Steadfast Cathar MTG Card


Resource management with Steadfast Cathar encourages early board presence and conserving mana for strategic plays. While restrictive, the card’s specific white mana cost fits perfectly into white or white-X aggro decks. Instant speed interactions allow Steadfast Cathar to be a flexible and surprising combat threat.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

Whenever Steadfast Cathar attacks, it gets +0/+2 until end of turn.

"The most resolute soldiers will press forward in the face of overwhelming odds." —Gideon Jura


Cards like Steadfast Cathar

Steadfast Cathar is a notable creature that brings a blend of aggression and resilience to player’s decks in Magic: The Gathering. Looking at its two-value mana cost and boosting ability upon attacking, it resembles cards like Thraben Inspector. However, Thraben Inspector offers an extra clue token, which can later be used for card advantage, illustrating how each card provides its unique benefits to a deck’s strategy.

Additionally, Steadfast Cathar shares its white mana lineage with Elite Inquisitor. The Elite Inquisitor stands out with its first strike and vigilance abilities, along with being a human soldier – an advantage in tribal decks. On the other hand, Steadfast Cathar is simpler and more straightforward, offering increased power when charging into the offensive, which can be appealing for fast-paced attack strategies.

Ultimately, while there are many two-cost white creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Steadfast Cathar has its place, especially in decks focused on swift damage and maintaining a robust board presence. Each similar card shines in different scenarios, ensuring a diverse and dynamic gameplay experience depending on the chosen strategy.

Thraben Inspector - MTG Card versions
Elite Inquisitor - MTG Card versions
Thraben Inspector - MTG Card versions
Elite Inquisitor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Steadfast Cathar by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
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Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Steadfast Cathar may not directly allow for drawing additional cards, it can be considered an asset in strategies aimed at conserving resources. Its aggressive cost-to-power ratio ensures that you’re putting a card on the board that your opponent has to answer, often forcing them to trade more than one card to deal with it.

Resource Acceleration: Steadfast Cathar doesn’t provide traditional resource acceleration like mana ramp or treasure creation, but it does support an accelerated gameplay style. It’s low casting cost allows players to establish early board presence while preserving mana for other plays, keeping the pressure on opponents and promoting a tempo-based strategy.

Instant Speed: While Steadfast Cathar operates at sorcery speed, being a creature, it synergizes well with decks that have instant speed tricks. This humble soldier can become a surprising threat when augmented with instant speed buffs or combat tricks, making it a flexible combatant during the melee phase of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Steadfast Cathar doesn’t directly require you to discard a card, but lacking synergy with discard strategies can render it less flexible in decks that leverage card discard for value or effects. Thus, its presence might not complement such deck mechanisms efficiently.

Specific Mana Cost: Steadfast Cathar demands a specific mana alignment with white, which narrows its compatibility down to only white or mixed decks incorporating white mana. This restriction makes it challenging for non-white deck players to optimize their strategies with Steadfast Cathar involved.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With two mana needed for a 2/2 creature, Steadfast Cathar’s cost-efficiency can be debated. Other creatures or spells available at a similar mana cost may offer players additional abilities or greater stats, potentially overshadowing Steadfast Cathar in terms of value-per-mana-spent within the game.


Reasons to Include Steadfast Cathar in Your Collection

Versatility: Steadfast Cathar can seamlessly slot into various White or White-X aggro decks thanks to its straightforward mana requirement and ability to push through damage.

Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies that reward you for deploying human or soldier type creatures. Its ability to increase in power when attacking can be amplified within decks that focus on creature buffs or tribal themes.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where early game presence is crucial, Steadfast Cathar holds its ground by offering a cost-effective creature that can apply pressure from the get-go, making it a viable choice against decks that take time to set up their defenses.


How to Beat Steadfast Cathar

Steadfast Cathar is a resilient creature in Magic: The Gathering, touting a notable ability to become stronger as it attacks. With its strength increasing upon each assault, it requires a strategic approach to overcome successfully. One effective tactic to beat this card is by utilizing instant-speed removal spells. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can swiftly deal with the Cathar before it can capitalize on its attack-triggered buff. Additionally, employing creatures with deathtouch can dissuade opponents from attacking with their Cathar, as it may lead to an unfavorable trade for them.

Board control is key when facing creatures like Steadfast Cathar. Including sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the board and neutralize this card’s momentum. Furthermore, denying the creature any attack opportunities by using pacifism effects or cards that can tap creatures will halt its ability to become a bigger threat. Flexibility in your response will ensure you’re well-equipped to keep Steadfast Cathar from taking over the game and lead you towards victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Steadfast Cathar MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Shadows over Innistrad Remastered, 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 Steadfast Cathar and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Steadfast Cathar Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Dan Scott.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-07-22Eldritch MoonEMN 442015NormalBlackDan Scott
22023-03-21Shadows over Innistrad RemasteredSIR 462015NormalBlackDan Scott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Steadfast Cathar has restrictions

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