Joaquin Torres Falcon: A Marvel Snap Deep Dive
Until recently, Joaquin Torres Falcon was a mystery to many. His unique hybrid origins (falcon-human), impressive regeneration, and mental link with Sam Wilson via Redwing, however, make him a compelling addition to Marvel Snap. This guide explores whether he's worth your Spotlight Keys.
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: he doubles the effect of all 1-cost cards played in his lane. Essentially, a Wong 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:
Tier 1 – Top Choices
Cards like Blade and Yondu, when doubled, drastically alter gameplay. Their power output is significantly amplified, especially with a second Falcon to bounce and replay them.
Tier 2 – Solid Options
These cards offer substantial benefits, though perhaps less impactful than Tier 1. Collector's buff, Devil Dinosaur's growth with Agent 13 or Maria Hill, and Mantis' effect all gain significant value. Even America Chavez, while not guaranteeing a play, remains a viable option.
Tier 3 – Less Effective
Cards like Squirrel Girl might fill lanes late-game, but generally don't synergize well with Torres' strategy. Overcrowding the board is usually detrimental.
Special Cases
Nico Minoru's powerful On Reveal is exceptionally strong when doubled, though consistency is a challenge. Basic Arrow, while potent, requires multiple steps, reducing reliability. Thanos, despite not being 1-cost, introduces several 1-cost On Reveal cards, creating interesting possibilities.
How Should We Use Him?
Torres shines in Bounce decks, maximizing the value of 1-cost cards. Outside of Bounce, his applications are more niche. Consider him in Discard or Mill decks for amplified effects with Yondu, for instance.
Pairing him with a Moonstone/Victoria Hand hand-generation deck can also be effective, significantly boosting Collector's power.
Day One Decks to Try
Falcon's Power
A straightforward Bounce deck leveraging Torres to maximize 1-cost cards like Rocket and Hawkeye. Since Torres is primarily a bounce enabler, replaying him isn't crucial. The deck's slight top-heaviness (due to 3-cost cards) is offset by Torres' high-roll potential.
Diamondback
Korg and Torres synergize perfectly to boost Darkhawk. Zabu, Ares, Cassandra, and Rockslide further enhance this powerful combination.
Time to Mill
Torres adds a disruptive element to Mill decks, especially late-game. However, playing him on turn 3 might slightly hinder the deck's tempo. Experimentation is key.
Torres Falcon offers exciting strategic possibilities in Marvel Snap. By understanding his abilities and synergies, you can unlock his full potential in competitive play, whether through Bounce or alternative strategies.
