Explorer's Cache MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Number | 184 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Marzena Nereida Piwowar |
Text of card
Explorer's Cache enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it dies, put a +1/+1 counter on Explorer's Cache. : Move a +1/+1 counter from Explorer's Cache onto target creature. Activate only as a sorcery.
Cards like Explorer's Cache
Explorer’s Cache joins the lineup of valued resource-generating cards in MTG. It draws parallels to cards such as Cultivate, which also facilitates land acquisition and ramping up one’s mana base. Explorer’s Cache, however, brings an additional advantage to the table – the possibility of drawing a card which is contingent on having the most powerful creature on the battlefield.
Another card worth mentioning in this comparison is Kodama’s Reach, a mainstay in many decks focused on mana acceleration. While Kodama’s Reach does not offer card draw, its consistency in fetching lands makes it a reliable tool for mana fixing. On the flip side, Explorer’s Cache offers conditional card draw, which can lead to advantage swings during the game that Kodama’s Reach doesn’t provide.
Perusing through other resource cards, we encounter Nissa’s Pilgrimage, which shares thematic similarities. Known for searching out Forest cards, Nissa’s Pilgrimage can surge ahead in land-based ramp strategies but lacks the direct card draw utility found in Explorer’s Cache. Making the right call between these options comes down to an analysis of deck mechanics and gameplay style, underscoring Explorer’s Cache as a versatile pick in scenarios that support creature strength.
Cards similar to Explorer's Cache by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Explorer’s Cache shines in decks that prioritize drawing additional cards to outpace the opponent. Its ability to add more options to your hand can be a pivotal point in longer, grindy matches where every draw counts.
Resource Acceleration: Generating extra resources can be crucial, and Explorer’s Cache provides this by giving you access to Treasure tokens. These tokens serve not just as mana accelerants but also as flexible tools for strategies revolving around artifacts or sacrifice effects.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Explorer’s Cache at instant speed cannot be overstated. It offers the strategic advantage of acting at the end of your opponent’s turn, thus keeping up the pressure while still holding back resources for unexpected plays or countering pivotal threats.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Explorer’s Cache can offer valuable card advantage, acquiring this benefit comes at the cost of discarding another card from your hand. For players running low on cards, this requirement could hinder their game plan rather than provide the desired boost.
Specific Mana Cost: Explorer’s Cache demands both generic and green mana for casting. This specific need can sometimes be restrictive, especially in multicolored decks that may have difficulty generating the required green mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Explorer’s Cache has a notable mana requirement which could be seen as steep for the effect it provides. In competitive play, where mana efficiency is key, there are alternative cards with similar or better effects that come at a lower cost, potentially giving opponents an edge if they optimize their mana usage better.
Reasons to Include Explorer’s Cache in Your Collection
Versatility: Explorer’s Cache adds value to any MTG deck that prioritizes ramping up mana and card advantage. Its ability to scout the top cards of your deck allows for strategic planning, fitting a wide array of game plans and styles.
Combo Potential: The card plays well with strategies that capitalize on playing additional lands or drawing cards. It can also synergize with landfall mechanics or effects that trigger upon drawing cards, providing an avenue for powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where long-term resource advantage is key, Explorer’s Cache shines by offering consistent deck filtering and extra land drops, keeping you ahead in the resource game and enabling powerful turns.
How to beat
Explorer’s Cache joins the realm of resource-accelerating cards within Magic: The Gathering, with an effect that potentially ramps up a player’s mana access. Similar to cards like Cultivate or Kodama’s Reach, it allows for an advancement in a player’s board state. Yet, what sets it apart is the ability to choose between searching for a land or drawing cards and gaining life, making it quite versatile.
However, to strategize against Explorer’s Cache, it’s crucial to recognize that timing is everything. Cards that disrupt an opponent’s search capabilities, like Aven Mindcensor, can put a serious damper on Explorer’s Cache’s effectiveness. Hand disruption techniques, such as Thoughtseize or Duress, can pluck it from your opponent’s grip before they get the chance to use it.
Moreover, countering Explorer’s Cache with spells like Negate when it’s cast can nullify its impact completely. By doing so, you can maintain control over the pace of the game and prevent your opponent from gaining that vital edge in resources. In essence, while Explorer’s Cache can be a game-changer, timely disruption and counterspells are key to overcoming this multifaceted card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Explorer's Cache MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Explorer's Cache 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 Explorer's Cache has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Explorer's Cache card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-11-10 | If Explorer's Cache isn't on the battlefield as its activated ability resolves, you can't remove a +1/+1 counter from it, so you won't put a +1/+1 counter on the target creature. |
| 2023-11-10 | To move a counter from one permanent to another, the counter is removed from the first permanent and put on the second. Any abilities that care about a counter being removed from or put onto a permanent will apply. |