Joaquin Torres Falcon: A Marvel Snap Deep Dive
Until recently, Joaquin Torres Falcon was relatively unknown to me. His unique hybrid origin (falcon-human), impressive regenerative abilities, and mental link with Sam Wilson via Redwing immediately grabbed my attention. While a full backstory isn't the focus here, let's determine if he's worth your Spotlight Keys.
Table of Contents
- What Does He Do?
- Best 1-Cost Cards with Torres?
- Tier 1 – Top Choices
- Tier 2 – Solid Options
- Tier 3 – Less Effective
- Special Cases
- How to Use Him Effectively?
- Day One Deck Examples
- Falcon Power
- Diamondback
- Time to Mill
What Does He Do?
Torres' ability is straightforward: he doubles the effect of all 1-cost cards played in his lane, functioning similarly to Wong but exclusively for 1-cost cards.
Best 1-Cost Cards with Torres?
There are numerous 1-cost cards with On Reveal effects. Here's a tiered list for optimal pairing:
Tier 1 – Top Choices
Cards like Blade and Yondu, when doubled, significantly impact their respective decks. Their power output is amplified, especially when combined with another Falcon to bounce and replay them.
Tier 2 – Solid Options
These cards offer substantial benefits, though less impactful than Tier 1. Collector's power is greatly enhanced, Devil Dinosaur's growth is accelerated with Agent 13 or Maria Hill, and Mantis shines brighter. Even America Chavez, while not guaranteeing card plays, remains a viable option.
Tier 3 – Less Effective
Cards like Squirrel Girl might fill lanes late-game, but don't synergize well with Torres' strategy. Overloading the board is generally undesirable.
Special Cases
Nico Minoru's powerful On Reveal is exceptionally strong when doubled, although consistency is a challenge. Basic Arrow, while strong with Torres, requires multiple steps, reducing reliability. Thanos, despite not being 1-cost, introduces six 1-cost cards (five with On Reveal), creating interesting experimental possibilities.
How to Use Him Effectively?
Torres excels in Bounce decks, maximizing the value of 1-cost cards. His applications outside Bounce are more limited. Consider him in Discard or Mill decks for extra discards or mill effects with Yondu.
A Moonstone Victoria Hand deck, generating hand size, could also prove effective, allowing Collector to grow significantly from a single Agent 13 or Maria Hill.
Day One Deck Examples
Falcons Power
This straightforward Bounce deck utilizes Torres to amplify 1-cost cards like Rocket and Hawkeye. Since Torres functions best as a bounce card, replaying him isn't necessary, keeping him on the board. The inclusion of a few 3-cost cards makes the deck slightly top-heavy, but Torres adds exciting high-roll potential.
Diamondback
Korg synergizes exceptionally well with Torres to boost Darkhawk. Supporting characters like Zabu, Ares, Cassandra, and Rockslide create a strong, synergistic lineup.
Time to Mill
While Mill decks are currently popular, Torres adds a disruptive element, especially late-game. However, playing him on turn 3 might weaken the deck compared to current versions, delaying key plays like Yondu to turn 4 or Iceman to turn 5. Experimentation is key.
Understanding Torres' abilities and strategic pairings unlocks his full potential in Marvel Snap. Whether through Bounce or alternative strategies, Torres offers exciting competitive possibilities.
