Runeclaw Bear MTG Card


Two mana for a 2/2 creature offers a balanced early game presence, supporting diverse green deck strategies. Runeclaw Bear’s simplicity aids in swift board presence, applying early pressure and resource allocation benefits. Without added abilities, its vanilla nature keeps it relevant in decks valuing consistency over complexity.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Bear
Power 2
Toughness 2

Cards like Runeclaw Bear

Runeclaw Bear is an essential creature card for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts who appreciate straightforward, efficient designs. As a creature with 2/2 stats for two mana, it falls within a broad category known as “Bear” creatures, a nickname for any two-cost creature yielding 2/2. In this category, cards like Grizzly Bears are virtually identical, sharing both power, toughness, and mana cost.

However, examining other similar creatures offers further insight. For instance, Garruk’s Companion brings trample to the table, giving it an edge by allowing excess combat damage to be dealt to an opponent. Balduvian Bears, while matching stats, has a specific difference being part of the snow-covered land synergy, which can be relevant in certain deck themes.

Ultimately, within the myriad of two-mana 2/2 creatures in Magic: The Gathering, each card presents a unique offering. While Runeclaw Bear might not come with additional abilities, its simplicity can be an asset, especially in streamlined decks where the complexity of abilities takes a backseat to consistent performance.

Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Companion - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Bears - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Companion - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Bears - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Runeclaw Bear by color, type and mana cost

Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Utopia Tree - MTG Card versions
Bloodline Shaman - MTG Card versions
Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Utopia Tree - MTG Card versions
Bloodline Shaman - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The simplicity of Runeclaw Bear lets players smoothly weave it into various deck strategies without compromising their hand. While the bear doesn’t inherently draw cards, its two-power and two-toughness for a low cost keeps your hand full of other potential plays and strategies.

Resource Acceleration: As a two-mana creature, Runeclaw Bear can be an early board presence, potentially accelerating your resource allocation by demanding answers from opponents right from the early turns, thereby allowing you to dedicate your resources elsewhere as the game progresses.

Instant Speed: Although Runeclaw Bear is a creature rather than an instant, its low casting cost implies that it could be played almost at the speed of an instant. This quick deployment means you can establish board presence swiftly, all the while keeping mana available for true instant speed responses later on.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: None, the Runeclaw Bear does not have any discard requirements as part of its cost or effect.

Specific Mana Cost: While Runeclaw Bear has a straight-forward casting cost of one generic and one green mana, it can be a limiting factor in multicolored decks that might struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its vanilla status, the bear’s 2/2 body for two mana is average, making it a rather basic choice in a format where creatures with additional abilities at the same cost can offer better value.


Reasons to Include Runeclaw Bear in Your Collection

Versatility: Runeclaw Bear is a staple two-mana creature that easily fits into any green deck. Its simplicity and efficiency make it an excellent choice for newer players building their first decks or veterans looking to fill out their two-drop slot.

Combo Potential: While it may seem basic on the surface, Runeclaw Bear works nicely with cards that buff creatures or require a solid baseline of creatures on the board. It’s useful for enabling synergies with cards that interact with forest-type lands or bear creatures.

Meta-Relevance: Despite new sets and evolving metagames, the underlying value of a 2/2 creature for two mana remains. In a game where resource management is key, Runeclaw Bear maintains relevance by being a cost-effective, fundamental piece in numerous strategies.


How to beat

Runeclaw Bear is a straightforward creature card from Magic the Gathering that often finds a place in green decks, especially those just starting their collection. With its uncomplicated stats of 2/2 for two mana, it provides a solid early game presence. However, surpassing this creature is quite manageable with the right strategy.

To counter Runeclaw Bear, removal spells are incredibly effective. Cards such as Shock or Lightning Bolt can swiftly take down the bear due to its modest toughness. Alternatively, outpacing the bear with stronger creatures can render it ineffectual. Deploying creatures with higher power and toughness, or those with advantageous abilities, can force your opponent into defensive mode or make them unwilling to trade their bear in combat.

Moreover, utilizing enchantments or artifacts that downgrade the opponent’s creatures can also be useful in diminishing Runeclaw Bear’s battlefield impact. Thus, while Runeclaw Bear can serve as a decent early threat, its weaknesses become apparent when faced with removal, stronger creatures, or suppressing field enhancements. Mastering these tactics will certainly give you the upper hand against Runeclaw Bear in your MTG duels.


BurnMana Recommendations

With the insight gathered on the straightforward yet pivotal role of Runeclaw Bear in MTG, players should consider its place in their collection. The bear’s straightforward mana cost and solid stats for its value highlight its potential as both an early game play and a versatile component in numerous deck strategies. Acknowledging its average status begs the comparison with other ‘Bear’ creatures, fostering a deeper understanding of its role across different metagames. Runeclaw Bear’s capacity to complement a variety of green deck archetypes, especially with synergies that enhance its vanilla nature, is undeniable. Whether you’re building new strategies or optimizing existing ones, bringing this simple but effective creature into your gameplay could refine the way you manage your resources. Expand your MTG prowess and integrate cards like Runeclaw Bear with precision—unlock a new level of deck building and playing. Dive in and enhance your MTG journey with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Runeclaw Bear MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Duels of the Planeswalkers, 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 Runeclaw Bear and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Runeclaw Bear Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-07-17Magic 2010M10 2032003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
22010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 822003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
32010-07-16Magic 2011M11 1952003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
42011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1932003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
52014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1972015NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 13202015NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
72020-09-26The ListPLST M15-1972015NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
82021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 6242015NormalBlackJesper Ejsing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Runeclaw Bear has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal