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 sparked interest. 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 Card Pairings
  • Tier 1: Top Choices
  • Tier 2: Solid Options
  • Tier 3: Less Effective
  • Special Cases
• How to Use Him Effectively
• Sample Day One Decks
  • 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 Card Pairings

Currently, 23 1-cost cards possess On Reveal effects. Here's a tiered list for optimal pairings with Torres:

Tier 1: Top Choices

Cards like Blade and Yondu, with their specialized functions, become game-changers when their effects are doubled. These cards offer significant power, especially when combined with another Falcon to bounce and replay them.

Tier 2: Solid Options

These cards, while not as impactful as Tier 1, still provide substantial benefits. Collector receives a massive buff, Devil Dinosaur grows rapidly with Agent 13 or Maria Hill, and Mantis shines. America Chavez, though not guaranteeing card play, remains a viable option.

Tier 3: Less Effective

Cards like Squirrel Girl might act as late-game lane fillers, but generally don't synergize well with Torres' strategy. Overloading the board is usually undesirable.

Special Cases

Nico Minoru's powerful On Reveal effects are potentially game-changing when doubled, though consistency is an issue. Basic Arrow, while strong with Torres, requires multiple steps, reducing its reliability. Thanos, despite not being a 1-cost, introduces six 1-cost cards (five with On Reveals), making for interesting experimentation.

How to Use Him Effectively

Discussions around 1-cost cards often revolve around Bounce mechanics, where Torres shines. He's best utilized in bounce decks. Applications outside bounce are more limited. While established Discard or Mill decks might not have room, he could enhance discard or mill effects with Yondu.

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

Sample Day One Decks

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 necessary, keeping him on the board. The inclusion of a few 3-cost cards makes the deck slightly top-heavy, but Torres adds excitement and high-roll potential.

Diamondback

Korg synergizes exceptionally well with Torres to grow 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, especially late-game. However, playing him on turn 3 might weaken the deck compared to current versions, delaying key plays. 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 possibilities for competitive play.