Propeller Pioneer MTG Card


Fabricate ability offers card advantage by providing creature or artifact token options on entry. Servo tokens from Propeller Pioneer enhance artifact-based strategies and accelerate resources. Demands specific white mana and higher cost can be restrictive in multi-colored or faster decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Artificer
Abilities Fabricate,Flying
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flying Fabricate 1 (When this creature enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on it or create a 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature token.)

"The sky isn't the limit. It's the starting point."


Cards like Propeller Pioneer

Propeller Pioneer is a versatile card within Magic: The Gathering, sharing characteristics with fellow flying artifact creatures. Sky Skiff, for instance, is another airborne threat like Propeller Pioneer, but it lacks the creature aspect unless it becomes crewed. Unlike Propeller Pioneer’s Fabricate ability, which potentially bolsters your army with a 1/1 Servo artifact creature, Sky Skiff’s power is conditional and requires additional cards to reach its potential.

Another similar card, Glint-Sleeve Artisan, sports the same Fabricate 1 mechanic, giving you the choice between a larger creature or a separate Servo token. While both cards offer the same degree of flexibility at the cost of three mana, Propeller Pioneer takes to the skies with its built-in flying ability, giving it an edge in evading ground-based defenses.

In sum, while each card with the Fabricate ability offers distinct advantages and tactical options, Propeller Pioneer’s inherent flying ability and artifact creature status make it a strong competitor in decks looking to dominate the aerial battlefield and diversify creature strategies.

Sky Skiff - MTG Card versions
Glint-Sleeve Artisan - MTG Card versions
Sky Skiff - MTG Card versions
Glint-Sleeve Artisan - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Propeller Pioneer by color, type and mana cost

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Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Leonin Abunas - MTG Card versions
Kami of Old Stone - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Blinking Spirit - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Propeller Pioneer, with its Fabricate ability, can either add a +1/+1 counter or create a 1/1 servo artifact creature token when it enters the battlefield. This choice offers a strategic edge by allowing you to decide between strengthening your creature base or expanding your artifact count, both of which are crucial for maintaining card advantage on the field.

Resource Acceleration: The servo token generated by Propeller Pioneer can be pivotal for strategies that capitalize on artifact synergy. These tokens can be sacrificed or tapped for various effects, effectively serving as a resource that can accelerate your game plan, particularly in decks built around artifacts.

Instant Speed: While Propeller Pioneer itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the flexibility it provides by enhancing board states during your main phase complements instant-speed plays. By establishing a stronger board presence, you can pressure opponents and keep mana open to respond with instant-speed interactions during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Propeller Pioneer offers flexibility with its fabricate ability, it comes with the potential downside of having to discard cards to maximize its effect. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially when hand size is critical for maintaining control over the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Propeller Pioneer demands a specific mana setup to cast—two white mana in its cost. This requirement can make it difficult to include in multi-colored decks that may not always have the necessary white mana sources readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a casting cost of four mana, Propeller Pioneer may not always be the most mana-efficient option for its role. There are cards that can provide flying creatures or token generation at a lower mana investment, potentially giving opponents a tempo advantage.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Propeller Pioneer offers a flexible role in various deck styles with its ability to serve as both an aerial threat and a facilitator for +1/+1 counter strategies.

Combo Potential: Its Fabricate ability synergizes with artifact-themed decks and enables combinations with effects triggered by creature tokens or counters.

Meta-Relevance: As flyers remain a consistent presence in several metas, the Pioneer’s evasion can be instrumental in matches that require unobstructed attacks against ground-based defenses.


How to beat Propeller Pioneer

Propeller Pioneer presents an aerial threat in Magic: The Gathering, with its flying ability allowing it to evade ground-based defenses. As a 2/1 creature, it also brings versatility through its fabricate ability, which gives you a choice between making the Pioneer larger or creating a 1/1 Servo artifact creature. While agile in the sky, defeating this Pioneer requires strategic planning.

The key to overcoming Propeller Pioneer lies in efficient removal spells or creatures with reach. Cheap removal spells like Fatal Push or Shock are perfect for handling the Pioneer before it can be bolstered or start impacting the board with Servo tokens. Alternatively, creatures with reach or flying can block the Pioneer, neutralizing its aerial advantage. Lastly, board wipes serve as a one-size-fits-all solution to clear not just the Pioneer, but any additional Servo tokens that may have been created. Always remember, while Propeller Pioneer can shape the battlefield, it remains vulnerable to targeted removal and strategic counter-play.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Propeller Pioneer MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Propeller Pioneer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Propeller Pioneer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Winona Nelson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 242015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
22020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 262015NormalBlackWinona Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Propeller Pioneer has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2016-09-20 Fabricate doesn't cause the creature with the ability to enter the battlefield with +1/+1 counters already on it. For example, Weaponcraft Enthusiast will enter the battlefield as a 0/1 creature, then its fabricate ability goes on the stack. Players may take actions (such as casting instants) while the ability is waiting to resolve.
2016-09-20 If you can't put +1/+1 counters on the creature for any reason as fabricate resolves (for instance, if it's no longer on the battlefield), you just create Servo tokens.
2016-09-20 You choose whether to put +1/+1 counters on the creature or create Servo tokens as the fabricate ability is resolving. No player may take actions between the time you choose and the time that counters are added or tokens are created.