Mortals, the OG God of War is in Marvel Snap

Ares, the God of War, descends upon the mortal realm of Marvel Snap, aiming to conquer and revitalize underperforming archetypes. But how does this powerful deity find himself amidst the chaotic landscape of the Marvel comics, and specifically, within the strategic card game?

Norman Osborn's unexpected ascension to leadership of the Avengers following the Secret Invasion leaves him with a rather unconventional team: Ares and Sentry. While Sentry's allegiance stems from his intentional insanity, Ares's motives are more intriguing. A true Avenger? Hardly. Ares' loyalty lies not with any particular faction, but with the very essence of war itself. This perfectly mirrors his Marvel Snap card, where his strength shines in large-scale conflicts. He thrives amidst powerful figures, showcasing his preference for brute strength over nuanced strategy.

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Strategic Synergies:

Unlike some cards with readily apparent synergies, Ares requires a more tailored approach. He excels in decks packed with high-power cards. His "on reveal" ability opens doors for clever maneuvers with cards like Grandmaster or Odin. While a 12-power, 4-energy card is decent, a 21-power, 6-energy card is significantly more impactful. Replicating his ability is key to maximizing his potential outside of Surtur-centric decks.

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Defensive strategies are also crucial. Despite his disdain for weaker opponents, shielding Ares with cards like Cosmo or Armor can prove vital.

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Ares: Not the Big Bad:

While lacking a direct equivalent to his 4/12 power in the current card pool, cards like Gwenpool and Galactus offer comparable power levels. However, the rise of control decks like Mill and Wiccan Control highlights a key challenge: Ares necessitates a highly specific deck composition to function effectively. Relying solely on raw power is often insufficient, demanding a strategic edge. Outperforming the currently underperforming Surtur deck is a significant hurdle.

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The Surtur 10-Power archetype, while aiming for Cerebro-10 synergy, boasts a modest 51.5% win rate at high levels of play. Ares's effectiveness hinges on outmaneuvering opponents, particularly against strategies that hinder high-power cards.

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Conclusion:

Ares, unfortunately, may be considered a less-than-optimal card choice this season. His vulnerability to counter-strategies and the current meta's shift away from pure power archetypes make him less appealing compared to cards offering energy manipulation or widespread power boosts. His high-risk, high-reward nature necessitates a meticulously crafted deck, making him a challenging card to master.

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Ultimately, Ares's inclusion in Marvel Snap presents a unique strategic challenge, demanding a deep understanding of deck building and game mechanics to unlock his full potential. He's a high-risk, high-reward card that may not be suitable for all players.