Starke of Rath MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 205
2015-05-06 - Number 162
2020-09-26 - Number TMP-205
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Rogue |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
oc T: Destroy target artifact or creature. That permanent's controller gains control of Starke of Rath permanently.
"I know to whom I owe the most loyalty, and I see him in the mirror every day." —Starke
Cards like Starke of Rath
Starke of Rath holds a unique position among red creatures in Magic: The Gathering because of his traitorous abilities. This card can be likened to other creatures that manipulate control, like Zealous Conscripts. Conscripts can seize any permanent until end of turn without the need for payment beyond its casting cost, unlike Starke, which requires a mana payment for each act of treachery.
Comparing further, we have Sower of Temptation, another creature that wrestles control of an opponent’s asset. The Sower, however, takes control of only creatures, while Starke can target artifacts as well, giving it broader control options despite the need for continuous mana investment. Additionally, while Sower of Temptation maintains control as long as it’s on the battlefield, Starke’s control is temporary, but can be repeatedly activated each turn.
Assessing the utility and strategic intricacies, Starke of Rath definitely stands out for its repeatable, albeit conditional, control magic. While its risky downside can be a double-edged sword, it also creates dynamic interactions and makes it a compelling choice for Commander decks seeking to gain temporary control over key pieces on the board.
Cards similar to Starke of Rath by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Starke of Rath can fall into the card advantage category due to its ability to take control of another player’s artifact, creature, or land during your turn. While Starke may not directly put cards into your hand, it disrupts opponents by tipping the scale of resources in your favor, essentially shifting the balance of board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although Starke of Rath doesn’t directly create mana or Treasure tokens, the temporary control over additional resources can accelerate your game plan. With smart plays, you can utilize this to your advantage, carefully orchestrating your turns to make the most of this temporary resource boost.
Instant Speed: Starke of Rath’s abilities operate at sorcery speed, but this card’s impact on the game can be as strategic as playing an instant. By declaring the intent to use Starke’s ability, you force opponents to rethink their strategies. They must consider the possibility of losing their most valuable assets to you, even if just for a turn, which can be as disruptive as any instant speed interaction.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Starke of Rath’s ability to destroy artifacts or creatures comes with a caveat. At the beginning of the next end step, control of Starke of Rath also gets transferred to another player – effectively a type of discard, where you lose access to your own asset temporarily. This can be particularly detrimental in multiplayer games where opponents can use Starke against your own board.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two red and one other mana, Starke of Rath demands a solid red mana base. This restriction can be challenging in multicolored decks, which may struggle to consistently produce the necessary red mana especially early in the game when establishing board presence is critical.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a 2/2 creature, three mana might be considered steep, especially since Starke of Rath does not have immediate impact on the board without an additional mana investment to use its ability. There are other creatures or spells at similar or lower mana costs that can provide comparable or better artifact and creature removal without the drawback of giving away the card to an opponent.
Reasons to Include Starke of Rath in Your Collection
Versatility: Starke of Rath adds strategic depth to any collection. His ability to destroy any target creature or artifact at the cost of possibly changing controller fits into a wide array of red-based decks, from control to midrange.
Combo Potential: This card holds potential for combo synergies, particularly in decks that can manipulate or benefit from control-changing effects. Teamed with cards that protect Starke or bounce him back to your hand, he can be an engine for controlling the board.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta with artifact-heavy decks or critical creatures, Starke of Rath can serve as a repeatable removal tool. His relevance grows in metas where the ability to interact with key permanents on the fly can make or break a game.
How to beat
Starke of Rath is known among Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts as a unique character with a potentially detrimental ability. For those unfamiliar, this card lets you seize control of any artifact or creature in play at the cost of granting opponents a chance to gain control of Starke himself. Successfully navigating against this formidable card involves strategic timing and precise control of the battlefield.
One way to thwart Starke of Rath is by limiting the number of potential targets. Deck structures that focus on non-creature spells, for instance, inherently minimize Starke’s impact. Additionally, readying instant-speed removal can ensure that Starke’s treachery is short-lived. Should you find Starke working against you, be prepared to quickly dispatch the traitor and the temporarily acquired asset before your opponent can capitalize on the exchange.
Ultimately, while facing Starke of Rath can be daunting, remember that this card’s double-edged nature can be as much of a liability for your adversary as it is a threat to you. With forethought and reactive measures, you can turn Starke’s fleeting loyalty into a winning opportunity for yourself.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Starke of Rath MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Tempest Remastered, 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 Starke of Rath 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 Starke of Rath Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Dan Frazier.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 205 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 2 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 162 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | TMP-205 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Starke of Rath has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |