The Unknown Wizard 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
Eminence — As long as The Unknown Wizard is in the command zone or on the battlefield, other playtest cards you cast costless to cast. Whenever The Unknown Wizard enters or attacks, look at the top ten cards of your library. You may put a legendary playtest card from among them onto the battlefield. Put the rest on the bottom in a random order.
Complete guide
The Unknown Wizard is a powerful commander that bridges the gap between casual play and the experimental world of playtest cards. By utilizing the Eminence ability, this legendary wizard ensures your most experimental spells are easier to cast from the very start of the game. Whether he is sitting in your command zone or leading the charge on the battlefield, the value he provides is unparalleled.
Understanding Eminence and Cost Reduction
The Eminence ability is a persistent effect that functions as long as The Unknown Wizard is in the command zone or on the battlefield. It specifically reduces the generic mana cost of 'playtest cards' by {1}. Note that this reduction applies only to the generic portion of a spell's cost and does not affect colored mana requirements. If a playtest card costs only {U}, it will still cost {U} to cast.
Resolving the Entrance and Attack Trigger
When The Unknown Wizard enters the battlefield or attacks, his second ability triggers. First, you look at the top ten cards of your library. From those ten, you may choose one legendary playtest card and put it directly onto the battlefield. This does not count as casting the card. Finally, you take all remaining cards and place them on the bottom of your library in a random order. Because the cards are randomized, you cannot use this ability to stack the bottom of your deck.
Timing and Strategy
To maximize The Unknown Wizard, you want to ensure your deck has a high density of legendary playtest cards. Since the ability triggers on both entering and attacking, haste-enabling effects are highly beneficial. Remember that the Eminence cost reduction is static; it doesn't use the stack and cannot be responded to, meaning your playtest spells are cheaper the moment the game begins or the Wizard is played.
Interaction examples
Etali, Primal StormIf you attack with The Unknown Wizard, his ability triggers. You look at your top ten cards and find Etali, Primal Storm. Although Etali is a powerful legendary creature, it is not a 'playtest card.' Therefore, you cannot put Etali onto the battlefield using The Unknown Wizard's ability; Etali must be put on the bottom of the library with the other cards.
Hullbreaker HorrorSuppose you have The Unknown Wizard in your command zone and you cast a playtest card that originally costs {3}. Due to Eminence, you pay {2}. If your opponent casts Hullbreaker Horror in response, its 'Whenever you cast a spell' ability can target your playtest spell. Even though your spell was cheaper to cast, its Mana Value remains unchanged, which is important for other rules interactions involving CMC/Mana Value.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : The Unknown Wizard
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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