Quick Answer

Research Thief is a rare Artifact Creature — Moonfolk Wizard from NEC (NEC) costing {4}{U}. Current price: $2.32 USD. Legal in Commander.

Research Thief MTG card

Research Thief

Artifact Creature — Moonfolk Wizard

Card Text

Flash Flying Whenever an artifact creature you control deals combat damage to a player, draw a card.

The Futurists eagerly supplement their research with their rivals' closely guarded secrets.

Card Stats

3/3 rare CMC: 5.0 NEC NEC 🎨 Cristi Balanescu
Flash Flying

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$2.32
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$2.49
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.64
Normal
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-04

Format Legality

Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Legacy Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Vintage Legal

Similar Cards

Other Printings (3 total)

Community Stats

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Often Played With

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Research Thief? Basics

Research Thief is a Artifact Creature — Moonfolk Wizard card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "Flash Flying Whenever an artifact creature you control deals combat damage to a player, draw a card."

How much mana does Research Thief cost to cast? Basics

Research Thief has a mana cost of {4}{U}, which equals 5.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It requires U mana to cast.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Research Thief's mana cost of {4}{U} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Research Thief has a mana value of 5.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Research Thief's current oracle text is: "Flash Flying Whenever an artifact creature you control deals combat damage to a player, draw a card."

What is the current price of Research Thief? Pricing

The current market price for Research Thief is approximately $2.32 USD on TCGPlayer.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €0.64 EUR.

Where can I buy Research Thief? Pricing

You can purchase Research Thief from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Is Research Thief legal in Standard? Legality

Format legality information for Research Thief in Standard is not available.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Research Thief legal in Modern? Legality

Format legality information for Research Thief in Modern is not available.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Research Thief legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Research Thief is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Research Thief legal in Pioneer? Legality

Format legality information for Research Thief in Pioneer is not available.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Research Thief legal in Legacy? Legality

Research Thief is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Research Thief legal in Vintage? Legality

Research Thief is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Research Thief legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for Research Thief in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Research Thief from? Details

This printing of Research Thief is from NEC (NEC), with collector number 16.

Research Thief may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Research Thief's rarity? Details

Research Thief is a rare card in NEC.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Research Thief? Details

Research Thief was illustrated by Cristi Balanescu.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

What is Research Thief's power and toughness? Details

Research Thief is a 3/3 creature.

Power (3) determines how much combat damage the creature deals. Toughness (3) determines how much damage it can take before being destroyed.

💬 Card Discussion

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