Run Wild MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Number	279
Frame	1997
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Alan Pollack

Key Takeaways

Run Wild can provide card draw and mana acceleration when creatures deal combat damage.
This instant card enables unexpected combat tricks, keeping opponents guessing.
The discard requirement and specific mana cost can limit its practicality in-game.

Text of card

Until end of turn, target creature gains trample and "o G: Regenerate this creature."

Wirewood's beasts didn't seem to mind when the elves moved in. In fact, they hardly noticed them underfoot.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Run Wild offers the potential to unlock additional draws if played strategically with a creature that has a power of 4 or greater. This lends a hand in outpacing your opponent by generating extra resources from your deck.

Resource Acceleration: This spell not only buffs a creature significantly but also can produce a substantial amount of mana if the targeted creature deals combat damage to a player, amplifying your ability to cast more spells or activate costlier abilities on the same turn.

Instant Speed: The instant nature of Run Wild gives you the flexibility to surprise your opponent during combat, potentially turning the tides by enhancing a creature’s power at a pivotal moment. This reactive playstyle keeps your adversaries on their toes and can disrupt their combat calculations.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Run Wild necessitates that you discard a card to activate its ability. This can be detrimental when your hand is already running low on cards or you need to maintain card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement of both green mana and an additional cost, Run Wild might restrict deck versatility. Decks that run multiple colors might find it challenging to generate the right mana combination when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana to cast, Run Wild may not be as economical compared to other cards within the same category. For its given effect, players must evaluate whether its inclusion in their deck is worth the higher mana investment over other available options.

Reasons to Include Run Wild Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Run Wild is a dynamic card that seamlessly integrates into various green decks. Its ability to grant a creature trample until end of turn makes it a flexible addition that enhances both aggressive and midrange strategies.

Combo Potential: A key component in combos, Run Wild can turn any sizable creature into an immediate threat, especially when combined with cards that boost power. This can lead to unexpected wins out of nowhere, making it a surprise weapon in your tactical arsenal.

Meta-Relevance: Being able to punch through defensive lines is always relevant, particularly in a meta crowded with creature-based strategies. Run Wild can tip the scales in your favor, making it a must-have for any player aiming to keep up with the ever-changing MTG landscape.

How to Beat Run Wild

Run Wild stands as an impactful green instant in Magic: The Gathering, particularly for limited formats like Draft or Sealed. Often used to make creatures unblockable for a turn, it can swing games by enabling unexpected damage or by aiding critical creatures to evade blockers. But every card has its counters, and Run Wild is no exception.

To overcome this spell, it is essential to have a proactive approach. Control players might consider keeping up instant-speed removal or counterspells to disrupt the opponent’s plans. Spot removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can take out the key creature before combat, nipping the problem in the bud. For those who anticipate a Run Wild play, strategies should revolve around broader board control – cards like Wrath of God can reset the playing field, making one-off buffs less threatening.

Players might also employ creature abilities that don’t require them to block to deter the opponent’s actions. For instance, creatures with “reach” can still eliminate flying threats, regardless of whether they have been made unblockable on the ground. In the dance of MTG strategies, understanding what your opponent holds and adeptly playing around it is just as crucial as the cards in your own hand.

Cards like Run Wild

Run Wild is an intriguing card that resonates with players who appreciate the nuances of combat tricks in Magic: The Gathering. This card stands out by offering creatures you control not only trample but also the ability to untap, which bears similarity to the explosive potential of cards like Invigorate. Both cards provide an instant power boost, although Invigorate adds the advantage of a potential free casting cost at the price of giving your opponent extra life.

Another comparable card is Burst of Strength, which also untaps your creature and grants a +1/+1 counter, though it lacks the trample ability. The distinction of trample can be crucial in games where overwhelming an opponent’s defenses is key. Moreover, Run Wild is akin to cards like Slaughterhorn, which can act as a combat trick or be played as a creature, offering versatility. However, Slaughterhorn does not provide the untap effect, diminishing its potential to swing the momentum of combat.

When evaluating the functionality and tactical edge of these cards, Run Wild emerges as a valuable tool for players seeking to capitalize on combat phases and enhance creature effectiveness with a single, well-timed card.

Cards similar to Run Wild by color, type and mana cost

Natural Selection - Collectors' Edition (CED)

Berserk - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)

Crumble - World Championship Decks 1997 (WC97)

Worldly Tutor - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Run Wild MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Run Wild and other MTG cards: