The Metagame Since Explorer is proto-Pioneer, the early metagame can be defined by whats good in Pioneer
Being such an efficient creature that can hit the battlefield on turn one, this can quickly get out of hand by creating 1/1 Cat creature tokens whenever it connects with an opponent (triggering life gain)
It is not a mana ability, so it can't be used at times that only mana abilities can be used.
Oh, and dont forget earthbendings other synergies with lands that sacrifice themselves
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Stealing something like an opponents commander or combo piece can absolutely shut down their game plan, though you have to be careful since it is an aggressively unfun strategy