The Marvel universe boasts many hulking heroes, and now, Starbrand joins the ranks of Marvel Snap. Let's dive into the best Starbrand decks.
Jump To:
- How Starbrand Works in Marvel Snap
- Best Day One Starbrand Decks in Marvel Snap
- Should You Use Spotlight Cache Keys or Collector’s Tokens on Starbrand?
How Starbrand Works in Marvel Snap
Starbrand is a 3-cost, 10-power card with the ability: “Ongoing: Your opponent has +3 Power at each other location.” Unlike Mister Fantastic, this effect isn't limited to adjacent locations; Starbrand grants power to every location except the one he's on. Because of this Ongoing effect, decks using Starbrand often incorporate cards like Zero, Sauron, and Enchantress to mitigate the downside.
Shang-Chi single-handedly counters Starbrand, while he synergizes exceptionally well with Surtur. However, his 3-cost makes him a tricky fit into many decks, often competing with Surtur or Sauron for the same slot.
Best Day One Starbrand Decks in Marvel Snap
Starbrand fits surprisingly well into existing archetypes: Shuri Sauron and Surtur. Let's explore if he can revitalize these classic decks:
Shuri Sauron Deck
- Zabu
- Zero
- Armor
- Lizard
- Sauron
- Starbrand
- Shuri
- Ares
- Enchantress
- Typhoid Mary
- Red Skull
- Taskmaster
[Click here to copy this list from Untapped.]
This budget-friendly deck features only Ares as a Series 5 card (easily replaceable with Vision). It leverages Zabu's ability, offering a slight advantage over traditional move cards. The strategy is straightforward: neutralize negative Ongoing effects with Zero, Sauron, and Enchantress; boost a lane with Shuri and a card like Red Skull; and finally, copy that high power with Taskmaster. Zabu provides flexibility, allowing you to play Shuri alongside Starbrand or Ares for surprise power spikes, a crucial improvement over the older Ebony Maw inclusion. Starbrand's drawback is less impactful due to the deck's high power plays. Enchantress can further negate the opponent's power gain.
Surtur Deck
- Zabu
- Zero
- Armor
- Sam Wilson
- Captain America
- Cosmo
- Surtur
- Starbrand
- Ares
- Attuma
- Crossbones
- Cull Obsidian
- Skaar
[Click here to copy this list from Untapped.]
This deck is more expensive, including four Series 5 cards. Sam Wilson and Cull Obsidian synergize well, while Surtur and Ares form the core engine. Starbrand allows for a 1-cost Skaar on curve by playing him with Ares, Attuma, and/or Crossbones on turns 4 and 5. Zero mitigates the downsides of Starbrand and Attuma. The challenge lies in optimal Starbrand placement; ideally, you'd play Surtur first, saving Starbrand for the final turn with Zero and Skaar, though this isn't always feasible.
Should You Use Spotlight Cache Keys or Collector’s Tokens on Starbrand?
Starbrand's viability is uncertain. Recent power spikes from cards like Agamotto and Eson might overshadow Shuri Sauron decks. Surtur decks' future is also unclear following nerfs to Aero and Skaar. Wait a few days to observe the meta before investing resources into this new addition.
Marvel Snap is available now.
