Ares, the God of War, descends upon the mortal realm of Marvel Snap, challenging the established meta. His appearance in the game, however, raises a question: how does a champion of war align himself with Norman Osborn's questionable Avengers leadership? The answer lies in Ares' unwavering loyalty to conflict itself, not to any specific faction. This perfectly mirrors his Marvel Comics portrayal and his in-game card mechanics. Ares thrives in high-power scenarios, preferring the company of strong cards and exhibiting a distinct lack of subtlety.
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Strategic Synergies:
Unlike some cards with readily apparent synergies, Ares demands a more bespoke approach. He excels in decks packed with high-power cards, making him a compelling addition to strategies involving Grandmaster or Odin for cunning on-reveal plays. While a 12-power card costing 4 energy is acceptable, a 21-power card at 6 energy is significantly more desirable. Repeating his ability is key to maximizing his effectiveness outside of Surtur-centric decks.
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Despite his disdain for weaker opponents, strategic protection is advisable. Cards like Cosmo or Armor provide a crucial buffer against threats such as Shang-Chi and Shadow King.
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Ares: Not a Guaranteed Victory:
While Ares boasts impressive power, he isn't a guaranteed win condition. His effectiveness is heavily reliant on deck construction. A purely power-based strategy is unlikely to succeed consistently, necessitating disruption and strategic maneuvering. Outperforming the Surtur archetype, currently holding a mediocre win rate of around 51.5% at high levels of play, is crucial for Ares' success. The card's performance is significantly impacted by factors like Mill decks and the presence of cards like Shang-Chi.
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The comparison to Death, a 12-power card often costing less energy, highlights Ares' potential shortcomings. His strength lies not solely in raw power, but also in his potential to provide valuable strategic information.
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Conclusion:
Ultimately, Ares' viability in the current Marvel Snap meta is questionable. His susceptibility to counters, coupled with the recent dominance of energy-cheating and widespread power-granting cards, diminishes his overall appeal. His success hinges on meticulous deck construction and a favorable power curve. While a powerful card, his high cost and vulnerability make him a risky inclusion, potentially making him a skip for many players.
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