Drone is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Flying This token can block only creatures with flying.
Complete guide
Drones represent a specialized class of artifact creature tokens used to support various mechanical strategies. While small, these tokens provide valuable aerial presence and synergistic power for artifact-heavy decks. Understanding their specific blocking restrictions is key to utilizing them effectively in your defensive line.
Token Mechanics and Keywords
The standard Drone token is a 1/1 colorless artifact creature. It possesses the Flying keyword, allowing it to attack over grounded blockers and block other creatures with flying. However, it features a unique static ability: 'This token can block only creatures with flying.' This means that even though it is a creature, it cannot stand in the way of non-flying attackers, regardless of their size or abilities.
Creation and Resolution
Drone tokens are typically generated as triggered or spell effects. When a spell or ability that creates a Drone resolves, the token enters the battlefield under your control. Because it is an artifact, its presence will immediately affect any 'count the artifacts' abilities on the board. Note that these tokens do not have a mana cost, so their mana value is 0.
Tactical Defensive Constraints
A common mistake is attempting to use a Drone to block a creature that has been forced to lose its flying ability. If an opponent's creature loses flying after blockers are declared, the block remains legal; however, you cannot declare a Drone as a blocker for any creature that does not currently have flying during the Declare Blockers step. Use them primarily for chip damage or as sacrificial outlets for artifact synergies.
Interaction examples
Pinnacle Emissary
OrnithopterYou have Pinnacle Emissary on the battlefield. You cast Ornithopter, which is an artifact spell. This triggers Pinnacle Emissary's ability. The ability resolves first, creating a 1/1 Drone token with flying. Then, the Ornithopter resolves and enters the battlefield. You now have two creatures with flying, though only the Ornithopter can block non-flyers.
You control Collective Drone, whose power is currently 1 because it is your only artifact creature. You cast your first spell of the turn, then cast Station Monitor as your second spell. When Station Monitor's ability resolves, it creates a 1/1 Drone artifact creature token. Because you now control two artifact creatures, Collective Drone's power immediately increases to 2.
An opponent attacks you with a creature. You cast Desculpting Blast targeting that attacking creature. The creature is returned to its owner's hand. Since the permanent was attacking, the secondary effect of Desculpting Blast triggers, and you create a 1/1 Drone token. You have successfully removed a threat and gained an aerial blocker for future turns in one action.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Drone
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
Interactions with other cards
These cards' text mentions Drone.
Whenever you cast an artifact spell, create a 1/1 colorless Drone artifact creature token with flying and "This token can block only creatures with flying." Warp {U/R} (You may cast this card from your hand for its warp cost. Exile this creature at the beginning of the next end step, then you may cast it from exile on a later turn.)
Whenever one or more creatures you control deal combat damage to a player, you may return one of them to its owner's hand. If you do, you may activate loyalty abilities of Kaito twice this turn rather than only once. +1: Up to one target creature can't attack or block until your next turn. 0: Draw a card. −2: Create a 2/2 colorless Drone artifact creature token with deathtouch and "When this token leaves the battlefield, each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life."
Return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand. If it was attacking, create a 1/1 colorless Drone artifact creature token with flying and "This token can block only creatures with flying."
Whenever you cast your second spell each turn, create a 1/1 colorless Drone artifact creature token with flying and "This token can block only creatures with flying."
Collective Drone's power is equal to the number of artifact creatures you control.
When Urza's Construction Drone enters, conjure cards named Urza's Mine, Urza's Power Plant, and Urza's Tower into your library, then shuffle. Whenever Urza's Construction Drone attacks or dies, seek an Urza's land card.
Related cards and tokens
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Meta decks with Drone
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.