The creature blocks Vortex Elemental only if it’s able to do so as the declare blockers step begins. If, at that time, the creature is tapped, it’s affected by a spell or ability that says it can’t block, or Vortex Elemental isn’t attacking its controller or a planeswalker controlled by that player, then it doesn’t block. If there’s a cost associated with having the creature block, the player isn’t forced to pay that cost. If that cost isn’t paid, the creature won’t block.
2014-02-01
wotc
If Vortex Elemental isn’t on the battlefield when its first ability resolves, any creatures blocking or blocked by it when it left the battlefield will be put on top of their owners’ libraries and those libraries will be shuffled.
2014-02-01
wotc
If no creature is blocking or being blocked by Vortex Elemental as its first ability resolves, it alone will be put on top of its owner’s library, and that library will be shuffled. You can activate the first ability outside of combat.
Format Legality
Standard
Not Legal
Future
Not Legal
Historic
Not Legal
Timeless
Not Legal
Gladiator
Not Legal
Pioneer
Legal
Modern
Legal
Legacy
Legal
Pauper
Not Legal
Vintage
Legal
Penny
Legal
Commander
Legal
Oathbreaker
Legal
Standardbrawl
Not Legal
Brawl
Not Legal
Alchemy
Not Legal
Paupercommander
Not Legal
Duel
Legal
Oldschool
Not Legal
Premodern
Not Legal
Predh
Not Legal
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