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Explorer
Digital Only
Explorer was MTG Arena's pathway to Pioneer, using all Pioneer-legal cards available on the platform. As of May 2025, Explorer has been officially renamed to Pioneer on MTG Arena after the release of Pioneer Masters completed the format's card pool.
Explorer was created in April 2022 as a stepping stone toward full Pioneer support on MTG Arena. It became Pioneer in 2025 after the card pool was completed.
Where to Play
MTG Arena
Deck Size60 cards
Starting Life20
Copies AllowedUp to 4
Sideboard15 cards
Players2 players (1v1)
Game Duration~20 minutes
RotationNon-rotating
Legal Cards
All Pioneer-legal cards on MTG Arena
Deck Construction
- Minimum 60 cards in main deck
- Up to 15 cards in sideboard
- Maximum 4 copies of any card (except basic lands)
Gameplay
Mulligan Rule
Draw 7 cards. You may mulligan any number of times, drawing 7 each time. After keeping, put cards equal to the number of mulligans taken on the bottom of your library.
Format Management
Maintained by: MTG Arena team (follows Pioneer)
Shares Pioneer's banned list
Ban Schedule: Follows Pioneer
Notes
- MTG Arena format
- Was renamed to Pioneer in May 2025
- Does not use Alchemy rebalanced cards
- Uses original tabletop card versions
- Pioneer Masters completed the pathway to full Pioneer