Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID pandemic resulted in this format taking off very slowly.
Some have even called it the “new modern”.
Arena doesn’t have Pioneer just yet, however it will soon enough.
Once all of the older sets are released on Arena, Explorer will officially become Pioneer.
What Cards Are Legal?
Pioneer legal cards include all cards released in expansion sets and core setsfrom Return to Ravnica onward.
Bonecrusher Giant by Victor Adame Minguez
In other words, all cards printed in primary products since October 2012.
Like all constructed formats, Pioneer does havea ban listthat prevents the play of certain cards from these sets.
Below is a table with all banned cards as of December 4th, 2023.
Bonecrusher Giant by Victor Adame Minguez
In fact,the best decks in Pioneer are much more midrange-oriented.
These remove spells are your best options for Pioneer.
Consequently, players only familiar with Standard have no better place to dip their toes in than this format.
Ledger Shredder by Mila Pesic
While Pioneer is similar to Standard, there is a notable increase in the power level of many decks.
It’s difficult to properly stop the opponent unless you understand their strategy.
It then uses those creatures toabuse the convoke mechanic with Knight-Errant of Eos and Venerated Loxodon.
Collected Company by Rudy Siswanto
The addition ofKayla’s Reconstructionto this deck has given it some much-needed staying power.
Abzan Greasefang
Thebig bad combo deckof the metagame.
The idea here is touse a connive trigger or Grisly Salvage to place a Parhelion II in your graveyard.
Players whoenjoy casting instant and sorcery spells machine gun stylewill absolutely love this deck.
Abzan Amalia
Thenewest combo deckto enter the metagame.
Abzan Amalia has quickly proven its power afterwinning the Pioneer Showcase Qualifier in December.
Some fear thatit may take over the format.
The result:a board wipe that clears the way for a lethal 20-power attack from Amalia.
