Szarel, Genesis Shepherd + Phantom Train

Szarel, Genesis Shepherd

Phantom Train

How it works

1. Activate Phantom Train by sacrificing a persist creature without a -1/-1 counter on it.
2. When the persist creature dies, its persist ability and Szarel trigger.
3. Resolve the Szarel trigger, putting a number of +1/+1 counters on the other persist creature.
4. Resolve the perist creature's trigger, returning it from your graveyard to the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter on it.
5. Resolve the Phantom Train ability.
6. Repeat.

This ingenious loop exploits the interaction between Szarel, Genesis Shepherd and Phantom Train to turn a simple sacrifice outlet into an engine of endless growth. By feeding your creatures into Phantom Train's activation cost, you trigger Szarel's ability to pump up your team with a flurry of +1/+1 counters based on its power. The magic truly happens when you sacrifice creatures with persist, as their ability returns them to the battlefield ready to be fed right back into the train.