Marvel Snap's roster of animal companions has been rather limited – Cosmo, Groose, Zabu, and Hit Monkey being the primary examples. However, the arrival of the Brave New World season introduces a new feathered friend: Redwing, Falcon's loyal pet.
Redwing's Mechanics in Marvel Snap
Redwing is a 3-cost, 4-power card with a unique ability: The first time it's moved, a card from your hand is added to its original location.
Several factors limit Redwing's effectiveness: its one-time activation (even with cards like Symbiote Spider-Man or if returned to hand), and the difficulty in precisely targeting the added card. Move decks often utilize low-cost cards (like Iron Fist) that aren't ideal targets, while Scream decks typically manipulate opponent's cards rather than their own.
Despite these limitations, affordable move options like Madame Web or Cloak (for lower Collection Level players) can be used to deploy Redwing strategically. This allows for potential game-changing plays, such as early Galactus placement or summoning powerful cards like The Infinaut.
Optimal Redwing Decks (Day One)
Ares and Surtur dominated the previous season, and a new Scream-based deck incorporating Aero and Heimdall continues this strategy. Redwing can surprisingly fit into this deck, although playing Surtur on turn 3 remains the priority. The deck list includes:
Hydra Bob, Scream, Kraven, Captain America, Redwing, Polaris, Surtur, Ares, Cull Obsidian, Aero, Heimdall, Magneto. (Note: This deck is expensive, featuring several Series 5 cards.)
The strategy centers on turn 3 Surtur deployment, followed by high-power cards to boost Surtur's power. Scream provides an alternative win condition by stealing power. Polaris, Aero, and Magneto offer card manipulation, while Redwing can be moved to Heimdall, buffing Surtur and drawing a high-power card.
Another potential Redwing deck utilizes Madame Web, given the decline in move-based decks following Dagger's nerf. Madame Web's Ongoing ability complements Ongoing decks, a currently popular archetype. The deck list is:
Ant-Man, Madame Web, Psylocke, Sam Wilson, Captain America, Luke Cage, Captain America, Redwing, Doom 2099, Iron Lad, Blue Marvel, Doctor Doom, Spectrum. (This deck also contains Series 5 cards.)
This is primarily a Doom 2099 Ongoing deck, aiming for rapid power distribution. Madame Web aids in managing power distribution, and provides an additional way to move Sam Wilson's shield. Redwing's activation relies solely on Madame Web. The late-game strategy involves playing Doctor Doom or Spectrum to secure victory.
Is Redwing Worth Investing In?
Currently, Redwing is considered underwhelming and fits a weak archetype. It's advisable to save resources for stronger cards, unless significant buffs are implemented by Second Dinner.
