Magic mechanic

Flying

A creature that can only be blocked by creatures with flying or reach.

How it works

Flying is one of the oldest and most common keywords in Magic. A creature with flying can only be blocked by another creature with flying or with the keyword reach.

That gives flyers an evasion advantage. Even a modest creature with flying can be a steady source of damage, which is why the keyword is mostly found in white and blue and in some red and black cards.

Serra Angel, from the very first Magic set, is a famous example. Its pairing of flying with another combat keyword, vigilance, helped define the idea of a classic angel in the game.

In practice

An example in play

Two friends are halfway through a game. One has a row of ground creatures. The other has Serra Angel on the table. The first friend wants to block, and looks along the row for a creature that can reach the Angel. None can. The Angel passes over the whole line and hits the player directly.

The next turn shows the second half of the card. Because Serra Angel also has vigilance, it did not tap when it attacked. It stands ready as a blocker while its owner takes the opponent's turn. So one card is both a threat and a guard, and the player who faces it has to find an answer rather than simply wait it out.

Notice what the ground player could do instead. They could race with their own attackers, use a removal spell, or find a creature with flying or reach of their own. Flying does not win a game alone. It changes which choices matter.

For the turn order around this scene, see how a Magic turn works.

Common mistakes

Thinking flying means unblockable. A creature with flying or reach can still block a flyer. Check the whole table before you plan an attack.
Forgetting that reach exists. Some ground creatures can block flyers. Read the keywords before you count on evasion.
Attacking with a flyer and leaving no defense. Unless the creature has vigilance, attacking taps it, and it cannot block on the next turn.
Mixing up flying and haste. Flying decides who can block. It does not let a new creature attack on the turn it arrives.

Questions readers ask

Which colors have flyers?

Flying is mostly found in white and blue, with some red and black cards.

Can a flyer change shape during a game?

Yes, in some cases. Delver of Secrets starts as a small human wizard and can transform into a flying creature.

Does a famous flyer cost more than a plain one?

This site does not give prices, so we cannot say. Card pages describe design and history only.

Cards that show this mechanic

Serra Angel

Magic · Limited Edition Alpha · 1993

More mechanics in this game

Mana & the Five Colors The resource system and the color pie behind every deck.
Flash Casting a creature or spell at instant speed.
Flashback Casting spells again from the graveyard.
Transform & Double-Faced Cards Cards with two faces that change during the game.
Evoke Paying a smaller cost for a one-time effect.
Dash Casting a creature with haste, then returning it to hand.
Instants & the Stack How spells can be cast in response to each other.

Go further

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. This page explains the idea in general terms and is not an official rules reference.