If you are instructed to cast a spell with overload "without paying its mana cost," you can't choose to pay its overload cost instead.
Electrickery
Because a spell with overload doesn't target when its overload cost is paid, it may affect permanents with hexproof or with protection from the appropriate color.
To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as an overload cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.
Magic: The Gathering · ™ & © Wizards of the Coast · Illus. Greg Staples
Card data via Scryfall. Rarix is fan-made; not endorsed by the rights holders.
