The set of names the equipped creature has includes the names of all nonlegendary creature cards in the Oracle card reference, including the back faces of double-faced cards. Notably, the equipped creature won't gain the names of tokens, such as Zombie Token, Goblin Token, and similar. It also won't gain the names of noncreature cards that have become creatures, such as a Wandering Fumarole that has become a creature.

If you named any nonlegendary creature card for hidden agenda or draft abilities that refer to a creature on the battlefield, the equipped creature will have that name and will qualify for any relevant bonuses. For example, equipping Spy Kit to Noble Banneret will enable Noble Banneret's last ability (as long as you noted a nonlegendary card name for it).

Some creature cards have abilities that function during the draft and additional abilities that refer to cards you exiled or information you noted with "cards named [this card's name]." These abilities are linked, so equipping Spy Kit to such a creature won't affect the set of cards it exiled or the information you noted.

Spy Kit : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Spy Kit is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Equipped creature gets +1/+1 and has all names of nonlegendary creature cards in addition to its name. Equip

Complete guide

Spy Kit is one of the most unique pieces of Equipment in Magic: The Gathering, turning a single creature into every nonlegendary soldier, wizard, and beast ever printed. While it provides a modest power boost, its true strength lies in manipulating game mechanics that care about specific card names. This artifact is a must-have for players who enjoy complex interactions and deck-building puzzles.

What Spy Kit Does

Spy Kit grants the equipped creature +1/+1 and every name of every nonlegendary creature card found in the official Oracle database. This includes the names of back faces of double-faced cards and cards from any Magic set throughout history. However, it does not grant the names of creature tokens or noncreature cards that have temporarily become creatures.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Spy Kit for two generic mana; once it is on the battlefield, you pay the Equip cost of two generic mana to attach it to a creature you control. Upon becoming equipped, the creature immediately gains the massive list of additional names as a continuous effect. This doesn't change the creature's types or abilities, only what the game recognizes it as when a spell or ability asks for a specific name.

Common Mistakes

A common error is assuming the creature gains the names of tokens like 'Zombie' or 'Goblin'; since these are not printed card names in the Oracle reference, the creature does not acquire them. Additionally, while the creature has many names, it remains a single object. If a spell destroys a creature with a specific name, your creature is still vulnerable because it technically possesses that name among its thousands of others.

When to Play It

You should play Spy Kit in decks that use 'hidden agenda' mechanics or cards that provide bonuses to creatures with specific names. It is also highly effective in formats where you want to bypass the 'Legend Rule' or interact with cards that search for or buff specific nonlegendary units. It serves as a versatile enabler for niche combos that rely on identity verification.

Interaction examples

Basic Equipment Setup

Sol Ring

You use Sol Ring to tap for two colorless mana, which perfectly covers the casting cost of Spy Kit. Once Spy Kit is on the battlefield, the creature you eventually equip will receive the +1/+1 bonus and the expansive list of names.

Mana Acceleration for Equipment

Arcane Signet

With Arcane Signet on the board providing colored mana, you can easily pay for both the casting cost and the Equip cost of Spy Kit in the same turn. Once attached, your creature is now recognized by the game as having every nonlegendary name, such as 'Grizzly Bears' and 'Delver of Secrets', simultaneously.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Spy Kit

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1August 23, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
The set of names the equipped creature has includes the names of all nonlegendary creature cards in the Oracle card reference, including the back faces of double-faced cards. Notably, the equipped creature won't gain the names of tokens, such as Zombie Token, Goblin Token, and similar. It also won't gain the names of noncreature cards that have become creatures, such as a Wandering Fumarole that has become a creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2August 23, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
If you named any nonlegendary creature card for hidden agenda or draft abilities that refer to a creature on the battlefield, the equipped creature will have that name and will qualify for any relevant bonuses. For example, equipping Spy Kit to Noble Banneret will enable Noble Banneret's last ability (as long as you noted a nonlegendary card name for it).
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3August 23, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
Some creature cards have abilities that function during the draft and additional abilities that refer to cards you exiled or information you noted with "cards named [this card's name]." These abilities are linked, so equipping Spy Kit to such a creature won't affect the set of cards it exiled or the information you noted.
No other card is named in this ruling.