Lieutenant Hikaru SuluHow it works & interactions with other cards

Navigating the Unknown

Whenever Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu becomes tapped, his triggered ability causes him to explore. This happens regardless of why he became tapped, whether he is attacking, crewed into a Vehicle, or tapped for an ability. You reveal the top card of your library: if it is a land, it goes to your hand; if not, Sulu gets a +1/+1 counter and you decide if the revealed card stays on top or goes to your graveyard.

Step-by-Step Exploration

First, an effect or action causes Sulu to transition from untapped to tapped. Second, the explore ability is placed on the stack. Third, as the ability resolves, you look at the top card of your library. If it is a land card, you must put it into your hand. If it is not a land, Sulu receives a +1/+1 counter, and you then choose whether to leave the non-land card on top of your library or move it to your graveyard.

Tactical Evasion

Sulu also features an activated ability for {2}{U} that makes a target creature unblockable. Note that this can target Sulu himself or any other creature you control. This is most effective when used before the Declare Blockers step to ensure your damage gets through. Remember, making a creature unblockable after it has already been blocked will not remove the blocker.

Strategic Timing

To maximize Sulu's utility, try to trigger his explore ability early in your turn to secure land drops or filter your draws. Because explore happens as soon as he taps to attack, he will already have the potential +1/+1 counter before your opponent declares blockers, potentially changing the math of the combat phase.

Interaction examples

Maximizing Land Drops

Sakura-Tribe Elder

You have Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu on the battlefield and a Sakura-Tribe Elder. You activate Sulu's ability to make the Elder unblockable. Later, you attack with Sulu, which triggers explore. If you reveal a land, you put it in your hand, ensuring you have a land to play. You can then sacrifice Sakura-Tribe Elder to fetch another land, thinning your deck significantly.

Filtering for Answers

Solemn Simulacrum

With Solemn Simulacrum and Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu in play, you have multiple ways to manipulate your deck. When you tap Sulu to attack, he explores. If you see a card you don't need on top, you can send it to the graveyard. If Solemn Simulacrum dies later in combat, your draw trigger will now result in a fresh card you actually need, thanks to Sulu's scouting.