Staunch CrewmateHow it works & interactions with other cards

Finding Your Loot

Staunch Crewmate features an 'enters' triggered ability that lets you dig four cards deep into your library. The criteria for the card you keep are specific: it must be either an artifact card or a Pirate card. This includes cards that share both types, such as artifact creatures with the Pirate subtype.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the ability triggers and goes on the stack when Staunch Crewmate enters the battlefield. As it resolves, you look at the top four cards of your library. You choose one card that meets the requirements and reveal it to all players before putting it into your hand. Finally, the remaining cards are placed on the bottom of your library in a random order, ensuring you don't know the exact sequence of your deck's base.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting to reveal the card. Because the ability specifies a particular card type (artifact or Pirate), you must show the card to your opponent to verify it is a legal choice. If you choose not to take a card, or if none of the four cards match the criteria, you simply put all four cards on the bottom of your library without revealing anything.

Strategic Timing

Since this is a low-cost creature at just two mana, it is an excellent early-game play to smooth out your draws. It helps you find specific utility artifacts or aggressive Pirate creatures to build your board presence quickly while maintaining card advantage.

Interaction examples

Searching for Mana

Ornithopter of Paradise

When Staunch Crewmate enters, you look at the top four cards and see Ornithopter of Paradise. Since Ornithopter of Paradise is an artifact creature, it qualifies as an 'artifact card'. You reveal it and put it into your hand to secure your mana fixing for the next turn.

Reducing Costs

Foundry Inspector

If your top four cards include Foundry Inspector, you can reveal it and add it to your hand. As an artifact creature, it satisfies the requirements of the search, allowing you to follow up by casting cheaper artifact spells on subsequent turns.