does reacting with tactical retreat prevent cull the weak ?
Yes — Tactical Retreat saves the unit. It's a replacement effect ("the next time it would die this turn, heal it, exhaust it, and recall it instead"), so it intercedes when Cull's kill happens and the unit is recalled to base instead of dying (Rules 369–370).
Note the timing window: you must play it as a Reaction while Cull the Weak is still on the chain, before both players pass priority and it resolves (FAQ 1432). This works because Tactical Retreat protects against any death, not just damage — unlike Unyielding Spirit, which Cull ignores since Cull isn't damage.
References
Suggested answer — derived from the references below
Rules
Related Cards
Does this answer look correct?
Correction History (1)
September 22, 2026 · reviewed by 129763360534298624
CorrectionIncorrect second paragraph removed. Rest is good.
Yes — Tactical Retreat saves the unit. It's a replacement effect ("the next time it would die this turn, heal it, exhaust it, and recall it instead"), so it intercedes when Cull's kill happens and the unit is recalled to base instead of dying (Rules 369–370). Note the timing window: you must play it as a Reaction while Cull the Weak is still on the chain, before both players pass priority and it resolves (FAQ 1432). This works because Tactical Retreat protects against any death, not just damage — unlike Unyielding Spirit, which Cull ignores since Cull isn't damage.
No comments yet.
Log in to comment.
No pending proposals.
Log in to propose edits.