Experimental Pilot MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Pilot |
| Abilities | Ward |
| Released | 2022-03-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Kamigawa |
| Set code | YNEO |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 6 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Slawomir Maniak |
Text of card
Ward , Discard two cards: Draft a card from Experimental Pilot's spellbook. Experimental Pilot crews Vehicles as though its power were 2 greater.
Cards like Experimental Pilot
Examining the new Experimental Pilot card within the context of Magic: The Gathering, parallels can easily be drawn with other creature cards that provide flexible benefits. Experimental Pilot offers players an intriguing utility, akin to the abilities found on cards like Goblin Test Pilot. Much like our Experimental Pilot, the Goblin Test Pilot can be a game-changer with its ability to target randomly, providing an element of chance to the outcome of its activation.
Comparably, Izzet Staticaster presents a related concept where targeting is more controlled but still holds the untapped potential to influence the board significantly with its ping ability. Although it doesn’t fly like the Experimental Pilot, the Staticaster interacts with the board in a concerted way. There’s also Aeronaut Tinkerer, which depending on the artifacts you control, can achieve flight, similar to the transportive versatility that the Experimental Pilot offers.
Ultimately, while each of these cards offers different functions, the Experimental Pilot stands out for its novel blend of risk, reward, and adaptability, which seasoned MTG players can creatively exploit. Its ability to potentially pilot any vehicle sets it apart, adding a layer of strategic depth and surprise to the mix.
Cards similar to Experimental Pilot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Experimental Pilot card offers a unique ability to potentially draw multiple cards over the course of a game, keeping your hand replenished and giving you more options to outmaneuver opponents.
Resource Acceleration: By allowing you to convert any nonland permanents you’re piloting into resources, this card can drastically ramp up your mana capabilities, propelling you ahead of the curve and letting you deploy threats sooner than anticipated.
Instant Speed: The inherent flexibility of instant speed interactions with this card enables reactive gameplay, allowing you to adapt to threats or opportunities at the most opportune moments, while keeping your adversaries guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Experimental Pilot card necessitates the discard of another card as a part of its activation. This can be detrimental when your hand size is already dwindling, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage against opponents who can maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting requires a precise combination of mana types, making it less flexible and harder to accommodate in multi-color decks that might struggle with mana fixing. If your mana base isn’t well-tuned, casting the Experimental Pilot might prove to be a challenge.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its relatively steep mana requirement, the Experimental Pilot may not provide the efficiency you’re looking for, especially when compared to other options within the same mana range. Other cards might offer more immediate impact or value, casting a shadow on the appeal of the Experimental Pilot for players looking to optimize their gameplay.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Experimental Pilot takes a unique spot in decks that seek to exploit synergistic plays. Its ability to potentially transform into an artifact or creature ensures it can adapt to a multitude of board states, offering creative and dynamic gameplay.
Combo Potential: With the right build, Experimental Pilot propels combo-centric strategies to new heights. It dovetails seamlessly with cards designed to capitalize on changing card types, delivering a burst of possibilities for inventive players.
Meta-Relevance: In an ever-evolving MTG environment, the value of Experimental Pilot comes from its ability to fit into various archetypes. Whether facing aggressive, control or combo decks, it allows for strategic flexibility that can adjust to shifting competitive metagames.
How to beat
Experimental Pilot brings a unique flair to the table, promising a splash of unpredictability in the current MTG meta. Piloting a vehicle comes with its inherent risks and rewards, challenging players to adopt new strategies to ensure victory. Overcoming the pilot’s effect on gameplay requires a well-structured approach that counters their strategy, focusing on interrupting their vehicle synergies.
Control decks with a solid removal suite can effectively neutralize vehicles before the pilot can take advantage. Timing is critical; targeting vehicles with instant-speed removal when opponents attempt to crew them can disrupt their plans. Another avenue is to prevent the pilot from taking the helm, using creature removal to manage the board and keep potential crew members at bay.
Understanding the intricacies of vehicle and pilot interaction is essential for curbing their impact. Denying your opponent the opportunity to leverage Experimental Pilot’s abilities limits their tactical advantage. By keeping a close eye on board state and maintaining a responsive playstyle, this pilot’s experimental jaunts can quickly be grounded, maintaining your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Experimental Pilot MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Kamigawa, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Experimental Pilot and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Experimental Pilot has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |