Experiment One

Experiment One was originally printed as a rare in the Gatecrash expansion for Magic: The Gathering in early 2013, designed as a potent low-cost creature for aggressive green decks. Its mechanics focus on the Evolve keyword, a core feature of the Simic Combine faction, which allows the creature to grow stronger as larger units enter the battlefield under the player's control. The Friday Night Magic 2013 promotional version, numbered 9, was distributed through local game stores as a tournament reward, featuring unique promotional card art that highlights the biological transmutation central to its design.

The card's art was created by Nils Hamm, who is well-regarded for his atmospheric and surreal depictions of fantasy entities. Hamm sought to emphasize the raw, unstable evolution of the creature, utilizing a distinct color palette that aligns with the Simic faction's obsession with grafting and biological research. Upon its release, the card saw immediate competitive success in various formats, particularly in aggressive decks that benefited from its resiliency and low casting cost, cementing its status as a staple for players favoring synergistic creature strategies.