Pili-Pala MTG Card


Pili-Pala provides card filtering and strategic advantage when combined with scrying effects in MTG. Creates infinite mana with specific combos, like with Grand Architect, for powerful plays. The card’s instant speed untapping increases adaptability, allowing responses on an opponent’s turn.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Scarecrow
Abilities Flying
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flying , {Q}: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool. ({Q} is the untap symbol.)

It wasn't really expected to fly. Then again, it wasn't expected to move, either.


Cards like Pili-Pala

Pili-Pala stands out in the field of mana-generating creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This little artifact creature shares similarities with cards like Palladium Myr, which taps to add two colorless mana to your mana pool. However, Pili-Pala has the added advantage of generating any color mana, offering flexibility in mana fixing. Unlike Palladium Myr, Pili-Pala also requires a setup, needing to be untapped through another ability or effect to kick-start its mana-producing combo.

We can’t discuss Pili-Pala without mentioning Grand Architect. Though not identical, Grand Architect synergizes well with Pili-Pala, allowing it to tap for two blue mana and then untap itself, effectively generating infinite mana of any color combination. On its own, Grand Architect also assists in casting blue creature spells and converting non-token creatures into bigger threats.

Finally, while assessing the potential of mana-generating creatures, Pili-Pala’s gift of flexibility and combo enabling properties undoubtedly ensures its unique place in MTG, especially among players fond of complex and rewarding play styles.

Palladium Myr - MTG Card versions
Grand Architect - MTG Card versions
Palladium Myr - MTG Card versions
Grand Architect - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pili-Pala by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Dragon's Claw - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Dragon's Claw - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UU ModernModern Challenge 32 2024-04-29

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pili-Pala provides strategic flexibility by potentially filtering the card on top of your library when combined with card scrying effects, aiding in securing more valuable draws.

Resource Acceleration: This card can produce infinite mana in tandem with other permanents that reduce its activation cost or untap it, such as Grand Architect. This synergy enables overwhelming mana generation to execute decisive plays.

Instant Speed: The ability to untap Pili-Pala is not bound by sorcery speed, granting you the option to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn, thereby maintaining a level of unpredictability and adaptability.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pili-Pala requires an additional investment to become untapped, which can set back your tempo if you haven’t planned your mana usage carefully.

Specific Mana Cost: To start its engine, Pili-Pala needs a set mana arrangement to work—two of any color and then another two to activate its ability. This can be restrictive, especially in a multicolored deck scrambling for the right mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Pili-Pala’s combo potential is alluring, getting it off the ground means you’re investing a total of four mana—two to cast and two to activate. This is a substantial cost when compared to other mana dorks or accelerants available that provide immediate utility or require less setup.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pili-Pala is a card that seamlessly adapts to various deck builds, offering the unique ability to generate any color of mana. This makes it a utility player in multicolored decks craving flexible mana sources.

Combo Potential: This artifact creature is infamous for its combo with Grand Architect, allowing for infinite mana generation. This interaction can become a backbone for decks aimed at executing game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where adaptive strategies reign, Pili-Pala holds its ground. It can be a key piece in disrupting opponent’s plans, especially when they least expect a combo enabler lurking in an unassuming creature.


How to beat

The Pili-Pala card presents an unusual challenge in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering. Known for its ability to form powerful combos, particularly with Grand Architect to generate infinite mana, conquering a deck that utilizes Pili-Pala requires a preemptive strategy. The key to disrupting this setup lies in controlling the board early on and eliminating key combo pieces before they can be used to their full potential.

Spot removal spells are effective tools against Pili-Pala, as they can specifically target and destroy this creature before the opponent has the chance to go infinite. Counterspells also prove invaluable, providing the means to prevent Pili-Pala or its combo counterparts from hitting the battlefield in the first place. Artifact removal can also disrupt the combo by dealing with equipment or enchantments that aim to protect or untap Pili-Pala.

Overall, timely disruption is the cornerstone of defeating a Pili-Pala strategy. By prioritizing the removal of this key piece or its supporting cards, you prevent your opponent from executing their win condition and pave the way to victory, reinforcing the importance of flexible and responsive play in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

With its arsenal of strategies, Magic the Gathering presents a unique canvas for deck builders. Pili-Pala may seem unassuming but harbors a colossal potential for mana acceleration, crucial for treading the path of victory. Assembling a deck around it requires finesse, balancing resource management to unlock explosive plays. Knowledge of the card’s strengths and weaknesses guides the crafting of a well-oiled machine, where each card complements another, weaving into a formidable tableau. We recommend exploring more about maximizing Pili-Pala’s capabilities in your lineup. Unearth novel combos, refine your tactics, and keep pushing the boundaries of your MTG prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pili-Pala MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Pili-Pala and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pili-Pala Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-05-02ShadowmoorSHM 2582003NormalBlackRon Spencer
22020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 1102003NormalBlackRon Spencer
32020-09-26The ListPLST SHM-2582003NormalBlackRon Spencer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pili-Pala has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pili-Pala card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-05-01 If Pili-Pala is already untapped, you can’t activate its {Q} ability. That’s because you can’t pay the “Untap this permanent” cost.
2008-05-01 If a creature with an {Q} ability hasn’t been under your control since your most recent turn began, you can’t activate that ability, unless the creature has haste.
2008-05-01 Pili-Pala’s ability is a mana ability. It doesn’t use the stack and can’t be responded to.
2008-05-01 Using this creature’s ability means you’re untapping it for mana, not tapping it for mana. Mana Reflection won’t cause it to produce extra mana.