The Local Guides 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
You may look at the top card of your library any time. Whenever another creature you control enters, if the first letter of its name is found in the name of the city you're in, it explores. (Reveal the top card of your library. Put that card into your hand if it's a land. Otherwise, put a +1/+1 counter on the creature, then put the card back or put it into your graveyard.)
Complete guide
Exploring the vast world of Magic requires the right help, and The Local Guides are here to point the way. This unique creature allows you to peek at the future of your deck while rewarding you for playing creatures that share a linguistic bond with your current location. Whether you are at a local tournament in London or a kitchen table in Seattle, the city you are in matters.
Mapping the Library
The Local Guides provides two distinct benefits. First, it grants you the ability to look at the top card of your library at any time. This is a special action that doesn't use the stack, though you can't look while you're in the middle of casting a spell or activating an ability. Second, it features a triggered ability that occurs whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, provided that creature's first letter exists within your current city's name.
The Exploration Process
When the triggered ability resolves, the creature explores. You reveal the top card of your library. If it is a land, it goes straight into your hand. If it is not a land, you place a +1/+1 counter on the creature that triggered the ability. Then, you decide whether to leave that non-land card on top of your library or put it into your graveyard, giving you vital control over your next draw.
Location and Names
A common mistake is forgetting to check the spelling of your current city. For example, if you are in 'Austin', creatures starting with A, U, S, T, I, or N will trigger The Local Guides. This check happens only once: when the creature enters the battlefield. If the first letter doesn't match a letter in the city name, the ability doesn't trigger at all. Note that the city name is determined by your real-world location at the time of play.
When to Guide Your Team
Play The Local Guides early to maximize the value of its top-deck knowledge. It is especially potent in decks with high creature counts, as it turns every new arrival into potential card draw or a permanent stat boost. Since you can see the top card, you will know exactly whether your next creature will get a counter or find a land before you even cast it.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumIf you are playing in 'San Diego', you cast Solemn Simulacrum. Because 'S' is the first letter of Solemn Simulacrum and 'S' is in 'San Diego', the Guide's ability triggers. You reveal the top card; if it's a land, you draw it, then resolve the Simulacrum's own ability to search for another land. This effectively thins your deck by two cards in one turn.
Sakura-Tribe ElderWith The Local Guides on the battlefield, you look at the top card and see a card you don't want. If you are in 'Seoul', your Sakura-Tribe Elder enters and triggers an explore. If the revealed card is still undesirable, you can put it in the graveyard. If you still don't like the new top card, you can sacrifice Sakura-Tribe Elder to search for a land and shuffle your library, changing the top card once again.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : The Local Guides
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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Meta decks with The Local Guides
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