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 in Marvel Snap

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 free cards like Agony and King Etri.

For example, Namora can boost 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 meta position is still developing, he excels in buff-heavy decks, like Silver Surfer. While Surfer decks often lack space for 2-cost cards, Lasher's late-game activation provides significant power swings. Consider this decklist (from Untapped):

Nova, Forge, Lasher, Okoye, Brood, Silver Surfer, Killmonger, Nakia, Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta.

This deck features several expensive Series 5 cards (Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta), but substitutes exist (Juggernaut, Polaris). Lasher serves as a third target for Forge, often saved for Brood or Sebastian Shaw. After playing Galacta on turn 4, Lasher becomes crucial, transforming into a potent 10-power play (with Galacta's buff) and affecting the final turn.

Another decklist (also from Untapped), focusing on affliction and buffs:

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

This high-cost deck necessitates several Series 5 cards (Scarlet Spider, Galacta, Gwenpool, Symbiote Spider-Man, Namora). Jeff! can be replaced with Nightcrawler. The strategy centers on Galacta, Gwenpool, and Namora to buff Lasher and Scarlet Spider, spreading power across the board. Zabu, Psylocke, and Symbiote Spider-Man facilitate early play of 4-cost cards and Namora reactivation. Jeff! and Hulk Buster offer backup.

Is the High Voltage Grind Worth It?

Given Marvel Snap's increasing cost, acquiring Lasher via High Voltage is worthwhile if you have the time. High Voltage offers various rewards before unlocking Lasher. While not a guaranteed meta staple, Lasher, like Agony, will likely find a place in several meta-relevant decks.