Index -> Playing the Game -> Main Phase -> Using Activated Actions

Some cards you control have effects that are not continuous, but instead require you to specifically "activate" them. Each of these actions has a symbol in its game text, and begins with a keyword telling you when you may use it. Activated actions you can use in your main phase begin with the main phase () icon.

The next part of the action, the part that appears before the symbol, is the cost you must pay to perform it. Sometimes it's a power cost, but often other requirements are specified, such as exerting the card that has the action. Within the limits of paying these costs, you may perform an activated action any number of times during a single turn.

The last part of the action, the part that appears after the symbol, is the effect of using that action. You can't use an activated action if you can't complete any part of its effect.

For example, if the effect of an activated action is to "destroy a exerted enemy item," you can't use the action unless there is a exerted enemy item for you to destroy.

If you can't carry out the full effects of an activated action, but can still perform some portion of it, you may still use that effect.

For example, if the effect of an activated action is to "deal 2 damage to an enemy unit combatant," you may still use the action even if the only enemy unit combatant available has only 1 health remaining.

To use an activated action, right-click on the card that has it, then select it from the pulldown menu. If the text in the pulldown menu appears "greyed out," then you are not eligible to use the action - you might not be able to pay the cost or perform its effects, or it might not be the appropriate phase for you to use it.

Often, you can double-click a card and it will use the action you're looking for. Your cursor changes to show what kind of action you'll get when you double-click.

Radial Buttons

You can also use an action on your card by clicking and holding your mouse pointer on that card.

You'll see a radial arrangement of buttons, with actions unavailable dimmed out.

Just move your mouse toward the action you're looking for and release to select it.