Runesword MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 107†
1994-08-01 - Number 107
1995-07-01 - Number 106
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
, : Target attacking creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn. When that creature leaves the battlefield this turn, sacrifice Runesword. If the creature deals damage to a creature this turn, the creature dealt damage can't be regenerated this turn. If a creature dealt damage by the targeted creature would die this turn, exile that creature instead.
Cards like Runesword
The Runesword card in Magic: The Gathering is an intriguing artifact that provides a unique twist on combat bonuses. When comparing it to other equipment cards like Bonesplitter, we see that Bonesplitter offers a consistent increase to a creature’s power. Although Runesword also boosts attacking creatures, it demands a more significant mana investment to activate its ability.
Another card that surfaces in this context is the Fireshrieker, which, like Runesword, can dramatically alter the outcome of combat. While Fireshrieker grants double strike, Runesword offers a potentially larger, though more unpredictable, increase to a creature’s power and toughness. This unpredictability can sometimes turn the tide in a player’s favor, similar to the roll of a die.
Contrasting against the likes of Trusty Machete, the Runesword falls on the more mana-intensive side. Trusty Machete gives a reliable and cost-effective bonus upon equipping. Nevertheless, for players willing to sink more resources into their equipment, Runesword can become a game-changing asset.
Striking a balance between resource allocation and in-game impact is key when evaluating such cards. While it may not be the staple go-to due to its resource requirements, Runesword certainly has the potential to power up one’s MTG deck with its unique capabilities.
Cards similar to Runesword by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Equipping Runesword can turn any creature into a real threat, potentially increasing your card advantage with each successful attack.
Resource Acceleration: Runesword can exponentially speed up your resource accumulation, giving you access to more mana for deploying additional threats or answers on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: Though Runesword itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with creatures that have flash, allowing you to surprise your opponents with sudden, game-changing plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Runesword card mechanics demand that a player discards another card to activate its abilities. This can be a strategic setback, especially when your hand is depleted or when every card counts for your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: This artifact requires particular mana investment to cast and activate, making it less flexible in decks that don’t generate the necessary types of mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For an equipment that grants a potentially game-altering ability, the Runesword comes with a mana cost that is on the higher end. This can be an obstacle, as it competes for a spot with other impactful cards that might offer value with a lower investment.
Reasons to Include Runesword in Your Collection
Versatility: Runesword offers a unique flexibility for a variety of deck archetypes. Its ability to buff creatures makes it a solid addition to both aggressive and control strategies, adjusting to different playstyles with ease.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with creatures that have tap abilities or those that benefit from becoming more formidable. Runesword can turn a simple creature into a major threat, engaging with synergies that can quickly shift the tide of a game.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where equipment cards are highly valued, Runesword can prove to be a game-changer. It caters to a current meta that appreciates cards that offer both immediate impact and lasting advantages on the battlefield.
How to beat Runesword
Runesword is a unique artifact card that can be challenging to play against in Magic: The Gathering. It equips one of your creatures with the potential for ramped-up damage and the advantage of exiling top cards from your opponent’s library, an effect reminiscent of renowned mill cards. Addressing Runesword calls for a strategy that combines speed with disruption. A card such as Naturalize provides a straightforward solution, disposing of artifacts and enchantments quickly and at a low cost.
Cards like Disenchant or Krosan Grip are also prime contenders for removing troublesome artifacts from the battlefield, offering not just the removal but tactical advantage in game timing. Another method is to prevent the card from being equipped at all, utilizing counter spells like Counterspell or Negate to intercept Runesword when it’s most vulnerable — as it’s being cast. Alternatively, keeping the pressure with a swift and aggressive deck can limit your opponent’s chances to make full use of Runesword by ending the game before they can establish a strong board presence.
Ultimately, dismantling your opponent’s strategy by anticipating their plays and keeping artifact removal in hand or having a swift clock are your keys to disrupting the Runesword’s game-changing effects.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Runesword MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and The Dark, 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 Runesword and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Runesword Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 1995-07-01. Illustrated by Christopher Rush.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 107† | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 107 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 3 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 106 | 1993 | Normal | White | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Runesword has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |