Diamondback, a relatively obscure Marvel villain, slithers into Marvel Snap, offering intriguing potential as a supporting character in several competitive decks. While she flirts with heroic tendencies, her impact on the battlefield is undeniably villainous. This guide explores Diamondback's mechanics and showcases optimal deck compositions to maximize her effectiveness.
Diamondback's Mechanics:
Diamondback is a 3-cost, 3-power card with the ongoing ability: "Ongoing: Enemy cards here afflicted with negative Power have an additional -2 Power." This synergy with negative-effect cards makes her a potent addition to specific decks. Cards like U.S. Agent, Man-Thing, Scorpion, Hazmat, Cassandra Nova, Scream, and Bullseye amplify her power. Aim for at least two affected enemy cards to boost Diamondback to a formidable 7-power card. However, be mindful of counter-cards like Luke Cage (who negates her effect), Enchantress, and Rogue, which can significantly diminish her impact.
Top Diamondback Decks:
While seemingly niche, Diamondback surprisingly integrates well into various competitive archetypes, including Scream Move, Toxic Ajax, High Evolutionary, and Bullseye Discard. Two particularly effective deck builds are highlighted below:
1. Scream Move:
This deck utilizes card manipulation (Kingpin, Scream) to control the board and inflict negative effects, maximizing Diamondback's power. The inclusion of a Doom 2099 package ensures late-game dominance. Key cards include Scream, Rocket Raccoon & Groot (essential), and potentially Scorpion as a substitute for Sam Wilson (if unavailable).
2. Toxic Ajax:
This powerful (but expensive) deck focuses on maximizing Ajax's power through various affliction cards. Diamondback contributes significantly to this strategy. Key cards include Silver Sable (substitutable with Nebula), U.S. Agent, Red Guardian, Rocket Raccoon & Groot, Malekith, Anti-Venom, and Ajax (all largely mandatory). Rogue provides crucial counterplay against Luke Cage, a significant threat to this deck.
Is Diamondback Worth the Investment?
Diamondback's value hinges on your existing card collection and playstyle. If you possess many affliction cards and enjoy decks like Toxic Ajax or Scream Move, she's a valuable addition. However, if you lack key cards like Scream and Rocket Raccoon & Groot, or generally avoid affliction-based decks, Diamondback might not be a worthwhile investment, as her effectiveness is heavily reliant on these specific synergies. Her utility is limited outside these specialized decks.
In conclusion, Diamondback is a powerful card within specific, often expensive, deck archetypes. Consider your existing collection and strategic preferences before investing in this serpentine villain.
Marvel Snap is currently available.
