Joaquin Torres Falcon: A Comprehensive Guide to His Marvel Snap Abilities and Deck Potential

Joaquin Torres Falcon: A Marvel Snap Deep Dive

Until recently, Joaquin Torres Falcon remained relatively unknown to many. His unique origin as a falcon-human hybrid, coupled with impressive regenerative abilities and a mental link to Sam Wilson via Redwing, instantly captured attention. While a full backstory isn't the focus here, the crucial 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. Essentially, a Wong, but for 1-cost cards only.

Best 1-Cost Cards to Pair with Torres?

There are numerous 1-cost cards with On Reveal effects, but here's a tiered list for optimal pairing with Torres:

Tier 1 – Top Choices

Cards like Blade and Yondu, with their highly specific effects, become game-changers when doubled. These cards offer substantial power, especially when combined with another Falcon for hand-bouncing and replaying in Torres' lane.

Tier 2 – Solid Options

These cards, while not as impactful as Tier 1, still provide significant advantages. Collector receives massive buffs, Devil Dinosaur grows rapidly with Agent 13 or Maria Hill, and Mantis shines. Even America Chavez, despite her inconsistent nature, remains a viable option.

Tier 3 – Less Effective

Cards like Squirrel Girl might serve as late-game lane fillers, but generally don't synergize well with Torres' strategy. Board overload is usually undesirable.

Special Cases

Nico Minoru's powerful On Reveal is exceptionally strong when doubled, though consistency is a challenge. Basic Arrow, while potent with Torres, requires multiple steps, reducing reliability. Thanos, despite not being a 1-cost, introduces six 1-cost cards (five with On Reveals), offering interesting experimental potential.

How Should We Use Him?

Discussions around 1-cost cards often revolve around Bounce mechanics – Torres' forte. He shines in Bounce decks, maximizing 1-cost card value. His applications outside Bounce are more limited. While established Discard or Mill decks might not have room, he could enhance discards or mill effects with Yondu.

Pairing him with a Moonstone/Victoria Hand hand-generation deck could also be effective, significantly boosting Collector with a single Agent 13 or Maria Hill.

Day One Decks to Try

Falcon's Power

This straightforward Bounce deck leverages Torres to maximize 1-cost cards like Rocket and Hawkeye. Since Torres excels as a bounce card, replaying him isn't crucial, keeping him on the board. The inclusion of a few 3-cost cards creates a slightly top-heavy deck, but Torres adds excitement and high-roll potential.

Diamondback

Korg synergizes perfectly with Torres to grow Darkhawk. Supporting characters like Zabu, Ares, Cassandra, and Rockslide enhance this strong 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. Experimentation is key.

By understanding Torres' capabilities and strategic pairings, you can unlock his full potential in Marvel Snap. Whether through Bounce mechanics or alternative strategies, Torres offers exciting competitive possibilities.