Infusion

Keywords · intermediate

Infusion is an ability word. It has no rules meaning of its own (CR 207.2c) — every infusion ability checks whether you gained life this turn, though each card checks that condition at a different time.

How it works

• One infusion effect is written directly into an instant's resolution: if you gained life that turn, the destroyed creature's controller also loses 3 life.
• Others check the condition at the beginning of your end step, or as the creature enters the battlefield, to trigger a return-from-graveyard effect or a stat penalty on an opponent's creature.
• One infusion ability is a static bonus that applies continuously "as long as you gained life this turn," rather than firing as a one-time trigger.
• One infusion ability is inverted: it makes you sacrifice a permanent unless you gained life that turn, instead of rewarding you for gaining life.

Rules notes

• Infusion cards don't all check the "gained life" condition at the same time — read each card's own trigger or static clause to know when it's evaluated.
• Not every infusion ability is a bonus. One is a downside you avoid by gaining life, so check whether the effect is worded as a reward or as an "unless" penalty.
• "Gained life this turn" tracks the whole turn so far, not just life gained from the infusion card's own effects.

Rule reference

[207.2c]