Menace — what does it mean?
Can only be blocked by two or more creatures.
Menace appears on 409 cards.
How does Menace work?
A creature with menace can't be blocked except by two or more creatures. One blocker isn't allowed; three or more is fine. It's an evasion ability: it only restricts who can block, at the moment blockers are declared. Menace does nothing when the creature itself is blocking.
If menace is combined with another restriction, both apply. A creature with flying and menace can only be blocked by two or more creatures that each have flying or reach. One flier plus a ground creature isn't enough.
The check happens only when blocks are declared. If two blockers are declared and one is removed afterward, your creature stays blocked by the remaining one. It deals no damage to the player unless it has trample. If the creature loses menace after blocks, that doesn't undo the block. Two instances of menace are redundant: they don't mean three blockers are required.
An example at the table
You attack with a 3/2 with menace. Your opponent has a 2/2 and a 1/1 and is at 5 life. They can't block with just the 2/2. If they block with both, you split your 3 damage however you like, say 2 to the 2/2 and 1 to the 1/1, and both die. Together they deal 3 damage to your 3/2, so it dies too. If they don't block at all, they go to 2.
Cards with Menace
Professional Face-BreakerIllustration: Dan Murayama Scott
Noxious GearhulkIllustration: Lius Lasahido
Junji, the Midnight SkyIllustration: Chase Stone
Kozilek, the Great DistortionIllustration: Aleksi Briclot
Tergrid, God of Fright // Tergrid's LanternIllustration: Yongjae ChoiCommon mistakes
- Thinking the creature becomes unblocked if one blocker dies after blocks. It stays blocked and deals no damage to the player unless it has trample.
- Thinking menace requires exactly two blockers. It's at least two; more is allowed.
- Pairing one flier with a ground creature to block something with flying and menace. Each blocker has to be able to block it on its own.
- Thinking one creature that can block several attackers is enough. Menace needs two or more creatures, not two blocks.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a creature with menace be blocked by three creatures?
- Yes. Menace requires two or more blockers, so three or more is legal.
- What happens if one of the two blockers is destroyed?
- Your creature stays blocked by the remaining blocker. It deals no damage to the player unless it has trample.
- Does menace work when the creature is blocking?
- No. Menace only restricts who can block an attacking creature that has it.
- How does menace work with flying?
- Both restrictions apply. You need at least two blockers that each have flying or reach.
Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 702.111. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.
Often seen with
LifelinkVigilanceFlyingTransformTreasure
Which cards with Menace do you own? →
Last updated: 26 October 2026