ruling: No. The unit loses the Assault Might bonus after Hostile Takeover resolves because it loses the Attacker designation during the subsequent Cleanup.

Sequence:

  • The attacking unit has Assault and gains +X Might while it has the Attacker designation
  • Hostile Takeover resolves, changing the unit's controller to the defending player
  • A Cleanup occurs after Hostile Takeover resolves
  • During Cleanup, the unit is present at the battlefield with the Attacker designation, but its controller is the Defender
  • Per Rule 323.2.b, the unit loses the Attacker designation and gains the Defender designation because it has the opposite designation of its controller
  • Once the unit becomes a Defender, Assault no longer applies and the Might bonus is lost
FAQ #11526July 5, 2026Rule 323.2.bRule 807.1.cRule 807.1.d.1