Thrilling Discovery MTG Card


Draw two cards with Thrilling Discovery, increasing deck cycling speed and smoothing out gameplay. Filling the graveyard can benefit certain deck strategies, turning discards into strategic gains. Despite a specific mana cost, its versatility makes it a strong inclusion in the right decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

You gain 2 life. Then you may discard two cards. If you do, draw three cards.

"This must be the lost city of Zantafar, where my people lived before becoming nomads. Think of the history we'll learn here!" —Quintorius, Lorehold mage-student


Cards like Thrilling Discovery

In the vast array of draw spells that Magic: The Gathering offers, Thrilling Discovery has secured its unique place. Like the card Compulsive Research, Thrilling Discovery allows players to draw two cards, significantly advancing their game state. However, with Thrilling Discovery, the player must discard two cards first, which can be a strategic advantage, especially in graveyard-centric decks.

Cathartic Reunion is another comparable spell, with the same discard-then-draw mechanic featured in Thrilling Discovery. Both cards require the player to discard before reaping the drawing benefits, yet Cathartic Reunion demands the discard of two cards as an additional cost to cast the spell, which can be a slight disadvantage when compared to the flexibility that Thrilling Discovery offers upon resolution.

Tormenting Voice is also worth mentioning; it’s similar in functionality, allowing the player to draw cards after a discard, but only draws one card. The trade-off is that it is less resource-intensive, with a lower mana cost. These cards share a thematic lineage, and Thrilling Discovery stands out for its balanced cost-to-benefit ratio, offering a surge of new options to the player while filling the graveyard, a tactic supported by numerous MTG strategies.

Compulsive Research - MTG Card versions
Cathartic Reunion - MTG Card versions
Tormenting Voice - MTG Card versions
Compulsive Research - MTG Card versions
Cathartic Reunion - MTG Card versions
Tormenting Voice - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Thrilling Discovery. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DredgeDredge ModernDredge$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Saturday - 9:00 am
WBRWBR ModernModern Preliminary 2024-04-15
Boros BullyBoros Bully PauperBoros BullyPauper Challenge 32 2024-02-17
General FerrousGeneral Ferrous ModernGeneral FerrousModern Challenge 64 2024-03-10
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The inherent strength of Thrilling Discovery comes in its ability to cycle through your deck quickly. By drawing two cards, it facilitates a smoother game flow and can dig you closer to your win conditions.

Resource Acceleration: Discarding two cards as part of the cost of Thrilling Discovery can be an upside in the right deck. This action can fill your graveyard with cards that have abilities triggered from there or can be recast, thus accelerating your strategic potential.

Instant Speed: Though Thrilling Discovery is a sorcery, its low mana cost means you can easily integrate it into a turn where you’re also developing your board or setting up other strategies. This kind of flexibility in your game plan can keep opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Thrilling Discovery can provide a notable advantage by drawing cards, it does come with the stipulation that you must discard two cards. This could potentially lead to a disadvantageous situation where you’re forced to discard valuable cards in hand, reducing your strategic options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Thrilling Discovery requires a precise mana combination, one white and one red, to cast. This not only can be restrictive when constructing decks but also poses a challenge when you’re striving to maintain a flexible mana base during gameplay. Thus, it might not be the optimal choice for decks that are not heavily aligned with both colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although a cost of two mana might not seem excessive, when compared to other card-drawing options in MTG, Thrilling Discovery can be seen as a less efficient choice, especially since it does not offer an immediate impact on the board state. Decks aiming for fast-paced strategy or those that prefer to manage their resources more cautiously may find this card a cumbersome inclusion.


Reasons to Include Thrilling Discovery in Your Collection

Versatility: Thrilling Discovery offers flexibility to decks that thrive on lifegain and efficient card selection, making it a well-suited addition across various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: By discarding cards as part of its cost, this card synergizes with graveyard strategies, enabling explosive plays and surprising comebacks.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values rapid deck cycling and graveyard manipulation, Thrilling Discovery aids in outpacing opponents by quickly filtering through your deck for key pieces.


How to Compare

Thrilling Discovery is a notable card for those who enjoy the strategic depth of Magic the Gathering. This card prompts players to discard two cards in order to draw three. This mechanic is reminiscent of cards such as Tormenting Voice, which also involves discarding to achieve an improved hand, but the comparison highlights Thrilling Discovery’s potential for greater card advantage.

Additionally, Faithless Looting is another card that has been paired with discarding and drawing, though that card allows players to draw first which might inform better decision making about what to discard. Yet, the comparison gains complexity when noting that Thrilling Discovery also lets players gain two life, a small but potentially significant benefit for sustaining one’s position in the game. Cathartic Reunion serves a similar purpose with its discard and draw mechanics, but it lacks the life gain of Thrilling Discovery, hinging the balance towards the latter for players valuing longevity.

When we juxtapose Thrilling Discovery with its counterparts, its utility shines for its blend of card selection and added health boost, which could pivot the progress of a match in MTG in ways a simple card draw cannot. In essence, the life gain, in combination with the potential for a more substantial hand, renders Thrilling Discovery a versatile choice in players’ decks.

How to beat

In the realm of Magic the Gathering, countering Thrilling Discovery effectively revolves around strategic utilization of disruption and graveyard manipulation. It can be wise to time counterspells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto when your opponent casts Thrilling Discovery, preventing both the card draw and the life gain. Alternatively, since the card relies on discarding as a cost, leveraging graveyard hate cards such as Tormod’s Crypt can undermine the intended synergy and benefit the opponent might expect. By understanding the interplay of costs and benefits associated with Thrilling Discovery, players can craft a strategy to anticipate and neutralize its impact on the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Enhancing your MTG tactics takes more than just collecting cards—it’s about smart strategizing and understanding the synergy between them. The versatility of Thrilling Discovery can be a game-changer in decks that leverage graveyard mechanics or seek quick card draw for a life-gain advantage. Yet, every strategy has its flip side. Weigh the discard requirement and specific mana cost against the potential benefits this card brings to your gameplay. Assess whether its inclusion will orchestrate a symphony of strategic moves or if an alternative draw spell would harmonize better with your existing deck. For a deeper dive into optimizing your deck around Thrilling Discovery and countering your rivals’ strategies, we invite you to continue your journey with us. Navigate the complexities of MTG and unlock your competitive edge.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thrilling Discovery MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages and Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander, 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 Thrilling Discovery and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thrilling Discovery Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Campbell White.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 2432015NormalBlackCampbell White
22024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 2452015NormalBlackCampbell White

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thrilling Discovery has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal