Explore: Difference between revisions
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===History=== | ===History=== | ||
[[File:LCI Map token.png|thumb|right|300px]] | [[File:LCI Map token.png|thumb|right|300px]] | ||
After its introduction in ''Ixalan'', Explore also appeared in ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/rivals-ixalan-mechanics-2018-01-01|''Rivals of Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|January 1, 2018}}</ref> Later it was occasionally used in [[supplemental set|supplemental]] and [[Universes Beyond]] sets. | After its introduction in ''[[Ixalan]]'', Explore also appeared in ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/rivals-ixalan-mechanics-2018-01-01|''Rivals of Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|January 1, 2018}}</ref> Later it was occasionally used in [[supplemental set|supplemental]] and [[Universes Beyond]] sets. | ||
In ''[[The Lost Caverns of Ixalan]]'', the mechanic returned as an integrated part of the [[Predefined token|predefined]] [[Map]] token.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/the-lost-caverns-of-ixalan-mechanics|''The Lost Caverns of Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|October 24, 2023}}</ref> | In ''[[The Lost Caverns of Ixalan]]'', the mechanic returned as an integrated part of the [[Predefined token|predefined]] [[Map]] token.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/the-lost-caverns-of-ixalan-mechanics|''The Lost Caverns of Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|October 24, 2023}}</ref> | ||
Revision as of 14:29, 28 October 2023
| Explore | |
|---|---|
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MTGA Explore.png}}|70x70px]] | |
| Keyword Action | |
| Introduced | Ixalan |
| Last used | Doctor Who |
| Reminder Text | Explore (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back on top or into your graveyard.) |
| Storm Scale | 5[1] |
| Statistics |
18 cards  16.7%  5.6%  33.3%  5.6%  38.9% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| keyword:"Explore" | |
Explore is a keyword action introduced in Ixalan.[2][3] The mechanic was created by Ken Nagle.[4]
Description
If a creature you control explores, you reveal the top card of your library. If the revealed card is a land, representing your creature finding some new territory you can check out, put that card into your hand. If it's not a land card, your creature comes back empty-handed but still benefits from the attempt. Specifically, you put a +1/+1 counter on it. Then, you decide whether the nonland card goes back on top of your library or into your graveyard. In a sense, Explore is an upgraded version of Scry (though the later released Surveil is actually closer than Scry).
Most creatures that explore, do so because of a triggered ability when they enter the battlefield. Creatures may also explore as a result of an activated ability.
Ixalan has a few cards with abilities that trigger whenever a creature you control explores.
History
After its introduction in Ixalan, Explore also appeared in Rivals of Ixalan.[5] Later it was occasionally used in supplemental and Universes Beyond sets.
In The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, the mechanic returned as an integrated part of the predefined Map token.[6]
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Explore
- A keyword action that causes a player to reveal the top card of their library and then to take different actions depending on whether a land card is revealed this way. See rule 701.40, “Explore.”
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 701.40. Explore
- 701.40a Certain abilities instruct a permanent to explore. To do so, that permanent’s controller reveals the top card of their library. If a land card is revealed this way, that player puts that card into their hand. Otherwise, that player puts a +1/+1 counter on the exploring permanent and may put the revealed card into their graveyard.
- 701.40b A permanent “explores” after the process described in rule 701.40a is complete, even if some or all of those actions were impossible.
- 701.40c If a permanent changes zones before an effect causes it to explore, its last known information is used to determine which object explored and who controlled it.
Rulings
- Once an ability that causes a creature to explore begins to resolve, no player may take any other actions until it's done. Notably, opponents can't try to remove the exploring creature after you reveal a nonland card but before it receives a counter.[7]
- If no card is revealed, most likely because that player's library is empty, the exploring creature receives a +1/+1 counter.
- If a resolving spell or ability instructs a specific creature to explore but that creature has left the battlefield, the creature still explores. If you reveal a nonland card this way, you won't put a +1/+1 counter on anything, but you may put the revealed card into your graveyard. Effects that trigger "whenever a creature you control explores" trigger if appropriate.
- Creatures can't explore unless an effect allows it to do so.
- When a triggered or an activated ability resolves, if the creature is no longer on the battlefield, it can still explore. If you reveal a land card, you'll still put it into your hand. If you reveal a nonland card, you won't put a +1/+1 counter on the now-absent creature, but you will decide whether the card goes back on your library or into the graveyard.
Example
Example
Tishana's Wayfinder 
Creature — Merfolk Scout
2/2
When Tishana's Wayfinder enters the battlefield, it explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise put a +1/+1 counter on this creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 11, 2021). "Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that Explore isn't on the storm scale.". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (August 28, 2017). "Ixalan Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Gavin Verhey (September 14, 2017). "A Win-Win Exploration". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 19, 2019). "Explore is Ken Nagle.". Twitter.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (January 1, 2018). "Rivals of Ixalan Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (October 24, 2023). "The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 15, 2017). "Ixalan Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.