Ruling Magearna EX's Ability and Greninja's Shadow Stitch

Adi

Aspiring Trainer
Member
I run a Metagross GX deck, and Greninja's Shadow Stitch basically gives Greninja an auto win. I know if I put a metal energy on Magearna EX it will definitely stop Shadow Stitch, but do I have to put a metal energy on Magearna EX. Some people I have asked say I don't need one on it, and some say I do. Again I can for sure protect my Metagross GX's if I have a metal energy on Magearna EX, and my Metagross GX's. I would like an answer though from someone who for sure knows. Any feedback is appreciated. Here is a link to both cards.

Greninja:

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Greninja_(BREAKpoint_40)

Magearna EX:

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Magearna-EX_(Steam_Siege_75)
 
No, you don't need one on Magearna-EX to activate Mystic Heart. As long as there is a Metal Energy on the target of Shadow Stitching, you're good.
 
To my knowledge if the ability blocking effect is b4 anything that prevents said ability blocking so it would block it regardless. The same issue came with the old bronzong and i believe it was settled in greninjas favor
 
I don't need one on Magearna EX to activate Mystic Heart, but if I don't have one on Magearna EX the turn after my opponent Shadow Stitches Magearna EX's ability won't be in play. My question is does Magearna EX's ability have to be in play during my turn to protect my Metagross GX's with metal energy. Or can it's ability only have to be in play when my oppoenent uses Shadow Stitch on his turn, and then protects my Metagross GX's ability on my turn. I hope this makes sense.
 
Magearna applies a condition to Pokemon and not the player. Greninja's effect is on the player. Therefore, Shadow Stitching will shut down Metagross, regardless of Magearna.
 
It actually affects the pokemon because it says "each pokemon". This means it affects the pokemon not the player. Cards like Seismatoad EX affect the player because it says the player can't use items. On Greninja it says your opponent, but it says "each pokemon your opponent has" which is the key word. I'm 90% sure that Shadow Stitch affects the pokemon.
 
"Each Pokemon Your OPPONENT has". It has literally just stated that the effect is on the player by virtue of forcing the effect onto the Pokemon of the Opponent.
 
I originally thought Shadow Stitch goes through Magearna EX, but after comparing some text, Shadow Stitch should definitely be blocked by Magearna EX.

Until the end of your opponent's next turn, each Pokémon your opponent has in play, in his or her hand, and in his or her discard pile has no Abilities. (This includes cards that come into play on that turn.)

To me, the focus here is that it specifies the cards and not the player.

Now let's look at other cards that we know are blocked by Magearna EX

Plea GX

Put 2 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon and all cards attached to them into your opponent's hand.

We know for fact that this targets the Pokemon. Stating "your opponent's" is simply a range of effect declaration, meaning that the player activating Plea GX can't use it to the same effect as Acerola on themselves, which could actually be very useful.

Here is Miraculous Shine

Devolve each of your opponent's evolved Pokémon and put the highest Stage Evolution card on it into your opponent's hand.

Once again, stating "your opponent's" is only a range of effect declaration so that the player using Espeon EX's attack cannot devolve their own Pokemon, for example devolving a Gallade to turn it into a Gardevoir GX next turn.

Shadow Stitching, Plea GX, and Miraculous Shine either all are affected by Magearna EX, or none of them are affected by Magearna EX.

This is Sparkling Wish, which is not affected by Magearna EX

Search your deck for a card that evolves from 1 of your Pokémon and put it onto that Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.

This attack is a command for the player using it to take a particular action and does not influence any Pokemon on Magearna EX's side of the field. Thus, it's okay and Magearna EX does nothing.

So here's the bottom line:

As long as the active Pokemon receiving the attack has a steel energy attached, it negates attacks such as Shadow Stitching, Plea GX, and Miraculous Shrine before they can even spread to the bench.

Basically, what PMJ said in the first response.
 
We already knew Magearna EX could block Shadow Stitch, but you are saying you don't need an energy on Magearna EX to block Shadow Stitch, and use Metagross GX's ability on my turn. Thanks for clarifying that.
 
If that were the case you would have to put a metal energy on Magearna EX too, so that it's ability doesn't get blocked.
 
from the compendium

Mystic Heart (Magearna EX - Steam Siege)

Q. If Magearna EX with the "Mystic Heart" Ability is in play, are all Pokemon with Metal Energy attached protected from Greninja's "Shadow Stitching" attack?
A. If Magearna EX has a Metal Energy attached to it, all Pokemon with Metal Energy attached are protected; however, if Magearna EX does not have a Metal Energy attached to it, its Mystic Heart Ability is shut off and no Pokemon with Metal Energy attached are protected. (Feb 2, 2017 TPCi Rules Team)
 
Just came back to report this. Sorry for the confusion.
 
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