Unlocking Lasher in Marvel Snap: A Symbiotic Addition?

While the Marvel Rivals season in Marvel Snap winds down, a free reward awaits: Lasher, a holdover from October's We Are Venom season, obtainable through the returning High Voltage game mode. But is this new symbiote worth the effort?

Lasher's Mechanics

Lasher is a 2-power, 2-cost card with the ability: "Activate: Afflict an enemy card here with negative Power equal to this card’s Power."

Essentially, Lasher inflicts -2 power on an opponent's card unless boosted. Given Marvel Snap's numerous buff options, Lasher offers more potential than similar free cards like Agony and King Etri. For example, Namora can enhance Lasher to 7 power, or even 12 (or more with Wong/Odin), significantly impacting the game. He synergizes particularly well with the season pass card, Galacta.

Remember, as an "Activate" card, playing Lasher by turn 5 maximizes his effect.

Optimal Lasher Decks

While Lasher's optimal placement is still evolving, he fits well within established meta decks featuring buffing capabilities, particularly Silver Surfer decks. Here's an example:

Nova, Forge, Lasher, Okoye, Brood, Silver Surfer, Killmonger, Nakia, Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta. (Copyable from Untapped)

This deck features several expensive Series 5 cards (Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta). However, cards like Juggernaut or Polaris can replace most, except Galacta. Lasher serves as a third target for Forge, often paired with Brood or Sebastian Shaw. After playing Galacta on turn 4, Lasher becomes crucial for utilizing remaining buff options, effectively acting as a 10-power card (a 5-power card boosted by Galacta, plus a -5 power debuff).

Another potential deck, though significantly more expensive, leverages Namora's buffing capabilities:

Agony, Zabu, Lasher, Psylocke, Hulk Buster, Jeff!, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Spider, Galacta, Gwenpool, Symbiote Spider-Man, Namora. (Copyable from Untapped)

This deck relies heavily on Galacta, Gwenpool, and Namora to boost Lasher and Scarlet Spider, spreading power across the board. Zabu and Psylocke expedite the deployment of 4-cost cards, while Symbiote Spider-Man reactivates Namora. Jeff! and Hulk Buster provide backup.

Is the High Voltage Grind Worth It?

Considering Marvel Snap's increasing cost, Lasher is a worthwhile acquisition if you have the time to grind High Voltage. The mode offers various rewards before unlocking Lasher, making the effort worthwhile. While not a guaranteed meta staple, Lasher's utility, similar to Agony, makes him a valuable addition to several meta-relevant decks.