Yes—if the creature survives combat damage. Once damage has been dealt, state-based actions have been checked, and any resulting triggers have been put on the stack, players get priority during the combat-damage step. You can then use an instant-speed spell or activated ability to sacrifice it. If combat damage killed it, it is already gone before you get that chance.
When can you sacrifice a decayed creature?
Decayed means the creature cannot block and has an attack-triggered ability with the instruction: “When this creature attacks, sacrifice it at end of combat.” The instruction does not sacrifice it immediately after it deals damage. (Comprehensive Rules 702.147a; 2026 rules effective September 25.)
Combat damage is dealt before any player receives priority. After damage, the game performs applicable state-based actions and puts triggered abilities on the stack; then the active player gets priority. If your decayed creature is still on the battlefield, you may sacrifice it during this combat-damage-step window using an effect that can be used at that time.
What happens if combat damage kills it?
If it was dealt lethal damage, state-based actions move it from the battlefield to the graveyard before any player gets priority. You cannot sacrifice it after that: it is no longer on the battlefield. The later end-of-combat sacrifice instruction does not bring it back or allow you to sacrifice it from the graveyard.
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Can you respond to the end-of-combat sacrifice trigger?
Yes. If the creature remains on the battlefield until the end-of-combat step, its decayed ability triggers as that step begins. The trigger goes on the stack, and players receive priority before it resolves. You can sacrifice the creature in response with an eligible instant-speed spell or activated ability. If you do, the ability will not be able to sacrifice that creature when it resolves.
Timing at a glance
| Situation | Can you sacrifice it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| It survives combat damage | Yes, after damage when you receive priority, if you have an effect usable then. | State-based actions and triggers are handled before priority; a surviving creature remains available on the battlefield. |
| It dies to combat damage | No, not after damage. | State-based actions put it into the graveyard before a player receives priority. |
| It survives until the end-of-combat trigger | Yes, in response to that trigger. | The trigger is on the stack before it resolves, leaving a chance to act. |
Does first strike change the answer?
The same timing applies after each combat-damage step. If first strike or double strike results in a first-strike damage step followed by a regular combat-damage step, players receive priority after damage in each step, once state-based actions and triggers have been handled. A creature that survives the relevant damage can be sacrificed in that priority window if you have an eligible effect.
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These timings follow the official Magic: The Gathering rules: rules 510.2–510.4 cover combat damage and the post-damage sequence, rules 511.1–511.2 cover end of combat, and rules 117.1–117.5 cover priority and state-based actions.
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