Thunderbolt Ross Decks Dominate Marvel Snap Meta

Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross has arrived in Marvel Snap, the character portrayed by Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World. While his acting pedigree is impressive, let's analyze whether Ross makes a significant meta impact.

How Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Functions in Marvel Snap

Ross is a 2-cost, 2-power card with the ability: "When your opponent ends a turn with unspent Energy, draw a card with 10 or more Power." This mechanic, similar to Red Hulk and High Evolutionary effects, is potent due to the power of card draw in Marvel Snap. However, the restriction to 10+ power cards significantly limits its applicability.

Currently, Ross can draw cards like: 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-cost cards. Therefore, Ross's effectiveness hinges on deck composition; decks with multiple 10+ power cards benefit significantly from his deck-thinning and card draw potential. Red Guardian directly counters Ross.

Optimal Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Decks

Ross synergizes well with Surtur decks. A sample Surtur deck includes: Zabu, Hydra Bob, Ross, Armor, Cosmo, Juggernaut, Surtur, Ares, Attuma, Crossbones, Cull Obsidian, and Skaar. This deck relies heavily on Series 5 cards (Hydra Bob, Surtur, Ares, Cull Obsidian, Skaar). Substitutions like Iceman, Nico Minoru, or Spider-Ham for Hydra Bob are possible, and Aero can replace Cull Obsidian in a pinch. The strategy involves playing Surtur on turn 3, then playing 10-power cards to boost Surtur's power to 10, making Skaar free. Juggernaut and Cosmo provide end-game counters, while Armor protects against Shang-Chi. Ross significantly enhances this deck by drawing high-cost cards like Skaar, often securing victory.

A Hela deck incorporating Ross might include: Black Knight, Blade, Ross, Lady Sif, Ghost Rider, War Machine, Hell Cow, Black Cat, Aero, Hela, The Infinaut, and Death. Series 5 cards (Black Knight, War Machine) can be substituted; Ares or Swordmaster can replace War Machine. The strategy focuses on discarding high-power cards of varying costs to revive with Hela on the final turn. Ross aids in drawing these high-power cards for discarding.

Is Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Worth the Investment?

Currently, unless you actively utilize Surtur/Ares decks, Ross might not be a worthwhile investment if resources are limited. His value increases with the addition of more 10-power cards to the game, but his usefulness is currently niche. The prevalence of Wiccan decks, where opponents consistently spend energy, further diminishes his effectiveness.