Marvel has been a juggernaut of entertainment for over eighty years; over its lengthy publication history, Marvel has spread out into several different forms of media, such as comic books, cartoons, films, and video games. Marvel contains some of the most famous characters in history that have been on the front of magazines, billboards, and even t-shirts able to be recognized at a glance. Marvel's most recent venture into the video game market, specifically the mobile game genre, takes shape in Marvel Snap. Marvel Snap is a strategy card game where players can collect an endless amount of cards modeling unique artwork of their favorite heroes and villains.
In Marvel Snap, players go head to head in fast-paced, six-round combat against other players in a power battle, similar to Hearthstone. Each round, players are granted energy, which they can then use to play cards, usually starting at a base of one. With each round, more pool is gained, and more powerful cards can be played; in three zones, players must dominate each zone by possessing greater power and higher-powered cards in order to come out on top and defeat their opponent. Cards come with many different bonuses, abilities, and even unique art styles that players can upgrade to make more unique.
One of the most critical aspects of Marvel Snap is the first round; the one-cost cards may not be the most powerful in a collection, but they set the tone for the rest of the game and can make or break a duel. Here are some of the best 1-cost cards in Marvel Snap.
6 Vatu The Watcher
Vatu the Watcher has a long and enigmatic history in the Marvel Universe. He appears when events of great historical importance occur and is an omnipotent force that explores space and time in the blink of an eye. In Marvel Snap, Vatu allows the player to view the hidden locations and their special effects, should any be available.
This ability alone can give a player an edge in a duel and allow for better board set-ups to provide a presumptive advantage against counterplays. Vatu also possesses two power, making it more than just a single-digit placeholder.
5 Squirrel Girl
Squirrel Girl has one of the most prominent reputations in Marvel Comics history; she has single-handedly defeated some of the most powerful villains in comic books and is considered the most powerful character among marvel heroes.
Squirrel Girl is a one-cost card in Marvel Snap with a power of one as well; she shines in her ability to fill up multiple locations at once. In addition, Squirrel Girls' on-reveal ability allows her to play one squirrel token in each location other than her own. This ability can significantly unbalance opponents and provide a unique string of options to take advantage of location abilities.
4 Ant-Man
Ant-Man is a powerful character both in Marvel Comics and Marvel Snap. As one of the original avengers, Ant-Man has dominated many foes who have stepped on him both as a giant and as the size of an insect.
Ant-Man can be one of the most essential fixtures in a deck and can make a huge difference when played at the precise moment. Ant-Man has a power of 1 but has an incredibly powerful ongoing ability that grants a plus three to total power when played along with three other cards. The proper placement of Ant-Man can turn the table in a game in the blink of an eye and completely catch an opponent off guard.
3 Quicksilver
Quicksilver is a card that every player should carry in their deck; one pool cards are essential as it provides the possibility of a first-turn play. Some players remove low-cost cards in hopes of dominating the late game with stronger cards; however, a strong opening can be just as powerful as a powerful closing.
Quicksilver is one of the fastest characters in Marvel Comics, using his ability to outrun gravity; Quicksilver's ability in Marvel Snap allows him to always be in a player's hand at the start of a match. A guaranteed play is invaluable in a game where one extra card can be the difference between winning and losing.
2 Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler is one of the most popular X-Men in the Marvel universe and has a prominent position in the mutant community, having one of the most interesting designs and eccentric personalities.
Nightcrawler's ability in Marvel Snap allows him to move one location once per match; this can lead to several tricky plays that will keep opponents on their toes, second-guessing what moves to make. For example, leaving one spot on either side with a strong dominating power base will force an opponent to split their forces in an attempt to counter the play and leave them stretched too thin.
1 Hawkeye
Hawkeye is a must-have in most decks, as he can create a strong starting point when combined with the right cars. Hawkeye has always been a secret weapon in the Avengers, and his role in Marvel Snap is no different.
When played, Hawkeye’s ability triggers, which grants the player a plus two to power on reveal when a second card is played in the same location the next turn. A powerful combo that is often used is to play Hawkeye in the middle location, accompanied by Medusa the following turn, which makes for a whopping plus four power. Even further, when paired with a Jessica Jones card and an Ant-Man, there is nothing an opponent can do to defeat this powerful board.
Marvel Snap is available now on PC, iOS, and Android.