All Nonbasic Lands Are Islands

In the ever-evolving world of Magic: The Gathering, certain phrases carry with them an aura of mischief, strategy, and chaos. All nonbasic lands are Islands is one such phrase simple on the surface, but deeply disruptive when applied in the right context. This statement often refers to the game state caused by cards likeQuicksilver Fountainor the infamousBlood Moon–style effects that change how mana bases operate. For players who thrive on control or enjoy flipping the table on their opponent’s plans, this concept opens a doorway into unusual and often hilarious interactions. But understanding why turning nonbasic lands into Islands is significant requires exploring Magic’s color system, deckbuilding intricacies, and metagame relevance.

Understanding the Role of Lands in Magic: The Gathering

Lands are the foundational resource of any Magic deck. They generate mana the energy used to cast spells and activate abilities. Basic lands like Forest, Plains, Swamp, Mountain, and Island are the most straightforward, each producing one type of colored mana. Nonbasic lands, however, are where Magic players find flexibility. These lands may tap for multiple colors, come with extra abilities, or enable unique combos.

For many competitive decks, nonbasic lands are essential. They fix mana in multicolor strategies, provide card draw, grant creature buffs, and more. However, this reliance also makes them a vulnerability. Cards or mechanics that punish nonbasic land use are potent tools for disruption, and that’s where turning all nonbasic lands into Islands becomes deadly.

What Does All Nonbasic Lands Are Islands Mean?

When a card effect changes nonbasic lands into Islands, it fundamentally alters the battlefield. Under this effect:

• Nonbasic lands lose all other abilities and types.
• They gain the Island basic land type and can only tap for blue mana.
• Abilities printed on those lands no longer function.

The most well-known card that creates this effect isMagus of the MoonorBlood Moonfor red decks, but the blue-aligned version comes in the form ofQuicksilver FountainorStormtide Leviathan, which encourages a watery battlefield. This can devastate opponents relying on intricate nonbasic mana bases and utility lands, forcing them into blue mana whether they like it or not.

Strategic Implications

Mana Disruption and Color Screwing

Imagine a three-color deck with minimal basic Islands. When all its nonbasic lands turn into Islands, that deck suddenly finds itself with only blue mana access. Spells of other colors are left uncastable, effectively locking the opponent out of the game. This type of disruption is particularly effective against greedy mana bases common in competitive play.

Deck Archetypes That Benefit

Not every deck suffers from this transformation. Some embrace it. Mono-blue or mostly blue decks may include such land-altering effects intentionally. Their spells remain unaffected, and opponents are left scrambling. Common archetypes include:

• Mono-Blue Control
• Blue Stax strategies
• Sea-themed tribal decks like Merfolk
• Commander decks built around cards likeUrborg, Tomb of YawgmothorStormtide Leviathan

Synergies with Islandwalk and Control

One delightful synergy that arises from making all nonbasic lands into Islands is the activation of Islandwalk. Islandwalk is an evasion ability that makes creatures unblockable if the defending player controls an Island. With all nonbasic lands turned into Islands, creatures with Islandwalk become virtually unblockable. Cards likeCold-Eyed Selkie,Wanderwine Prophets, orMaster of the Pearl Tridentsuddenly shine.

Cards That Cause This Effect

Quicksilver Fountain

A key artifact that slowly transforms lands into Islands, one at a time. It not only affects your opponent but also you, so it requires clever play and deck construction.

Stormtide Leviathan

A massive sea creature that not only makes non-Island lands into Islands but also restricts all non-flying, non-Islandwalk creatures from attacking. It’s a control finisher in blue-heavy decks.

Spreading Seas

An enchantment that can be used to enchant any land, making it an Island and replacing its abilities. While it doesn’t affect all nonbasic lands, it’s part of the same family of effects.

Building Around the Island Conversion

Crafting a deck that uses the all nonbasic lands are Islands effect as a core strategy involves some planning. You’ll need to:

• Include lots of blue spells and creatures that benefit from Island synergy.
• Avoid or minimize nonbasic lands in your own mana base.
• Use cards with Islandwalk to capitalize on the opponent’s new lands.
• Add backup disruption like counterspells or land destruction.

The goal is to make your deck resilient while punishing opponents who rely on more complex setups. Blue stax or prison-style decks often adopt this approach, as it gives them both control and inevitability.

Common Opponent Responses

Smart players will adapt if they suspect this kind of effect is coming. They may:

• Include more basic lands in their decks to avoid complete mana color lock.
• Pack enchantment or artifact removal to eliminate cards likeQuicksilver Fountain.
• Play spells with flexible mana requirements or hybrid costs.
• Rely on mana dorks or mana rocks that aren’t affected by land changes.

That said, catching an opponent off-guard with an all nonbasic lands are Islands surprise can shift the tide dramatically in your favor.

Fun in Casual and Commander Play

While this tactic can be brutal in competitive play, it also leads to hilarious board states in Commander and casual games. Cards likeStormtide Leviathancan turn a free-for-all into a chess match where only flying sea monsters can attack. When combined with commanders that have Islandwalk or blue synergy, the board becomes your oceanic domain.

Group games involving these kinds of effects usually include a mix of awe and frustration. Players might groan but secretly enjoy the creative challenge. And if you’re the one turning everyone’s lands into Islands, expect to be targeted first in the next game.

A Strange but Powerful Effect

Turning all nonbasic lands into Islands is a strange, thematic, and powerful control mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. It requires precise timing and thoughtful deck design but offers an impressive payoff. Whether it’s frustrating your opponent’s mana base, enabling unblockable creatures, or creating flavorful sea-themed games, this interaction holds a unique place in Magic history. For those who enjoy alternate paths to victory, it’s an effect worth exploring.