Rakalite MTG Card
1994-03-04 - Number 62
1995-07-01 - Number 105
1995-08-01 - Number 135
2011-01-10 - Number 223
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
: Prevent 1 damage to any target. If Rakalite is used, it returns to its owner's hand at end of turn; all enchantments on Rakalite are then discarded.
Urza was the first to understand that the war would not be lost for lack of power, but for lack of troops.
Cards like Rakalite
Rakalite stands out in Magic the Gathering for its unique ability to protect creatures or players from damage by using a varying amount of mana. It’s often compared to cards like Forcefield, which also minimizes damage from unblocked creatures for a fixed mana cost. However, Forcefield limits the damage to a single point, whereas Rakalite’s flexible mana cost allows for complete negation of larger amounts of damage.
Another companion piece in the protective gear suite is the popular Bubble Matrix. While Bubble Matrix provides blanket protection by preventing all damage to creatures, it does not offer the precision control of mana investment that Rakalite does, nor does it directly shield players. The versatility of Rakalite in tailoring your defense often gives it a strategic edge in the MTG realm.
Delving into the broader pantheon of protective artifacts, one can’t overlook the Darksteel Plate. It grants indestructibility, which is a constant effect without requiring additional mana. The trade-off, however, is the absence of on-demand flexibility. Herein lies the appeal of Rakalite – its ability to respond dynamically to threats makes it a formidable tool for MTG players aiming for tactical advantage on the battlefield.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rakalite offers a unique form of card advantage in MTG due to its reusable nature. By investing mana, you can repeatedly protect your creatures from being destroyed, essentially negating multiple opponent’s cards with just a single artifact.
Resource Acceleration: Although Rakalite itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its repeated use can lead to a form of indirect resource acceleration. By saving your creatures, you preserve your mana investments on the board, allowing you to apply saved resources elsewhere.
Instant Speed: Rakalite’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing flexibility during the heat of battle. This allows players to wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether to use it, thus keeping opponents guessing and maximizing the tactical potential of each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rakalite demands discarding as part of its activation cost, which can deplete your hand and reduce your strategic options, especially if you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Rakalite’s activation cost includes two generic mana, making it restrictive in terms of mana flexibility. This specificity can hamper deck variety and limit synergy with cards benefiting from color-specific mana costs.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The six mana required to cast Rakalite is substantial, potentially slowing down your game play. When comparing the cost to benefit ratio, other artifacts or spells can provide better defense or utility with less investment.
Reasons to Include Rakalite in Your Collection
Versatility: Rakalite offers a unique flexibility to decks thanks to its ability to prevent damage multiple times per turn. As an artifact, it can seamlessly integrate into various deck types, not being limited by color restrictions.
Combo Potential: For those who love intricate gameplay, Rakalite holds the potential to combine with cards that benefit from using mana or activating abilities. It is a piece in puzzles that savvy players love to solve and utilize during gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the shifting sands of the MTG competitive environment, Rakalite can shine in metas where damage prevention is key. In such scenarios, it’s an invaluable tool, capable of turning the tide in games focused on combat and direct damage.
How to beat
Rakalite is a unique artifact with a recurring shield mechanic, allowing players to prevent damage in exchange for mana in Magic: The Gathering. Its primary draw is the ability to reuse the effect multiple times in a turn, giving it a potentially powerful defensive capability. While Rakalite does not cost you card resources to mitigate damage, it does require a substantial investment of mana.
To outmaneuver Rakalite, consider cards that bypass its defenses. Strategies that don’t rely on dealing damage but rather on reducing life totals directly, such as using cards with infect or loss of life effects, can circumvent Rakalite’s protection. Targeted removals or exile effects like Disenchant or Path to Exile can also outright remove Rakalite from the battlefield, negating its benefits entirely.
Moreover, playing around the artifact’s activation cost is key. Force the user to deplete their mana, leaving them vulnerable to subsequent plays. By keeping the battlefield clear of Rakalite through consistent removal or by implementing alternative win conditions, you can tilt the scales in your favor despite the obstacle that Rakalite presents in a match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rakalite MTG card by a specific set like Antiquities and Chronicles, 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 Rakalite 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Rakalite Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-03-04 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by Christopher Rush.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-03-04 | Antiquities | ATQ | 62 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 105 | 1993 | Normal | White | Christopher Rush | |
| 3 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 135 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 4 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 223 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rakalite has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rakalite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Can be used any number of times during the turn before it leaves the battlefield. |
| 2004-10-04 | Only returns to your hand if it is still on the battlefield at the end of the turn. If it leaves the battlefield, it does not return. |