Heartless Summoning's cost reduction applies after you choose X (C.R. 601.2b), determine the creature spell's mana cost (or alternative cost), and add effects that raise that cost (C.R. 601.2f). For example, if you choose 3 for X, Hangarback Walker will normally cost 33 (C.R. 107.3a), or 6, and Heartless Summoning's cost reduction makes it 4.
say I choose , based on what your saying summoning will just make it then?
You don't choose the cost, you choose the value of X.
If you choose X=0, Hangarback's cost will be 0, which Heartless Summoning can't reduce (unless there are also cost-increasing effects in play, like Feroz's Ban).
If you choose X=1, Hangarback's cost will be 2, which Heartless Summoning will reduce to 0. Of course, unless you have another effect increasing Hangarback's toughness, it will immediately die (and then create a token which will also immediately die).
If you choose X=2, Hangarback's cost will be 4, which Heartless Summoning will reduce to 2.
And so on.
i've been confused by hangerback walker and its interaction with heartless summoning
does heartless summoning's discount apply to walker's as or ?
for example X=5 --> (X+X)-2 or (5+5)-2 --> 8
Hope that helps
If you choose X=0, Hangarback's cost will be 0, which Heartless Summoning can't reduce (unless there are also cost-increasing effects in play, like Feroz's Ban).
If you choose X=1, Hangarback's cost will be 2, which Heartless Summoning will reduce to 0. Of course, unless you have another effect increasing Hangarback's toughness, it will immediately die (and then create a token which will also immediately die).
If you choose X=2, Hangarback's cost will be 4, which Heartless Summoning will reduce to 2.
And so on.
Two Score, Minus Two or: A Stargate Tail
(Image by totallynotabrony)