Runed Stalactite MTG Card

Provides tribal synergy and card advantage by adding multiple creature types to equipped creatures. Can be re-equipped swiftly for tactical flexibility, almost at instant speed for various strategic plays. Demands mana investment for both casting and equipping, which can be costly for its +1/+1 effect.

Lorwyn (LRW)
2007-10-12 - Number 260

Modern Masters (MMA)
2013-06-07 - Number 214

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number LRW-260

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact — Equipment
Abilities	Equip

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +1/+1 and is every creature type. Equip

When a changeling adopts a form no other changeling has taken, a rune appears in the caverns of Velis Vel to mark the event.

Cards like Runed Stalactite

Runed Stalactite is a unique artifact in the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering a transformative ability for creatures. Its closest counterpart is perhaps Amorphous Axe, which also confers all creature types to the equipped creature. While Amorphous Axe also gives a slight power boost, it lacks the inclusive +1/+1 enhancement that Runed Stalactite provides. This can be critical in enhancing a creature’s survivability on the battlefield.

Another artifact to consider is the ever-popular Coat of Arms. While this doesn’t equip a single creature, it amplifies each creature’s power and toughness for each other creature on the battlefield that shares a type. It’s generally more impactful in tribal decks where shared creature types are common. Runed Stalactite, on the other hand, is more versatile and can fit any deck, especially those seeking to exploit creature type synergies on a single-target basis.

By examining the details and utility of each card, Runed Stalactite stands out for its unique ability to make any creature a chameleon on the field, providing a layer of versatility and synergy bolstering that is comparatively unrivaled.

Cards similar to Runed Stalactite by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Equipping a creature with Runed Stalactite not only can potentially make the creature more formidable in battle, but it can also trigger various “whenever a creature enters the battlefield” effects you have in play. This advantage comes from the additional creature types the enchanted creature receives, opening up more synergistic possibilities.

Resource Acceleration: In tribal decks, Runed Stalactite can offer a form of “tribal acceleration.” By effectively turning a creature into a member of any tribe, it can enable you to benefit from other cards that reduce the cost of creature spells of a particular type or that provide bonuses to specific tribes.

Instant Speed: Although Runed Stalactite is an artifact, and not an instant, its low equip cost allows you to shift it between creatures swiftly—almost at instant speed. This flexibility can help you adapt to the changing battlefield on your turn without losing momentum, keeping opponents guessing and making it harder for them to anticipate your moves.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Runed Stalactite doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, its equip ability can be less beneficial when you’re out of creatures to attach it to, effectively leaving it as a dead card in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Runed Stalactite comes with a cost that, albeit not color-specific, still requires two mana—one generic and one hybrid mana that can be tricky if your deck is starved for mana diversity or if you’re planning on a smooth curve out.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment of two mana for the initial casting and another two to equip can be steep, considering you’re getting a mere +1/+1 boost and creature type sharing. Other equipment or aura cards may offer more substantial stat increases or additional abilities for a similar or even lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include Runed Stalactite in Your Collection

Versatility: Runed Stalactite’s ability to turn any creature into all creature types makes it a unique addition to decks that thrive on tribal synergies. Whether you’re enhancing a Sliver, Elf, Goblin, or any other tribal deck, this artifact improves cohesion and supports various tribal payoffs.

Combo Potential: This equipment card enables a myriad of powerful interactions, especially with cards that have effects based on creature types. It can suddenly turn a seemingly harmless creature into a key component for an unexpected and game-winning combo.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating meta, Runed Stalactite has the potential to adapt and become an integral part of decks looking to exploit specific tribal advantages. Its utility can sometimes make it a surprise tech piece against common meta strategies.

How to beat

Runed Stalactite stands out in MTG for its ability to turn any creature into every creature type. Certainly, a versatile tool, it can activate tribal synergies and offers a +1/+1 boost. Yet, opponents can dismantle its advantages through carefully targeted removal spells. Artifact destruction spells are particularly effective, such as Naturalize or Disenchant, allowing players to swiftly negate the Runed Stalactite’s effects. Enchantment removal can also be useful in games where players intensify its power with auras or other enchantments.

Moreover, counter spells are a great strategy for preemptive measures. By countering Runed Stalactite during its casting, you can preserve the original creature type dynamics and maintain control over the game. In multi-colored decks, options such as Dovin’s Veto provide a fail-safe, as they can’t be countered themselves, ensuring that your opponent’s Runed Stalactite never hits the field.

In essence, maintaining a suite of responsive cards can ensure you’re prepared for artifacts like Runed Stalactite. By keeping these strategies in mind, players can effectively keep the upper hand against such adaptable enhancements while securing their position in the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Runed Stalactite MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Modern Masters, 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 Runed Stalactite and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Runed Stalactite Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Jim Pavelec.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2007-10-12	Lorwyn	LRW	260	2003	Normal	Black	Jim Pavelec
2	2013-06-07	Modern Masters	MMA	214	2003	Normal	Black	Jim Pavelec
3	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST	LRW-260	2003	Normal	Black	Jim Pavelec

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Runed Stalactite has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal