Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer MTG Card


Grants card draw and game adaptability through damage-dealing spells targeting him. Enhances value of spells, elevating gameplay efficiency and resource utilization. Instant-speed flexibility allows for strategic combat buffs and opponent disruption.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Knight
Abilities Flying,Haste
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying, haste If a spell would deal damage to you or another permanent you control, prevent that damage. If a spell would deal damage to an opponent or a permanent an opponent controls, it deals that much damage plus 1 instead.


Cards like Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer

Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer has carved out a niche in Magic: The Gathering as a formidable human knight with a unique set of abilities. It stands out among creatures that provide damage prevention, much like Boros Reckoner, for its ability to shield your other creatures and Planeswalkers from some of the harm typically expected from noncombat damage sources. However, Rem Karolus doesn’t stop there. It also delivers a solid punch by allowing you to deal extra damage whenever you target it with a spell.

When considering counterparts, Tajic, Legion’s Edge springs to mind. Tajic offers similar protection by preventing noncombat damage to other creatures you control. But unlike Rem Karolus, Tajic’s ability doesn’t extend to Planeswalkers, nor does it deal additional damage when targeted. Another potential competitor, Truefire Captain, echoes this concept of responding to damage but is more reactive, dealing damage back to the opponent rather than proactively increasing its own threat level.

In the broader context of creature spells in Magic: The Gathering, Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer distinguishes itself with a balance of offensive buffing and a defensive shield, making it a versatile card that fits seamlessly into decks looking to maximize synergy between creatures and instant or sorcery spells.

Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Legion's Edge - MTG Card versions
Truefire Captain - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Legion's Edge - MTG Card versions
Truefire Captain - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer by color, type and mana cost

Mila, Crafty Companion // Lukka, Wayward Bonder - MTG Card versions
Queen Kayla bin-Kroog - MTG Card versions
Duergar Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - MTG Card versions
Lavabelly Sliver - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Anax and Cymede - MTG Card versions
Hearthfire Hobgoblin - MTG Card versions
Iroas's Champion - MTG Card versions
Depala, Pilot Exemplar - MTG Card versions
Resolute Survivors - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Legion's Edge - MTG Card versions
Feather, the Redeemed - MTG Card versions
Vikya, Scorching Stalwart - MTG Card versions
Aisha of Sparks and Smoke - MTG Card versions
Zirda, the Dawnwaker - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Fearless Voyager - MTG Card versions
Kargan Warleader - MTG Card versions
Venerable Warsinger - MTG Card versions
Mila, Crafty Companion // Lukka, Wayward Bonder - MTG Card versions
Queen Kayla bin-Kroog - MTG Card versions
Duergar Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - MTG Card versions
Lavabelly Sliver - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Anax and Cymede - MTG Card versions
Hearthfire Hobgoblin - MTG Card versions
Iroas's Champion - MTG Card versions
Depala, Pilot Exemplar - MTG Card versions
Resolute Survivors - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Legion's Edge - MTG Card versions
Feather, the Redeemed - MTG Card versions
Vikya, Scorching Stalwart - MTG Card versions
Aisha of Sparks and Smoke - MTG Card versions
Zirda, the Dawnwaker - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Fearless Voyager - MTG Card versions
Kargan Warleader - MTG Card versions
Venerable Warsinger - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formMO89#CS
Boros AggroBoros Aggro PioneerBoros AggroSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023
Boros BurnBoros Burn ModernBoros BurnModern $10K Trial - SCG CON Hartford - Friday - 4:00 pm (Silver)
Boros MidrangeBoros Midrange LegacyMO82#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer’s ability to deal damage to each opponent whenever you cast another spell that targets him allows players to potentially draw cards if they are using card-draw spells or abilities that trigger from dealing damage. This synergistic aspect enables players to maintain a healthy hand size, crucial for adapting to the evolving state of the game.

Resource Acceleration: This stalwart slayer may not produce additional mana directly, but his presence on the battlefield can accelerate your game plan. His abilities enhance the value of your targeting spells, effectively giving you more bang for your buck and allowing you to utilize your resources more efficiently, potentially turning simple buff spells into powerful swing turns.

Instant Speed: One of the intrinsic benefits of utilizing a commander like Rem Karolus lies in the flexibility offered by instant-speed interaction. With the capability to protect him from harm or buff him during combat, you ensure that you’re optimizing the timing of your spells. This strategic depth increases his survival rate and allows you to leverage surprise to your advantage, disrupting opponent strategies at key moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the hurdles players face when including Rem Karolus in their deck is the prerequisite of having another card to discard in order to utilize its flash ability. This can pose a considerable drawback when your hand is depleted, and you’re aiming to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Rem Karolus requires a precise mana configuration to be cast. With a cost demanding both white and red mana, the card’s inclusion is mostly restricted to Boros decks or those with a robust mana base, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its mana cost standing at three (one colorless, one white, and one red) might be considered steep for its effects. While providing a potentially game-swinging passive ability, players might find alternative cards at a lower mana cost that can provide similar benefits or better suit their strategic needs.


Reasons to Include Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer in Your Collection

Versatility: Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer is a flexible addition to numerous deck builds, notably those that thrive on a strong defensive strategy while still providing offensive capabilities.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to prevent noncombat damage to itself and other permanents you control can be paired with cards or abilities that deal damage to all creatures, allowing your board to remain unscathed.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where direct damage spells or abilities are prevalent, Rem Karolus serves as a robust counter, safeguarding your key creatures and increasing your resilience against such strategies.


How to beat

Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, setting a high bar for MTG enthusiasts trying to navigate around his damage prevention abilities. This formidable Human Knight prevents noncombat damage to other creatures you control, which means strategies relying on dealing damage to multiple creatures—often referred to as “sweepers”—are less effective. Understanding the card’s strengths is key to forming a winning strategy against it.

One reliable method is to rely on targeted creature removal spells that don’t deal damage, such as Depose // Deploy or Path to Exile, to bypass his protective aura. Additionally, using -X/-X effects or spells that force a sacrifice, like Liliana’s Triumph, can be pivotal in taking down this robust champion. Another strategy is managing to overshadow Rem’s static abilities by building a wide and more potent board presence before he becomes an overwhelming threat.

Keeping these tactics in mind ensures that you retain the upper hand against Rem Karolus and maintain a strategic edge in your matches. Adaptability and careful card selection are central to outmaneuver opponents who bring this stalwart slayer into play.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Midnight Hunt Promos and Innistrad: Midnight Hunt, 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 Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight Hunt PromosPMID 235p2015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara
22021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 2352015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara
32021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 3222015NormalBlackAndy Brase
42021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight Hunt PromosPMID 235s2015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara
52022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 2352015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-09-24 If another effect modifies how much damage a spell would deal to an opponent or a permanent they control, including preventing some of it, the player being dealt damage or the controller of the permanent being dealt damage chooses an order in which to apply those effects. If all of the damage is prevented, Rem's effect no longer applies.
2021-09-24 If damage dealt by a source you control is being divided or assigned among multiple permanents an opponent controls or among an opponent and one or more permanents they control, divide the original amount before adding 1. For example, if you cast a spell that deals 4 damage divided among any number of targets and you choose to have it deal 2 damage to a creature and 2 damage to that creature's controller, that spell will deal 3 damage to each of them instead.
2021-09-24 Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer's last two abilities apply only to damage dealt by spells on the stack. A spell that becomes a permanent and then deals damage won't be affected.
2021-09-24 Some spells cause other objects to deal damage, such as spells that cause two creatures to fight. Rem Karolus, Stalwart Slayer's last two abilities don't apply to damage from such effects.
2021-09-24 The additional 1 damage is dealt by the original source of damage. The additional damage isn't dealt by Rem Karolus.