Ephemerate — Magic: The Gathering card

Ephemerate

{W}
Instant

Exile target creature you control, then return it to the battlefield under its owner's control.

Rebound (If you cast this spell from your hand, exile it as it resolves. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may cast this card from exile without paying its mana cost.)

Set Modern Horizons
Rarity Common
Mana Value 1
Artist Bastien L. Deharme
Collector # 7
Scryfall

Why Play Ephemerate

White decks leverage this cheap protection spell to save creatures from removal while doubling their enter-the-battlefield triggers. The rebound mechanic provides exceptional value, essentially giving you two flicker effects for one mana across two turns. Cast it defensively to protect key threats or proactively to abuse ETB abilities, timing the rebound trigger during your upkeep for maximum impact.

Format Notes

Pauper represents the card's strongest showing, where it enables powerful value engines in Jeskai Ephemerate decks that abuse creatures like Mulldrifter and Archaeomancer. The card sees moderate play in Modern's creature-based combo decks and occasional Legacy appearances in value-oriented strategies. Its common rarity makes it a budget-friendly option for Commander players seeking repeatable flicker effects.

Combos & Synergies

Archaeomancer creates a soft lock by returning Ephemerate to hand when flickered, allowing repeated use of the spell. Mulldrifter becomes an incredible draw engine, netting four cards across two turns when combined with rebound. Wall of Omens and similar cantrip creatures generate massive card advantage, while creatures with powerful ETB effects like Stonehorn Dignitary can completely lock opponents out of combat steps.

Learn More

Instant Exile Modern Commander Pauper