Smuggler's Copter MTG Card


Looting ability helps filter cards, optimizing hand efficiency and improving gameplay strategy with Smuggler’s Copter. Crewing feature activates creatures without summoning sickness, accelerating board presence and applying pressure early on. Instant speed crewing maintains surprise element, complements flexibility in resource management and combat decisions.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeArtifact — Vehicle
Abilities Crew,Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Whenever Smuggler's Copter attacks or blocks, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card. Crew 1 (Tap any number of creatures you control with total power 1 or more: This Vehicle becomes an artifact creature until end of turn.)


Cards like Smuggler's Copter

Smuggler’s Copter stands out in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering as an artifact vehicle with a unique blend of agility and utility. Its closest counterparts are often artifacts that demand crewing to convert into creatures. Take Heart of Kiran, another artifact vehicle, which boasts of similar crew requirements. While Smuggler’s Copter offers card selection through its draw and discard ability upon dealing combat damage, Heart of Kiran does not share this card-filtering feature but compensates with a higher power and defense.

Another analogous card is Skysovereign, Consul Flagship, which excels in dealing direct damage when it enters the battlefield or attacks, setting it apart from Smuggler’s Copter’s card-looting ability. Skysovereign also requires a larger crew but presents a more formidable presence on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Aethersphere Harvester differs with its life gain aspect, although it sacrifices the raw power and card selection that makes Smuggler’s Copter so valuable in gameplay.

In essence, while there are several options among artifact vehicles in Magic: The Gathering, Smuggler’s Copter offers a rare combination of speed, evasion, and the ability to sift through your deck quickly, making it an outstanding choice in decks designed for efficiency and consistency.

Heart of Kiran - MTG Card versions
Skysovereign, Consul Flagship - MTG Card versions
Aethersphere Harvester - MTG Card versions
Heart of Kiran - MTG Card versions
Skysovereign, Consul Flagship - MTG Card versions
Aethersphere Harvester - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Smuggler's Copter by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - 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
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - 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
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Smuggler's Copter. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange PioneerRakdos MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Izzet Ensoul ArtifactIzzet Ensoul Artifact PioneerIzzet Ensoul ArtifactPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-28
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro PioneerGruul AggroPioneer League 2024-05-02
Selesnya MidrangeSelesnya Midrange PioneerSelesnya MidrangePioneer League 2024-05-01
Rakdos VampiresRakdos Vampires PioneerRakdos VampiresPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro PioneerMono-Red AggroPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Azorius SpiritsAzorius Spirits PioneerAzorius SpiritsPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Smuggler’s Copter offers consistent card selection by allowing you to draw and then discard a card whenever it attacks or blocks. This looting effect is a fantastic way to sift through your deck and find the pieces you need while discarding what you don’t, keeping your hand flexible and efficient.

Resource Acceleration: Although Smuggler’s Copter does not produce additional mana, it enables creatures without summoning sickness to get involved immediately by crewing it. This interaction effectively turns any creature into a potential attacker or blocker while accelerating your board presence and applying pressure without needing additional resources.

Instant Speed: While Smuggler’s Copter itself isn’t an instant, its crew ability can be activated at instant speed. This means you can wait until the last possible moment before deciding to turn a creature into a pilot for the Copter, thereby keeping up the element of surprise and retaining mana for other instant-speed interactions during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One aspect that might not always work in your favor is the requirement to discard a card whenever Smuggler’s Copter is crewed. In situations where your hand is already depleted, this can lead to a difficult decision of which valuable card to let go.

Specific Mana Cost: Smuggler’s Copter demands one colorless and one generic mana, which isn’t overly restrictive, but it does mean that playing it early in the game may not always be possible, especially in a mana-tight situation or in decks that are heavily multicolored.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana, Smuggler’s Copter is on the higher end of the scale for vehicles. While it offers a good set of abilities, there are other two-mana creatures and artifacts that might fit into a deck’s strategy more seamlessly or provide more immediate impact on the board.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Smuggler’s Copter offers a unique flexibilty as it easily slots into a wide array of decks. This agile artifact enables both aggressive and control strategies, allowing for swift attacks and defenses whenever required.

Combo Potential: Its ability to loot upon attacking or blocking means that it pairs fantastically with discard-focused mechanics or reanimation strategies, improving the synergy and sequencing of your plays.

Meta-Relevance: The relevance of Smuggler’s Copter in various metas cannot be overstated. Its consistent performance across different formats keeps it at the forefront of competitive play, ensuring your collection remains competitive.


How to Beat Smuggler’s Copter

Smuggler’s Copter has made quite the impact on Magic: The Gathering gameplay, adding a layer of intricacy with its flying ability and loot mechanic. This artifact creature at just two mana can quickly become a threat in the air, especially since it can be crewed by any creature, new or seasoned. To effectively counter this dynamic, one must prioritize removal spells that can address both creatures and artifacts. Cards such as Abrade or Shatter come to mind, offering a versatile solution to your opponent’s threats.

Another tactic involves playing around its strengths. Since Smuggler’s Copter needs a creature to operate, keeping the battlefield clear of potential pilots stunts its functionality. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can ensure that the copter remains grounded. Additionally, instant speed removals, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can eliminate potential crew members during your opponent’s turn, leaving the Copter inactive and vulnerable.

Timing plays a critical role while facing Smuggler’s Copter. By strategically planning your spell casting and resources, you can limit its impact on the game. Removal spells and control strategies can keep this potent artifact creature in check, allowing you to maintain pace and eventually outmaneuver your opponent in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Smuggler’s Copter carves a unique niche in MTG, balancing the act between aggressive playstyles and methodical deck management. Its looting ability meshes well with an array of strategies, enhancing card quality and maintaining pressure on opponents. The flexibility it brings to the table, combined with the sheer efficiency of its design, makes it a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal. Whether fine-tuning your deck or searching for that card with the potential to tip the scales in your favor, exploring the depths of Smuggler’s Copter could be your next step forward in MTG. Discover the synergies and elevate your deck’s performance by learning more with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Smuggler's Copter MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Promos, 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 Smuggler's Copter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Smuggler's Copter Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 2352015NormalBlackFlorian de Gesincourt
22016-09-30Kaladesh PromosPKLD 235s2015NormalBlackFlorian de Gesincourt
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4462015NormalBorderlessBrandon L. Hunt
42022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 1602015NormalBlackFlorian de Gesincourt

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Smuggler's Copter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-09-29 Any untapped creature you control can be tapped to pay a crew cost, even one that just came under your control.
2017-09-29 Creatures that crew a Vehicle aren't attached to it or related in any other way. Effects that affect the Vehicle, such as by destroying it or giving it a +1/+1 counter, don't affect the creatures that crewed it.
2017-09-29 Each Vehicle is printed with a power and toughness, but it's not a creature. If it becomes a creature (most likely through its crew ability), it will have that power and toughness.
2017-09-29 For a Vehicle to be able to attack, it must be a creature as the declare attackers step begins, so the latest you can activate its crew ability to attack with it is during the beginning of combat step. For a Vehicle to be able to block, it must be a creature as the declare blockers step begins, so the latest you can activate its crew ability to block with it is during the declare attackers step. In either case, players may take actions after the crew ability resolves but before the Vehicle has been declared as an attacking or blocking creature.
2017-09-29 If a permanent becomes a copy of a Vehicle, the copy won't be a creature, even if the Vehicle it's copying has become an artifact creature.
2017-09-29 If an effect causes a Vehicle to become an artifact creature with a specified power and toughness, that effect overwrites the Vehicle's printed power and toughness.
2017-09-29 Once a Vehicle becomes a creature, it behaves exactly like any other artifact creature. It can't attack unless you've controlled it continuously since your turn began, it can block if it's untapped, it can be tapped to pay a Vehicle's crew cost, and so on.
2017-09-29 Once a player announces that they are activating a crew ability, no player may take other actions until the ability has been paid for. Notably, players can't try to stop the ability by changing a creature's power or by removing or tapping a creature.
2017-09-29 Vehicle is an artifact type, not a creature type. A Vehicle that's crewed won't normally have any creature type.
2017-09-29 When a Vehicle becomes a creature, that doesn't count as having a creature enter the battlefield. The permanent was already on the battlefield; it only changed its types. Abilities that trigger whenever a creature enters the battlefield won't trigger.
2017-09-29 You may activate a crew ability of a Vehicle even if it's already an artifact creature. Doing so has no effect on the Vehicle. It doesn't change its power and toughness.
2017-09-29 You may tap more creatures than necessary to activate a crew ability.