Best Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Decks in Marvel Snap

Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross has arrived in Marvel Snap, joining the roster as a playable card. Portrayed by Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World, his in-game presence is surprisingly nuanced, despite expectations of a meta-defining impact. Let's break down his mechanics and strategic applications.

Thunderbolt Ross's Mechanics:

This 2-cost, 2-power card boasts a unique ability: When your opponent ends a turn with unspent energy, you draw a card with 10 or more power. This mechanic, similar to Red Hulk and High Evolutionary effects, hinges on card draw, a potent element in Marvel Snap. However, the restriction to 10+ power cards significantly limits its versatility.

Currently, the pool of cards he can draw includes: Attuma, Black Cat, Crossbones, Cull Obsidian, Typhoid Mary, Aero, Heimdall, Helicarrier, Red Hulk, Sasquatch, She-Hulk, Skaar, Thanos (if generated), Orka, Emperor Hulkling, Hulk, Magneto, Death, Red Skull, Agatha Harkness (if generated), Giganto, Destroyer, and The Infinaut. Most decks contain only one, if any, of these high-power cards. Therefore, Thunderbolt Ross's effectiveness is directly tied to deck composition. His value increases proportionally with the number of 10+ power cards included. Deck thinning is a beneficial side effect.

Red Guardian is his primary counter.

Optimal Deck Synergies:

Thunderbolt Ross finds a natural home in Surtur decks. While other decks might utilize him, Surtur decks benefit most. Here's an example Surtur deck:

• Zabu
• Hydra Bob
• Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross
• Armor
• Cosmo
• Juggernaut
• Surtur
• Ares
• Attuma
• Crossbones
• Cull Obsidian
• Skaar

This deck, however, is heavy on Series 5 cards (Hydra Bob, Surtur, Ares, Cull Obsidian, and Skaar). Substitutions are possible (e.g., replacing Hydra Bob with Iceman, Nico Minoru, or Spider-Ham), but core cards remain essential.

The strategy revolves around playing Surtur on turn 3 and bolstering its power with 10+ power cards, enabling Skaar's free play. Juggernaut, Cosmo, and Armor provide late-game protection and counterplay. Thunderbolt Ross enhances consistency by drawing crucial high-power cards.

A Hela deck also offers a viable option:

• Black Knight
• Blade
• Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross
• Lady Sif
• Ghost Rider
• War Machine
• Hell Cow
• Black Cat
• Aero
• Hela
• The Infinaut
• Death

This deck features Black Knight and War Machine as Series 5 cards. War Machine is replaceable with Ares or Swordmaster. The goal is to discard high-power cards of varying costs to leverage Hela's revival ability. Thunderbolt Ross aids in drawing these high-power cards for discarding.

Value Proposition:

Currently, unless you actively utilize Surtur/Ares decks, Thunderbolt Ross might not justify the investment of Spotlight Cache Keys or Collector's Tokens, particularly if resources are limited. His utility will increase with the addition of more 10-power cards to the game, but his niche application limits his overall appeal. The prevalence of Wiccan decks, where opponents consistently spend energy, further diminishes his effectiveness.