m Plague doctor mask generally is described as a "mask with glass eyes and a beak". This trivia-item was a thematical design observation; relevant thematics being both occultism and medicine. And in no way even hinting Rem's face being or otherwise wearing a mask; only noting the face shape resemblance to this item.
Internal namesCodenames used for this hero in the game files:
Familiar
Rem is a Hero in Deadlock. An accidental stowaway from the world of dreams, Rem has found himself stranded in the city that never sleeps. Pillow fights are Rem's preferred form of conflict, tossing his favorite pillow at enemies to knock them back when they're getting too close. His friends, however, he likes to keep nearby - leaping to their aid when things get dicey and taking a quick nap on their shoulder. His Lil Helpers are curious creatures, taking interest in everything the streets of New York have to offer, and cheering on his allies as they go. Ultimately when Naptime hits, no one will be able to keep their eyes open.
Follow a trooper: Provides healing, damage, resists, and allows tagging along. When no hero is around, souls from trooper kills are split amongst the team.
Can be cast during Tag Along. Helpers will take a nap for 15.1s after following someone.
Following Hero:
12%
Spirit Resist
Following Hero:
3m
Move Speed
Following Hero:
8s
Duration
Following Trooper:
30%
Damage / Resists
Following Trooper:
x0.14
8/s
Trooper Heal
Following Trooper:
50s
Duration
1
+1 Helper +1.5m/s Move Speed
2
+1 Helper +15% Trooper Damage and Resist
5
+1 Helper +15% Spirit Resist
Notes
Helpers can be assigned to a Curiosity Shop to buy items in queue. They can also buy from enemy shops, making Rem the only hero able to do so.
helpers can be assigned to Sinner's Sacrifice machines, and will always secure full jackpots as if done with a heavy melee.
Naptime
1.9s
24m
19m
0
200s
Cast your gaze forward, piercing walls and floors. Enemies in the gaze are slowed, have reduced dash distance, and cannot use movement abilities.
When the channel ends they fall asleep before waking up to a splitting headache that deals heavy spirit damage.
x1.6
120
Wake Damage
x3.1
100
Sleep Damage Threshold
25%
Move/Dash Slow
19mRadius
4sSleep Duration
0.5sMin Sleep Time
30%Channel Damage Resist
1
-1 Stamina On Wake and no Stamina Regen while sleeping
2
+3m Radius and +0.75s Sleep Duration
5
-55s cooldown Reduced damage and unstoppable while channeling
Notes
Barrier health does not count towards sleep damage threshold.
Rem can enter vents in the map by crouching, but he cannot enter while in combat.
An accidental stowaway from the world of dreams, Rem has found himself stranded in the city that never sleeps. Driven by his curious nature, Rem and his helpful friends have been seen wandering across the five boroughs in search of a way back home.
So if you ever find yourself dozing off while taking the Blue line home from work, maybe you’ve just had an encounter with one of the Cursed Apple’s newest denizens.
Lore
Rem's motivation in the ritual is to find a way back to his home.[1][2]
Rem's exact species is unknown,[3][4] although he is called a familiar.[5] Rem molts.[6]
While his age is unknown, Rem is heavily implied to be a child,[7] exhibiting childlike characteristics.[8][9] Rem can't read.[10]
Rem can see people's dreams when they're asleep. This allows him to learn information he wouldn't normally know, such as how to speak Ixian,[11] that Mo wants to audit a pottery class,[12][13] or Yamato's true name.[14]
Rem calls Holliday a "sad sheriff with dead sister".[33]
Rem thinks Billy could "teach him all kinds of fun words",[34] but that Rem should wait until he's older to hang out with Billy.[35]
Gallery
Rem's portrait.
Rem's hero select portrait.
Rem's minimap icon.
Rem in-game render.
Rem Reference Sheet.
Rem's typography.
Rem's Weapon -- Long Night
Rem splash art from the vote screen.
"Vote for Rem" poster/spray from the 1/23/26 major update
Damaged "Vote Rem" poster.
Rem voter sticker.
Gloat portrait for Rem.
Critical health portrait for Rem.
Thanks for voting Rem!
Why would you damage him? You monster!
Rem's secret room at the hideout
Rem's shadow in the hideout
Rem's pillow hint at the hideout.
Rem's lil helper
Trivia
Rem has a secret room in the Hideout that can be accessed by entering the vents behind the news computer or the large statue in the Atrium, then climbing over the boiler machine in the backroom.
Rem was originally leaked in November 2025 with a screenshot of the character's select screen.[36] On 20th January 2026, Rem was teased in the Hideout with a pillow in a chair.
Rem's name references Rapid Eye Movement, a unique and active phase of sleep where most dreaming occurs, characterized by fast brain waves, increased heart rate, and rapid, darting eye movements behind closed lids.
Rem's design trivia
Base body-design resembles of anthropomorphic wingless / Minoan gryphon / demigryph / keythong.
Thematically, Rem's clothing gives an impression of a folklore sandman.
Drifting star patterns can be observed on Rem's plumage and inner ears.
Rem could possibly be a menninkäinen, a nocturnal daylight-avoiding but otherwise mostly philanthropic spirit combining elements of fairies / sprites, trolls, and nisse / tomte / brownies / leprechauns (not to be confused to "maahinen" which is more human-like / humanoid akin to gnomes or imps).
The Lil Helpers highlight the curiosity and preference of shiny items.
Rem has a line where he dreams about mangos,[37] which are the favorite fruit of developer Icefrog and an item in Dota 2.[38]
"Having Sweet Dreams in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Rem in the Hideout.
References
↑The Hidden King's in-game voice line (Rem start): "There's no need to be scared, Rem. Once you complete the ritual, the Hidden King will find your way home."
↑Rem's in-game voice line (select): "I summon patron, then I go home."
↑Rem's unusued voice line (Naptime w/ Mo & Krill): "Careful Mo, I don't think you know how to use a pottery wheel."
↑Dynamo and Mo & Krill conversation 1 - Krill: "Professor, you teach at Columbia, yes?" -Dynamo: "That's right." -Krill: "I don't suppose you have any connections in the art department? Mo is hoping to audit a pottery class."
↑Rem's unusued voice line (Naptime w/ Yamato): "I like your brother too, Kaori."
↑The Hidden King's in-game voice line (Rem start): "Your family misses you, Rem, and once you summon the Hidden King, you will see them again."
↑Rem's in-game voice line (medium killstreak): "Of course they can't stop me, I've brought my lucky pillow!"
↑Rem's in-game voice line (killed Grey Talon): "Play with me, Grandpa!"
↑Rem's unusued voice line (Naptime w/ Grey Talon): "This'll make you feel better, grandpa."
↑Rem's in-game voice line (killed Vyper): "You can be my cool aunt."
↑Rem's in-game voice line (killed Vyper): "Don't worry Vyper, one day I'll have money, and then you can mug me!"
↑Rem And Seven Conversation 3 - "Listen to me. If the ritual fails and you are on your own, stay away from anyone who mentions the OSIC!" - "Why?" - "They will not help you get home. Trust me."
Pillow Toss
40m
5m
1
8s
25s
spirit damage and heavy 
knockback.
x1.6
75
-45%
Displacement
3s
Debuff Duration
1
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