Upgrades are one of the basic card types in the game. When the active player plays an upgrade, it enters play attached to a creature chosen by the active player. Upgrades remain in play from turn to turn and modify the cards to which they are attached.
If the card to which an upgrade is attached leaves play, the upgrade is discarded. If an upgrade cannot attach to a card in play, the upgrade cannot enter play.
An upgrade modifies the creature it is attached to and is not used independently of that creature. If an upgrade causes a creature to gain text such as an ability, traits, or keywords; that text is considered to be in the text box of the attached creature.
—KeyForge Master Rulebook v18.3, February 2026
Rulings
My opponent played Shadow of Dis (AOA 103) on their last turn. I have a Bad Penny (COTA 296) that has been upgraded with Duskrunner (COTA 316). If I reap with Bad Penny, do I get to use the additional “After Reap:” ability provided by Duskrunner?
If an upgrade causes a creature to gain text such as an ability, traits, or keywords; that text is considered to be in the text box of the attached creature. The “After Reap:” ability granted by Duskrunner would also be “blanked” by Shadow of Dis and therefore will not resolve.
Source: Rulebook
My opponent played Shadow of Dis (AOA 103) on their last turn. I have a Bad Penny (COTA 296) that has been upgraded with Duskrunner (COTA 316). If I reap with Bad Penny, do I get to use the additional “After Reap:” ability provided by Duskrunner?
If an upgrade causes a creature to gain text such as an ability, traits, or keywords; that text is considered to be in the text box of the attached creature. The “After Reap:” ability granted by Duskrunner would also be “blanked” by Shadow of Dis and therefore will not resolve.
Source: Rulebook