Riftbound FAQ

Vex, Cheerless

Open in Card GalleryEdit this page
Up-to-date: This page has been reviewed against the current core rules document (version 1.4).

Do opponents have to pay resources to play cards from Hidden while Vex, Cheerless is in combat?

Yes, cards played from Hidden by your opponents still cost 1[Power] when Vex is in combat.

When a card with Hidden is played from its facedown state, it is played "ignoring its base cost".[811.1.b] During step 3 of playing a card ("Determine Total Cost"), the following happens in order:

  1. Set base costs to zero.[356.1] If an ability or instruction allows you to "ignore" costs, set the base costs to zero. Hidden cards played from facedown have their base cost set to 0.
  2. Apply cost increases.[356.3] Vex's ability increases enemy spell costs by 1[Power], which is applied to the total cost even though the base cost is zero.
  3. Apply discounts.[356.4] No discounts apply in this scenario.

Does Vex, Cheerless reduce Deflect costs when you play spells?

Yes, the cost reduction applies to Deflect costs when you target an opponent's permanent while she's in combat.

Deflect is a mandatory additional cost.[356.2.a.2][809.1.d] When you play a friendly spell that targets an opponent's permanent with Deflect, that additional cost is added before Vex's discount is applied.[356.2][356.4]

Vex's discount can offset resources added by Deflect because discounts can reduce additional costs.[356.4.f] However, her discount cannot reduce the spell's resulting cost below her printed minimum of 1.[356.4.e]

Related rulings

What costs still apply when I play a card ignoring its cost?

Canonical ruling on Costs and Payments

How was this page?

Written by Christian I. (Near).

Last updated on .

On this page

Do opponents have to pay resources to play cards from Hidden while Vex, Cheerless is in combat?Does Vex, Cheerless reduce Deflect costs when you play spells?