The first card in the 1997 Tempest expansion, Advance Scout is a foundational white creature that introduces the Scout subtype to Magic: The Gathering.
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.15 | Guide Estimate | +15.4% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026
Advance Scout holds a unique place in Magic: The Gathering history as the inaugural card of the Tempest expansion, released in 1997. Designated as card number 1 in the set, this common card serves as the entry point for players exploring the Tempest block’s distinct design language. Illustrated by Heather Hudson, the card features a minimalist approach typical of the era, focusing on the creature’s role rather than complex visual storytelling. As a white one-mana cost creature, Advance Scout is classified as a Human Soldier Scout with a power and toughness of 1/1. Its primary ability grants first strike, allowing it to deal damage before blocking creatures in combat. The card also offers a flexible activated ability: by paying one white mana, the controller can grant first strike to a target creature until the end of the turn. This makes it a versatile tool in early-game strategies, capable of turning the tide of combat or protecting more valuable assets. The flavor text, attributed to Oracle en-Vec, adds a layer of narrative depth, describing the soldier’s path as worn smooth by endless tread. This thematic element aligns with the Tempest set’s focus on exploration and survival in a fragmented world. Whether for completing a Tempest set or appreciating the early design of the Scout subtype, Advance Scout remains a staple for enthusiasts of the game’s rich history.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Advance Scout
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Heather Hudson
Card Stock
English
{1}{W}
Creature — Human Soldier Scout
1 / 1
W
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
First strike {W}: Target creature gains first strike until end of turn.
"The soldier's path is worn smooth by the tread of many feet—all in one direction, none returning." —Oracle *en*-Vec
FAQ
Card number 1 in the Tempest set represents the first card printed in the expansion, often serving as a symbolic entry point for collectors. It introduces the set’s theme and design philosophy, making it a sought-after piece for those building complete Tempest collections.
Advance Scout has two abilities: it enters the battlefield with first strike, allowing it to deal combat damage before other creatures. Additionally, it has an activated ability that costs one white mana to grant first strike to a target creature until the end of the turn.
The Advance Scout card in the Tempest set was illustrated by Heather Hudson. Her artwork contributes to the card’s minimalist aesthetic, which is characteristic of Magic: The Gathering designs from the late 1990s.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.
