Ares, the God of War, descends upon the mortal realm of Marvel Snap, aiming to conquer and reignite forgotten archetypes. His unexpected appearance on the Avengers team, under Norman Osborn's leadership, raises questions. How can a God of War align with an undeniably villainous leader? The answer lies in Ares' unwavering loyalty to war itself, not to any specific side. This perfectly mirrors his Marvel Snap card, where his enjoyment of large-scale conflict and preference for powerful allies shine through.
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Strategic Synergies:
Unlike cards with readily apparent synergies, Ares demands a unique approach. His high power output (12 at 4 energy, ideally 21 at 6) necessitates decks packed with large cards. Cards like Grandmaster or Odin, with their on-reveal effects, offer intriguing possibilities. Repeating his ability is key to maximizing his potential beyond Surtur decks. Consider protective measures against smaller threats, using cards like Cosmo or Armor.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Ares: Not a Top-Tier Threat:
While Ares' power is undeniable, he lacks the immediate impact of other cards. The current meta, dominated by control decks and strategies focused on power manipulation, presents challenges. His effectiveness hinges on specific deck construction, making a purely power-based strategy unreliable. Outperforming the already struggling Surtur archetype is crucial for Ares' success. The Surtur 10-Power archetype currently boasts a mediocre win rate (around 51.5% at high levels, dropping to 48% below).
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Matchups against Mill decks highlight Ares' vulnerability; he becomes exceptionally powerful only when the opponent is depleted of cards. However, cards like Death offer superior power-cost ratios, making Ares seem somewhat outdated. His value extends beyond raw power, serving as a valuable source of strategic information.
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Conclusion: A Risky Play:
Ares' overall performance is underwhelming. His susceptibility to counter-strategies, compared to cards offering energy manipulation or widespread power boosts, diminishes his appeal. His consistent success relies heavily on precise deck construction. While a 4/12 card is potent, a 4/6 is significantly less so, highlighting the need for strategic synergy.
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In summary, Ares is a high-risk, high-reward card. His potential is undeniable, but his success hinges on a carefully crafted deck and favorable matchups. For many players, he might prove to be a less-than-ideal addition to their roster.