Rune-Scarred Demon MTG Card


Enhances card advantage by tutoring any card directly to hand upon entry, altering the flow of the game. Indirect resource acceleration possible by fetching specific ramp spells or land untapping cards. A solid option for versatility in many deck archetypes, boosting combo potential and meta-relevance.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Demon
Abilities Flying
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

Flying When Rune-Scarred Demon enters the battlefield, search your library for a card, put it into your hand, then shuffle your library.

The litany of the infernal on his flesh pulses to the beating of his dark heart.


Cards like Rune-Scarred Demon

Rune-Scarred Demon is a heavyweight in Magic: The Gathering when it comes to tutoring abilities coupled with a substantial creature body. This card is reminiscent of other tutor creatures like Sidisi, Undead Vizier. Both offer the ability to search your library for a card; however, Sidisi requires you to exploit a creature as a cost, whereas Rune-Scarred Demon demands no such sacrifice upon its entrance to the battlefield.

Delving into the comparison, we also find Demonic Tutor, a spell that allows for deck searching at a much lower cost without providing a creature. This makes it efficient but less impactful in terms of board presence. Then there’s Diabolic Tutor, which shares the same mana value as Rune-Scarred Demon but lacks the body, making it clear that Rune-Scarred Demon offers a two-for-one deal: a creature and a tutor in one.

Overall, Rune-Scarred Demon stands out in its blend of a power play creature and the strategic advantage of deck manipulation. This solidifies its esteemed position in decks across the multiverse of Magic: The Gathering players looking for both board impact and meticulous deck crafting.

Sidisi, Undead Vizier - MTG Card versions
Demonic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Sidisi, Undead Vizier - MTG Card versions
Demonic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Tutor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rune-Scarred Demon by color, type and mana cost

Lord of the Pit - MTG Card versions
Minion of Tevesh Szat - MTG Card versions
Minion of Leshrac - MTG Card versions
Cateran Overlord - MTG Card versions
Deathbringer Regent - MTG Card versions
Black Dragon - MTG Card versions
Reaper of Night // Harvest Fear - MTG Card versions
Zombie Brute - MTG Card versions
Patron of the Nezumi - MTG Card versions
Tresserhorn Skyknight - MTG Card versions
Lim-Dûl the Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Phage the Untouchable - MTG Card versions
Ebon Dragon - MTG Card versions
Kalitas, Bloodchief of Ghet - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions
Sutured Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Abhorrent Overlord - MTG Card versions
Fell Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Butcher of Malakir - MTG Card versions
Eater of Hope - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Pit - MTG Card versions
Minion of Tevesh Szat - MTG Card versions
Minion of Leshrac - MTG Card versions
Cateran Overlord - MTG Card versions
Deathbringer Regent - MTG Card versions
Black Dragon - MTG Card versions
Reaper of Night // Harvest Fear - MTG Card versions
Zombie Brute - MTG Card versions
Patron of the Nezumi - MTG Card versions
Tresserhorn Skyknight - MTG Card versions
Lim-Dûl the Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Phage the Untouchable - MTG Card versions
Ebon Dragon - MTG Card versions
Kalitas, Bloodchief of Ghet - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions
Sutured Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Abhorrent Overlord - MTG Card versions
Fell Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Butcher of Malakir - MTG Card versions
Eater of Hope - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rune-Scarred Demon shines in terms of card advantage as it enables a powerful tutor effect, allowing you to search your library for any card and add it directly to your hand upon its entry to the battlefield. This is a significant boost, providing immediate access to your most impactful cards when you need them the most.

Resource Acceleration: Although Rune-Scarred Demon doesn’t directly accelerate your resources like some ramp cards do, the ability to fetch a key piece from your deck can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By selecting the right card, such as mana ramp spells or cards that untap lands, you can strategically speed up your resource accumulation.

Instant Speed: While the demon itself does not have instant speed, the card it fetches could potentially be an instant, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the board state in a reactive manner. This can ensure you’re always prepared with an answer or threat during critical phases of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Rune-Scarred Demon enables you to search your library for a card, it does not come into play without a hefty cost. The act of casting this creature can be quite a commitment, and if you’re already facing hand-size pressure, this demon’s summoning might leave you further bereft of options.

Specific Mana Cost: The magic required to summon this demon is not only significant in quantity but also specific in its nature, asking for no less than two swamps’ worth of mana. This specificity can potentially restrict the demon’s presence to mono-black or two-colored decks that can reliably provide such a concentrated mana source.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Not to be underestimated is the significant toll this creature demands from your mana reserves. Bearing a cost of seven mana, Runed-Scarred Demon may fall behind in terms of tempo when matched against the swiftness of today’s fast-paced matches, where lower-cost creatures can fulfill similar roles more economically.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rune-Scarred Demon boasts a flexible role in various deck archetypes, particularly those that capitalize on creature-based strategies and demanding high-impact spells or creatures with its tutor effect.

Combo Potential: This demon is not just a mere flyer; it can act as a crucial piece in combo decks, enabling players to search for essential combo pieces and bringing you a step closer to victory.

Meta-Relevance: With a constantly evolving game, the Demon’s ability to fetch any card ensures its relevance in multiple MTG formats, adapting to different metas with ease.


How to Beat Rune-Scarred Demon

Unleashing Rune-Scarred Demon onto the battlefield in MTG can be a game-changer given its powerful ability to fetch any card from the deck upon entering the play. This Demon not only provides a sturdy body that can dominate the skies, but it also offers an immediate advantage by improving the controller’s hand with the perfect answer or threat. To counter this potent creature, players should strategize around its weaknesses.

Key tactics include countering the Demon with spells like Negate or Essence Scatter before it lands on the battlefield, thus denying your opponent the tutor effect and board presence. In cases where the Demon has already resolved, having removal spells or effects that can exile creatures, such as Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, ensures that it doesn’t stick around long enough to mount a significant attack.

Players can also turn the tide by using clone effects, such as Phyrexian Metamorph, to create a copy of Rune-Scarred Demon and utilize its beneficial tutor ability for themselves. By proactively planning around the Demon’s appearance and reacting efficiently to its summoning, players can effectively neutralize its impact and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

With Rune-Scarred Demon being a key player in deck customization and power moves, it’s imperative to recognize the edges it brings to the table. Its versatility and combo potential can elevate any collection and strategy, adapting smoothly to shifting MTG gameplay dynamics. Considering both its strength in tutoring and its impressive board presence, this card is an undoubted staple for enthusiasts aiming for top-tier play. As you refine your deck and ponder its make-up, the inclusion of Rune-Scarred Demon could be a transformative decision. Dive deeper with us for more strategies and insights to harness the full potential of your MTG deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rune-Scarred Demon MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and Iconic 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 Rune-Scarred Demon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rune-Scarred Demon Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Michael Komarck.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1062003NormalBlackMichael Komarck
22017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 1062015NormalBlackMichael Komarck
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 7602015NormalBlackMichael Komarck
42020-09-26The ListPLST IMA-1062015NormalBlackMichael Komarck
52023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 5212015NormalBlackMichael Komarck
62023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1842015NormalBlackMichael Komarck

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rune-Scarred Demon has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal