Traverse the OutlandsHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding X

The value of X is determined only as Traverse the Outlands begins to resolve. It checks the greatest power among creatures you currently control at that exact moment. If you control no creatures when the spell resolves, X will be 0, and you will not find any lands.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, identify your creature with the highest power. Second, search your library for a number of basic land cards up to that power value. Third, put all those chosen lands onto the battlefield tapped. Finally, shuffle your library even if you found zero lands.

Common Pitfalls

Players often forget that X is not set when the spell is cast. If an opponent destroys your largest creature in response to this spell, the value of X might be significantly lower or zero when the spell finally resolves. Additionally, this effect only finds cards with the 'basic' supertype.

When to Play It

This spell is best utilized in decks with high-power commanders or creatures with temporary power buffs. Since it costs five mana, you want to ensure you control at least a creature with 4 or 5 power to make it more efficient than standard ramp spells like Skyshroud Claim.

Interaction examples

Explosive Growth

Skyshroud Claim

If you first cast Skyshroud Claim to get two Forests, you might have the mana to cast a large creature. If that creature has 10 power, Traverse the Outlands will subsequently fetch 10 basic lands, putting you significantly ahead in resources.

Chain Reaction

Rishkar's Expertise

Cast Rishkar's Expertise while controlling a 5-power creature to draw five cards. Using its secondary effect, you can cast Traverse the Outlands for free. Since the 5-power creature is still on the board, Traverse the Outlands resolves to find five basic lands.

Interaction with Power Buffs

Suppose you control a 2/2 creature and cast a spell that gives it +3/+3 until end of turn. If you then cast Traverse the Outlands, X will be 5. You search for up to five basic land cards and put them onto the battlefield tapped.