The metagame has been the same for three weeks already, with Move being the strongest synergy, although it has been kept in check by Mercury and Shadow King roaming in many decks.
Then, the best decks have been those able to find a crease in that environment, avoiding their direct counter cards while able to compete against Move and put up enough points against the rest.
While this isn’t a bad environment from a balance standpoint, there isn’t that much left to discover. Indeed, except for the popularity changes of Move based on how many counters are around, or the occasional synergy rising on the back of stealing cubes from an opponent who will be quick to retreat in the future, this is a solved metagame.
Unfortunately, nothing in this OTA leads me to believe a big shift in on the way. Sparky’s nerf shows Second Dinner took notice of Move being a little too good. However, this is not enough to tame the beast, while the buffs are also pretty soft overall.
Then, this OTA is more of an encouragement to test new ideas rather than making us do so.
Nerfs
Decks with Sparky
Now a [2/2] granting +2 instead of +3
Buffing Human Torch a bit less will naturally impact the total points Move is able to develop. Yet, I expect much more to be required for us to stop running Mercury and Shadow King in most of our decks.
Decks with Storm
Now a [3/1]
After multiple balance updates granting more power to War Machine Ramp, Second Dinner is now taking a point from that deck. The deck did not become oppressive at any point but managed to rank in the top 5 for multiple weeks in a row. Then, this nerf isn’t a surprise, while it also should change the fortune of War Machine Ramp too much.
Buffs
Decks with Zombie Galacti
Now a [7/5]
Zombie Galacti absolutely needed the help, and could have become a [7/6] in my opinion. Indeed, the 7-cost will still require to be played in a buff oriented deck to make sense as a win condition.
Now gains 7 Power when alone at a location
Destroyer has been buffed to an 18 power card so it is only fair Orka receives the same treatment. While it shouldn’t change how much of Orka we include in our decks, this is a positive change for Iron Patriot and Valentina.
Decks with Odin
Now a [6/9]
Typically, one power does not change the fortune of a card that much, except when that power can be grown exponentially. In this case, Odin won’t turn that extra point into more than a point, but as the chief of the On Reveal synergy, being more popular represent an opportunity to see more of lots of different cards.
Decks with Wave
Now a [3/6]
Wave’s prime is long behind the 3-cost, especially as new ways to gain energy or reduce cost released. Yet, while the competition got tougher all around, Marvel Snap also started to revolve around cheap and flexible cards more. Then, buffing Wave makes sense in order to give the more rigid strategies a better chance to exist, on top of Hydra-Man releasing next week.
Decks with White Queen
Now a [3/5]
This is probably not enough for White Queen to compare to competitive 3-cost cards, or even make it into Iron Hand or such decks aimed at creating cards. Yet, this remains a good change, just like Wave or Odin. At the very least, this gives a better card to newer players without many Series 4 or 5 to build around.
This entire OTA almost feels like Second Dinner finally realized new players are crucial, and they can’t enjoy the game if their cards are weaker than new releases they can’t collect.
New Decks
None of the changes is impactful enough to change much to the current metagame in my opinion. The nerf are the main updates, but Sparky is not enough to make Mercury and Shadow King any less necessary, while War Machine Ramp is not an influential force, just a solid archetype.
Then, this OTA is an opportunity to test a few gimmick decks using the buffed cards. Honestly, I don’t expect to see a massive improvement from any of those builds with just one power added to their total.
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That’s it for this OTA review. You can find everyone from the Marvel Snap Zone team in our community discord, alongside plenty of people to share your excitement about those changes.
Good Game Everyone!
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