The latest addition to Marvel Snap is the spellcaster Nico Minoru. Arguably the card with the highest skill ceiling, this card is tricky to utilize due to the vast amount of things you need to keep track of. Some RNG mixed with some interesting possible combinations make this card one that is truly eye-catching. However, before we get into the decks, we must first take a look at what exactly Nico Minoru brings to the table. She is a 1-cost card with 2-power that reads: On Reveal: after you play your next card, cast a spell (the spell changes each turn). Right away this shares a bit of similarities with Snowguard and Thanos. That being said, let’s take a look at the best Nico Minoru decks in Marvel Snap.
For more Marvel Snap content, make sure to check out our latest articles:
- Best Elsa Bloodstone Decks in Marvel Snap
- Best Mobius M. Mobius Decks in Marvel Snap
- Best Black Knight Decks in Marvel Snap
- Best Loki Decks in Marvel Snap
Below you can find the official Marvel Snap Bloodstone season roadmap video for the month of October.
Nico Minoru Spells
Before we get into the best meta Nico Minoru decks in Marvel Snap, we are going to list out all of the spells that Nico cycles through. By taking a look at each individual spell you will gain a better understanding of why she’s in certain decks and how the play patterns unfold. They all possess the on-reveal ability. Also, if you decide to obtain Nico, look out for her top-tier Midnight Suns variant in the store!
Spell List
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, it becomes a Demon. (Demon: 1-cost, 6-power, no ability).
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, destroy it and draw two cards.
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, move it one location to the right.
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, give it +2 power.
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, replace that card’s location.
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, add a copy of it to your hand.
- On Reveal: After you play your next card, double this card’s Power.
Counters
Before playing Nico, you need to know what cards can directly counter her in order to stay ahead of your opponents. If you’re not looking to pick the card up, then knowing how to counter it is especially valuable. First, the main thing to look out for is Man-Thing as Luke Cage is being cut from these deck lists in order to make room for bigger and better combos. Of course, the most obvious counter is Cosmo as Nico and her spells are on reveal cards.
Depending on what type of deck you are using cards like Galactus could prove to be annoying when piloting Nico. In general big bads are typically dangerous, especially High Evolutionary as the constant infliction of negative energy and their use of Wave can ruin your play patterns. Additionally, Kang the Conquerer might be a bit frustrating to play against as your opponent will know exactly what your surprise combo play is going to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Series is Nico and how much does she cost? She is a Series 5 card meaning she costs 6000 Collector’s Tokens.
- Will Nico Minoru’s spells cycle randomly? Yes. Nico’s spells cycle randomly each turn but never repeat. There are 7 spells, one for each possible turn in Marvel Snap.
- If both players have Nico, will their respective spell cycles be the same? No. Each player’s Nico will have their own unique spell cycle that cycles at random
- If Nico is destroyed and then brought back/revived will she continue cycling again? No.
- If Nico is bounced back to the hand, will she continue cycling? Yes. She will resume changing abilities.
- How does Nico work with Iron Lad, Jubilee, and Lockjaw? Nico keeps on cycling through spells in your deck. Therefore, if you cheat her out early with Lockjaw, Iron Lad, or Jubilee, she will apply the spell that she was on whilst cycling in your deck.
- What is the exact card timing with Nico? Is she more like Iron Fist or Forge? She is closer to Iron Fist meaning that her effect applies once the played card’s ability resolves. For example, if you play Black Panther, his power will double, and then Nico’s effect will be applied.
Thanks to Glenn, Ben Brode, and the entire team at Second Dinner for answering our questions quickly and efficiently. If you are still confused or have any other unanswered questions, the video below by content creator Drewsberry explains it well.
Pool of Spells – Destroy Deck
Nico’s best spell is arguably the one that destroys the next card you play and allows you to draw two other cards. Drawing cards in Marvel Snap is extremely valuable and that is why this effect is rare to come by. In fact, a card like America Chavez’s main purpose is to simply thin out your deck. Therefore, we can see just how great drawing cards can be, especially when paired up with some nice destroy synergy. That being said, the deck list is as follows:
- X-23 (or Yondu, Bucky Barnes, Wolverine, Magik)
- Forge
- Nova
- Deadpool
- Nico Minoru
- Carnage
- Deathlok
- Venom
- Hulk Buster
- Killmonger
- Taskmaster (or Knull, Arnim Zola, Alioth)
- Death
Deadpool x Nico Minoru destroy deck list
A bit different than your traditional destroy deck, this one goes all out on Deadpool. Your main goal here is to buff up Deadpool and destroy him as many times are possible. You’re able to spread that incredibly high vertical power horizontally by playing Venom, Taskmaster, Death, or even using Nico’s spell that copies a card to your hand. Forge, Nova, Hulkbuster, and Nico offer ways to buff up Deadpool easily whilst X-23 exists to make your plays flow better.
Do not underestimate that one extra energy as it can allow you to play Knull and Deadpool on turn 6 if you decide to include the symbiote lord. However, if you do not own X-23, you could simply include Bucky Barnes or Wolverine for some great destroy synergy as well. Wolverine is especially great because he can be buffed while also being immune to Shang-Chi. All in all, destroy is a fairly easy deck to pilot and all this version does is give you some new tools to work with. Definitely worth trying this deck or a variation of it.
Order of the Phoenix – Phoenix Force Deck
Seeing as how the July season pass card Phoenix Force is available in spotlight caches alongside Nico, there’s a chance you’ll obtain both. If that is the case, you’re going to love piloting this fun little Phoenix Force-based deck. If you’re looking to get the most out of your Phoenix, then check out this article explaining how to best use Phoenix Force in Marvel Snap. That being said, here is the deck list:
- Human Torch
- Forge
- Nico Minoru
- Carnage
- Multiple Man
- Armor (or Ghost-Spider, Deathlok, Iron Fist, Dagger)
- Hulk Buster
- Venom
- Shuri
- Phoenix Force
- Red Skull (or Nimrod)
- Heimdall (or Taskmaster, Arnim Zola)
Phoenix Force x Nico Minoru deck list
If you’re unfamiliar with how Phoenix Force decks work, then sit tight because this is going to unlock a completely unorthodox style of play. First, your main target is to play a (buffed if possible) Human Torch or Multiple Man. Afterward, you’re going to destroy them (hopefully by turn 3). On turn 4, you want to play Shrui followed by Phoenix Force on turn 5. Finally, on turn 6 you move Phoenix Force to the right and then play Heimdall. This shifts Phoenix Force yet again, creating many copies of your buffed Multiple Man or doubling your Human Torch twice.
Of course, you’re not going to get that combo each game. Therefore, we’ve included Red Skull for when you do not draw Phoenix Force. A truly great inclusion would be Taskmaster as you can copy your Phoenix. But, we’ve already included him in the previous deck so we kept him as a substitute option in this one. Arnim Zola is a very sneaky option as you can move your Phoenix to an empty lane and Arnim it. Armor is just there to protect your Phoenix and Red Skull but feel free to include Ghost-Spider instead. Furthermore, you could add Nimrod to this deck if you decide to add Arnim as the deck will then lean more towards destroy and have nice cohesive synergy.
Spells and Stones May Break My Bones – Thanos Ramp Deck
It goes without saying that Nico Minoru and Thanos would naturally be extremely enjoyable to play alongside each other. However, when it comes to which deck they work best in, it seems like a variation of ramp is always the best option. We’ve compiled together a deck idea that could work and is very flexible if you want to substitute cards in or out. An honorable mention would be Kitty Pryde as she can work well with Elsa and Nico. However, your hand will be incredibly full so Kitty will struggle. This is the deck list:
- Nico Minoru
- Jeff (or Sunspot, Elsa Bloodstone, Wasp, Juggernaut)
- Electro
- Lockjaw
- Iron Lad (or Blue Marvel, Shang-Chi, Jubilee)
- Devil Dinosaur
- Professor X
- Iron Man
- Aero (or Gamora, Legion)
- Doctor Doom
- Alioth (or America Chavez, Spider-Woman)
Thanos ramp x Nico Minoru deck list
This deck is all about being one or two steps ahead of your opponent. Not only will you be able to cheat out cards early with Lockjaw and Electro, but you can also get rid of Electro’s ongoing effect by using one of Nico’s spells to destroy the card. Furthermore, you’ve got a whole arsenal at your disposal in the stones and the spells. By utilizing their abilities, you are able to play Professor X early, securing one lane and then dumping all the power you have into another. That leaves the third lane empty which serves as your drawing board, placing infinity stones, spells, and other tools.
In terms of replacements, this deck is extremely flexible. You can practically swap out any card in this deck for one of your choosing. We think that the essential cards are Lockjaw, Professor X, Thanos, and Devil Dinosaur. However, you can think about maybe including Legion for some wonky combos. Finally, including Sunspot could be a solid option or you could go sneaky and add Killmonger and Death to kill the stones and discount Death. All in all, this deck is definitely viable and will do especially well in Conquest mode.
That being said, these were the best Nico Minoru decks in Marvel Snap.
