Pako, Arcane RetrieverHow it works & interactions with other cards

Digging for Treasures

Pako's primary ability triggers whenever he attacks. He exiles the top card of every player's library, including yours. Each card exiled this way receives a 'fetch counter.' This counter is a marker used by Pako and his partner to identify which cards are available to be played later. Importantly, Pako grows stronger immediately based on what he finds; for every noncreature card (like Lands, Instants, or Artifacts) exiled during this specific attack, Pako receives a +1/+1 counter.

The Fetch Process Step-by-Step

When you declare Pako as an attacker, his ability goes on the stack. First, you exile the top card of each player's library simultaneously. Second, you place a fetch counter on each of those cards. Third, the game checks how many of those cards are noncreature cards. Finally, Pako receives that many +1/+1 counters. This all happens during the resolution of the ability; players cannot cast spells or activate abilities in between exiling the cards and Pako getting his counters.

Common Pitfalls

It is easy to forget that Pako does not let you play the cards he exiles by himself; you need Haldan, Avid Arcanist on the battlefield to utilize the 'fetched' cards. Also, keep in mind that Pako only gets counters for noncreature cards. If he exiles a creature card, the card still gets a fetch counter and remains in exile, but Pako does not get a +1/+1 counter for it. Furthermore, if Pako leaves the battlefield, the cards remain in exile with their fetch counters, and Haldan can still interact with them.

When to Unleash the Dog

Because Pako has Haste, he is most effective when played on a turn where he can safely attack immediately to start generating value. He is particularly strong against decks that run few creatures, as this increases the likelihood of him gaining multiple +1/+1 counters per swing. Always check if you have the mana to protect him, as he needs to survive the combat phase to continue fetching cards for Haldan.

Interaction examples

The Perfect Partner

Haldan, Avid Arcanist

When Pako attacks, he exiles a noncreature spell from an opponent's library and puts a fetch counter on it. While Haldan, Avid Arcanist is on the battlefield, you can cast that spell using your mana as if it were any color. Pako provides the fuel, and Haldan provides the utility.

Double the Fetching

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Dog' or 'Elemental' as it entered, Pako's attack ability triggers an additional time. You will exile two cards from every player's library, putting fetch counters on all of them, and Pako will receive +1/+1 counters for every noncreature card revealed across both triggers.

Hitting a Creature

Solemn Simulacrum

If Pako's ability exiles an opponent's Solemn Simulacrum, a fetch counter is still placed on the artifact creature. However, since it is a creature card, Pako does not receive a +1/+1 counter for it. Additionally, because Haldan only allows you to cast noncreature spells from exile, you will not be able to cast the Golem even if Haldan is in play.