Joaquin Torres Falcon: A Marvel Snap Deep Dive
Until recently, Joaquin Torres Falcon remained relatively unknown to many. His unique hybrid origin (falcon-human), impressive regenerative abilities, and mental link with Sam Wilson via Redwing, however, immediately capture attention. While a full backstory isn't the focus here, the key question is: is he worth your Spotlight keys? Let's find out!
Table of Contents
- What Does He Do?
- Best 1-Cost Cards to Pair with Torres?
- Tier 1 – Top Choices
- Tier 2 – Solid Options
- Tier 3 – Less Effective
- Special Cases
- How Should We Use Him?
- Day One Decks to Try
- Falcon's Power
- Diamondback
- Time to Mill
What Does He Do?
Torres' ability is straightforward and potent: he doubles the effect of all 1-cost cards played in his lane. Think of him as a Wong, but exclusively for 1-cost cards.
Best 1-Cost Cards to Pair with Torres?
There are numerous 1-cost cards with On Reveal effects. Here's a tiered list for optimal pairing with Torres:
Tier 1 – Top Choices
Cards like Blade and Yondu, with their specialized effects, become game-changers when doubled. These cards offer significant power, especially when combined with another Falcon for hand manipulation and replay.
Tier 2 – Solid Options
These cards, while not as impactful as Tier 1, provide substantial benefits. Collector gains significant boosts, Devil Dinosaur grows rapidly with Agent 13 or Maria Hill, and Mantis shines brighter. Even America Chavez, despite her inconsistent nature, remains a viable choice.
Tier 3 – Less Effective
Cards like Squirrel Girl might act as late-game lane fillers, but generally don't synergize well with Torres' strategy. Overcrowding the board is usually detrimental.
Special Cases
Nico Minoru's powerful On Reveal effects are amplified when doubled, though consistency can be an issue. Basic Arrow, while strong with Torres, requires multiple steps, reducing reliability. Thanos, despite not being a 1-cost, introduces several 1-cost On Reveals, offering interesting experimental possibilities.
How Should We Use Him?
Torres shines in bounce-centric decks, maximizing the value of 1-cost cards. Outside of bounce, his applications are more niche. Consider incorporating him into Discard or Mill decks for amplified effects with Yondu.
Pairing Torres with Moonstone/Victoria Hand hand generation can also be effective, allowing Collector to grow significantly with just one Agent 13 or Maria Hill.
Day One Decks to Try
Falcon's Power
This straightforward bounce deck utilizes Torres to create powerful 1-cost cards like Rocket and Hawkeye. Since Torres' value is in the bounce, replaying him isn't crucial. The deck's slightly top-heavy nature (a few 3-cost cards) is offset by Torres' high-roll potential.
Diamondback
Korg synergizes exceptionally well with Torres to boost Darkhawk. Supporting characters like Zabu, Ares, Cassandra, and Rockslide enhance this strong lineup.
Time to Mill
While Mill decks are popular, Torres adds a disruptive element, particularly in the late game. However, playing him on turn 3 might slow down key plays. Experimentation is key.
By understanding Torres' capabilities and strategic pairings, you can unlock his full potential in Marvel Snap. Whether through bounce or alternative strategies, Torres offers exciting competitive opportunities.