Is giving an enemy unit back as a Recall able to be reacted to?

Question

Accepted Answer

Whether you can react to a "recall" depends entirely on **how** that recall is being generated.

In Riftbound, "Recall" is a game action, not a keyword or a spell type. Because of this, the ability to react depends on the source of the recall:

1.  **If the recall is part of a Spell or an Activated Ability:**
    Yes, you can react. Spells and activated abilities use the chain. If an opponent plays a spell or activates an ability that includes the instruction to "recall" a unit, that spell/ability goes on the chain, and you may play [Reaction] cards in response to it.

2.  **If the recall is part of a Triggered Ability:**
    Yes, you can react. Triggered abilities (e.g., "When I attack, recall a unit") use the chain. You can play [Reaction] cards in response to the triggered ability being placed on the chain.

3.  **If the recall is a Replacement Effect:**
    No, you cannot react. Replacement effects (often identified by the words "would" or "instead," such as *Zhonya's Hourglass*) do not use the chain. They intercede during the execution of another game effect and happen immediately. Because they do not use the chain, there is no opportunity to respond to them.

### Important Clarifications
*   **Recalls are not moves:** Per Rule 451, a recall is a change of location, not a move action. Effects that trigger specifically off "moves" will not trigger when a unit is recalled.
*   **Recalls do not target:** Per RiftJudge FAQ #347, recall effects do not inherently target. An effect only targets if it requires a choice of "who, what, or where" during the casting/activation process. If the choice is made during resolution, it is not targeting.
*   **State of the unit:** Per Rule 453, a recall does not change the state of the unit (damage, exhausted status, etc., remain as they were).

**Summary:** You cannot react to the "recall" action itself, but you **can** react to the spell, activated ability, or triggered ability that is *instructing* the game to perform the recall. If the recall is happening as a replacement effect, you cannot react.