Boros Keyrune MTG Card


Great at dodging sorcery-speed removal, Boros Keyrune enhances card advantage with persistent mana sources. Its dual function as both mana rock and a creature offers flexibility and strategic depth in gameplay. Double strike as a 1/1 creature makes the Keyrune a force in combat, complicating opponents’ blocking decisions.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

: Add or to your mana pool. : Boros Keyrune becomes a 1/1 red and white Soldier artifact creature with double strike until end of turn. (It deals both first-strike and regular combat damage.)


Cards like Boros Keyrune

Boros Keyrune is an interesting artifact that holds a dual purpose within the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering cards. When matched with others that perform similar roles, such as Azorius Keyrune, we observe a comparable functionality in mana production and transformation into a creature. The Boros Keyrune differentiates itself by turning into a 1/1 red and white Soldier creature with double strike until end of turn, which can be a significant advantage in combat.

Another card that shares some common ground is Rakdos Keyrune. Both cards cost three mana to cast, but the Rakdos version transforms into a 3/1 black and red Devil creature with first strike on demand. While the Devil packs a stronger single hit, the Boros Keyrune’s double strike ability could potentially deal more damage over two strikes if unblocked. The strategic selection between these often depends on the player’s deck synergy and the pace of the game.

Overall, the Boros Keyrune stands out due to its aggressive creature form and the utility it brings by supporting Boros-colored decks with additional mana and combat potential. Its balance of versatility and power makes it a noteworthy card among its peers.

Azorius Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Azorius Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Keyrune - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Boros Keyrune by color, type and mana cost

Sunforger - MTG Card versions
Boros Cluestone - MTG Card versions
Boros Locket - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Shikari - MTG Card versions
Arcee, Sharpshooter // Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe - MTG Card versions
Bladehold War-Whip - MTG Card versions
Sunforger - MTG Card versions
Boros Cluestone - MTG Card versions
Boros Locket - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Shikari - MTG Card versions
Arcee, Sharpshooter // Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe - MTG Card versions
Bladehold War-Whip - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Boros Keyrune may not let you draw cards directly, it contributes to card advantage by being a resilient mana source that dodges most sorcery-speed removal, ensuring you keep your resources in play.

Resource Acceleration: This artifact is a valuable tool for ramping up your mana. Upon activation, it turns into a creature that can be used for attacking or blocking, but more importantly, it provides red or white mana, which is pivotal for casting spells quicker and efficiently from your Boros deck.

Instant Speed: The dual nature of Boros Keyrune allows you to activate its ability at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to adapt during your opponent’s turn. It can suddenly become a blocker or can be used to produce mana for instant-speed responses, offering a strategic advantage over sorcery-speed resources.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Boros Keyrune doesn’t ask for a card to be discarded, the need to maintain a solid hand size to activate its abilities consistently can be challenging. In an aggressive Boros deck, this card can strain your hand, limiting your ability to keep up the pressure and leaving you vulnerable to running out of steam.

Specific Mana Cost: True to its Boros allegiance, the card demands both red and white mana to be utilized effectively. This specific mana cost can pose a problem in multicolored decks that might struggle with the right mana base, therefore relegating the Keyrune primarily to Boros-themed decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the ability to become a creature is valuable, the Boros Keyrune’s activation cost might not always justify the mana investment. For three mana, other artifact options might propel your strategy forward more efficiently, potentially providing greater flexibility or impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Boros Keyrune in Your Collection

Versatility: Boros Keyrune serves multiple purposes within various decks. It is a mana rock that accelerates your plays, and it can become a creature in a pinch, offering a good degree of flexibility for any red-white based deck.

Combo Potential: This Keyrune’s ability to become a creature means it has synergies with cards that care about creatures entering or leaving the battlefield. Moreover, it can be a surprise blocker or an artifact you can sacrifice if the situation demands it.

Meta-Relevance: In a format where aggressive and midrange decks are prevalent, having a mana accelerator that doubles as a creature can give you the edge you need. The Boros Keyrune fits in perfectly by providing additional mana early on and staying relevant as a combatant in later stages of the game.


How to beat

Boros Keyrune is a versatile mana artifact that can turn into a creature in Magic: The Gathering. Being a dual land artifact, it provides mana acceleration and fixing that can help cast spells across two colors. However, its ability to transform into a 1/1 red and white Soldier artifact creature with double strike until end of turn is where it really shines, especially in the mid-game.

To counter Boros Keyrune, consider using artifact removal like Naturalize or Abrade to disrupt this flexibility. Timing is key; remove it when your opponent relies on it for a crucial play or in response to its activation to deny them the opportunity to use the double strike ability. Alternatively, utilizing cards that prevent your opponent from activating abilities, such as Pithing Needle, could effectively neutralize the Keyrune’s threat without having to remove it from the board entirely.

Overall, while Boros Keyrune offers a solid presence on the board, maintaining preparedness in your deck with artifact disruption and ability suppression can provide a reliable method to negate the advantages this versatile card presents in gameplay.


BurnMana Recommendations

Enhancing your MTG gameplay with Boros Keyrune means embracing flexibility and strategic depth. Whether it’s maneuvering through a tight match or sculpting the perfect curve, cards like the Keyrune can tip the scales in your favor. With its ability to dodge removal, accelerate resources, and surprise your opponent with a double-striking blocker, this artifact warrants consideration in your Boros builds. Dive deeper into the synergies and tactical advantages the Keyrune presents. We offer you a comprehensive guide to mastering such versatile tools, ensuring your next bout is not just a match, but a display of expertise. Discover more with BurnMana.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Boros Keyrune MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and GRN Guild Kit, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Boros Keyrune and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Boros Keyrune Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by Daniel Ljunggren.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 2272003NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
22018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 962015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Boros Keyrune has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Boros Keyrune card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2013-04-15 Activating the ability that turns the Keyrune into a creature while it’s already a creature will override any effects that set its power and/or toughness to another number, but effects that modify power and/or toughness without directly setting them will still apply.
2013-04-15 Until the ability that turns the Keyrune into a creature resolves, the Keyrune is colorless.