Mortals, the OG God of War is in Marvel Snap

Ares, the God of War, finds himself integrated into the Marvel Comics universe and its associated card game, Marvel Snap, in a manner that reflects his mythological roots and personality. His journey into the comics begins with his alignment with Norman Osborne's Avengers, a decision driven not by allegiance to good or evil but by his intrinsic love for war and conflict. This aspect of his character is mirrored in his Marvel Snap card, which embodies the essence of warfare and power.

In the comics, Ares joins Norman Osborne's Avengers, a team formed after the events of Secret Invasion. While most Avengers abandon Osborne due to his villainous nature, Ares remains, driven by his affinity for battle rather than any moral compass. This trait is highlighted in his interactions with other characters, such as Sentry, and his general demeanor, which often comes off as arrogant and dismissive of smaller foes.

Best Cards to Team Up with Ares

Ares in Marvel Snap thrives in decks that emphasize large, powerful cards. His synergy with cards like Grandmaster and Odin can lead to strategic plays, especially when leveraging his On Reveal ability. For instance, pairing Ares with cards that can repeat his ability can maximize his impact on the battlefield. Additionally, protecting Ares from threats like Shang Chi and Shadow King can be crucial, and cards like Cosmo or Armor can serve this purpose effectively.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Ares is Not a Big Bad, Sadly

While Ares brings significant power to the table, his effectiveness in Marvel Snap is limited by the current meta. His [4/12] stats are impressive, but the game's environment, dominated by Control decks like Mill and Wiccan Control, poses challenges. To counter threats like Shang-Chi, specific deck construction is necessary, which may not align with the flexibility desired in competitive play.

The comparison to Surtur decks, which have struggled recently, suggests that Ares may not offer the competitive edge needed to dominate. Even in matchups against decks like Move, which rely on power accumulation and disruption, Ares's performance can be inconsistent.

Image: ensigame.com

Strategic Considerations

In scenarios where opponents run out of cards, such as against Mill decks, Ares can achieve monumental power levels. However, his overall utility is questioned when compared to other cards like Death, which offers similar power at a lower energy cost. Ares's value lies not only in his power but also in the strategic information he can provide, enabling players to adapt and use disruptive strategies effectively.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Concluding

Ultimately, Ares may be considered a skip in the current meta due to his high counterability and the need for specific deck construction. The appeal of 10 Power archetypes has waned, and Ares's effectiveness hinges on winning the power wager, which can be challenging without additional abilities or synergies. While his [4/12] stats are impressive, the current game environment demands more versatility and less reliance on singular power spikes.