Darksteel Relic MTG Card
2011-05-13 - Number 134
2002-06-24 - Number 41108
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Abilities | Indestructible |
Text of card
Darksteel Relic is indestructible. (Effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)
"It's the last thing we can call our own." —Minhu, Mirran resistance
Cards like Darksteel Relic
Within the arsenal of indestructible artifacts in Magic: The Gathering, Darksteel Relic holds a unique place. Its notable characteristic is its zero mana cost, which makes it a seamless addition to any deck, especially those capitalizing on artifact synergies. In comparison, there’s the renowned Darksteel Citadel, which also boasts indestructibility but doubles as a land, thus it’s not quite as versatile in artifact-centric strategies.
Another artifact that often comes up in discussions is Shield Sphere. Although not indestructible, it serves a similar purpose by costing zero mana and can be used defensively. When put side by side, Darksteel Relic’s permanence can be seen as more beneficial for long-term strategies involving artifact count or sacrifice mechanics. Additionally, Welding Jar is a low-cost artifact providing protection for other more valuable artifacts, yet it lacks the staying power of Darksteel Relic once its ability is used.
In evaluating these comparisons, Darksteel Relic may not stand out for its immediate impact, but rather for its role as a resilient building block in decks designed to leverage artifacts’ quantity and durability over time. It caters to a specific niche, with its indestructibility being a key factor to consider for MTG players designing around such themes.
Cards similar to Darksteel Relic by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The inclusion of Darksteel Relic in your deck subtly boosts your card advantage, as it’s indestructible and remains a constant artifact on the battlefield, potentially enabling synergies with other cards that benefit from artifacts being in play.
Resource Acceleration: While Darksteel Relic does not directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, its zero-cost nature means it can be deployed without using any mana, freeing up resources for other uses during your turn.
Instant Speed: As an artifact, Darksteel Relic is not an instant, but its zero mana cost allows for a surprise factor similar to instant speed. You can deploy it at any opportune moment without telegraphing your play to opponents, keeping them guessing about your remaining mana and possible plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Darksteel Relic doesn’t require a discard to play, its presence in your hand can be a liability against opponents with discard mechanics, essentially forcing you into an unwanted discard.
Specific Mana Cost: Despite being a zero-mana artifact, Darksteel Relic demands a slot in your deck that could be used for other cards with proactive uses, limiting your deck’s capacity to address various game states.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it costs nothing to cast, Darksteel Relic’s zero mana cost can be deceptive. The card does not contribute directly to your board’s power level or offer immediate utility, which may result in a loss of tempo compared to other options that could advance your board state or disrupt opponents for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Darksteel Relic has the distinct advantage of being an indestructible artifact, making it a resilient piece in a wide array of deck types. It’s particularly useful in strategies that hinge on artifact synergy or those that demand sacrificial permanents that won’t easily go away.
Combo Potential: Due to its indestructible nature, Darksteel Relic can serve as an excellent enabler for combos. It works seamlessly with cards that look to exploit artifact counts like Disciple of the Vault or can be utilized with cards like Atog to provide a permanent boost without the downside of losing an asset.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where artifact destruction is prevalent, having an artifact that can weather any storm is crucial. It slips under the radar of mass removal spells, providing you with a consistent board presence to leverage in any situation where artifacts are crucial.
How to beat
Darksteel Relic has carved its niche in MTG as an indestructible artifact, posing a unique challenge for players trying to deal with it directly. The secret to overcoming this seemingly unassailable card lies in its passive nature. Unlike other artifacts, Darksteel Relic doesn’t offer its controller any active abilities. This means strategies should focus on the bigger game. Direct artifact removal won’t work due to its indestructible nature, so players should look to win through alternative routes.
Employing cards that force the opponent to sacrifice permanents can effectively circumvent Darksteel Relic’s indestructibility. Win conditions that don’t rely on artifact interaction are also highly effective. Cards with exile effects or that change the nature of artifacts can side-step the indestructibility. Forging a strategy to suppress the opponent’s overall game plan can render Darksteel Relic a non-issue. Concentrate on building a winning board state rather than tackling the Relic itself. When your strategy doesn’t rely on the battlefield presence of artifacts, Darksteel Relic becomes merely an indestructible ornament rather than a formidable obstacle.
Remember, it’s the player, not the cards, that drives the victory. Adapt your strategy to use Darksteel Relic’s passive state to your advantage, and success is well within reach.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Darksteel Relic MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and New Phyrexia, 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 Darksteel Relic and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Darksteel Relic Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2011-05-13. Illustrated by Daniel Ljunggren.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 41108 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | ||
| 2 | 2011-05-13 | New Phyrexia | NPH | 134 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Darksteel Relic has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |