The Marvel Snap 31, August 2023 OTA patch update is here and this time it is brutal. Whilst some of our beloved cards got a buff, the nerfs included in this patch take the spotlight. We’ll cover all of the changes present in this OTA, whilst simultaneously covering what this means for each card’s respective deck. In a game full of numbers, it’s not surprising that balance is difficult to achieve. However, did the developers get it right?
Card Changes
Unlike the previous update, this OTA hits us hard with some severe nerfs. At first glance, the nerfs do not look too bad, but even one power point can make all the difference in a game all about numbers. That being said, there were a few buffs as well, taking some underwhelming cards and attempting to increase their play-rate. The changes are as follows:
Buffs – It’s Doomsday!
- Doctor Doom
Old: 6/5 On Reveal: Add a 4-Power DoomBot to each other location.
New: 6/5 On Reveal: Add a 5-Power DoomBot to each other location.
After being the victim of a harsh nerf, Doctor Doom was cut out of almost every single list he was in. Not only that, but the release of Spider-Ham meant that playing Doctor Doom felt absolutely terrible. Thankfully, the developers took note of Doctor Doom’s low play-rate and reverted the nerf that they had inflicted upon him. Now we can finally slot Doom back into our deck lists and play with one of Marvel’s strongest characters.
Marvel Snap Zone’s graphic covering the OTA’s buffs.
- Lady Deathstrike
Old: 5/3
New: 5/4
Having not seen much play following her release, Lady Deathstrike receives a small but needed buff. Going from a 5/3 to a 5/4 means that it is a 5/9 if played after the newly buffed Forge! This buff could mess up some players as she cannot be added to C3 lists anymore and isn’t as effective in Mr. Negative. However, hopefully this way, people can slot her into some more decks, especially those that include Forge.
Nerfs – I’m Not Gonna Let That (Rock) Slide.
- Captain Marvel
Old: 4/5
New: 4/4
Following a superb buff that left players extremely ecstatic, the developers thought that Captain Marvel was seeing too much play. This was especially the case in decks that utilized the Kraven, Angela, Silk, Kitty combo, and lockdown archetypes. Therefore, they’ve gone ahead and decreased her power by one to try and cut her play-rate down a bit. Frankly, this change is bigger than it sounds as now it is the prime candidate to be cut from deck lists.
- Rockslide
Old: 4/5
New: 3/3
By far the craziest change of this patch, Rockslide finds himself getting a complete stat-makeover and drops down to a 3/3. The first glaring issue with this is that he no longer has synergy with Zabu which really hinders Darkhawk decks. Hawks ‘n’ Rocks was already struggling to find play in this current meta and now it seems like things are confusing as ever for rock lovers. Players now have to ask themselves the question; do we cut Zabu from the deck?
- Legion
Old: 5/8
New: 5/7
Considered by many as the king of lockdown, Legion has found play in a variety of decks this past month. Unfortunately, a nerf was imminent and boy did it affect him immensely. For such a niche ability that depends on locational RNG, having a 5/7 stat-line just isn’t worth the risk. To put it into perspective, it’s like playing an un-activated Gamora, which truly sucks. Furthermore, Doom’s buff makes it so that you might as well play him instead of Legion to at least guarantee power in locked locations.
Marvel Snap Zone’s graphic covering the OTA’s nerfs.
Final Verdict
Overall, this was truly an eventful patch full of highs and lows. Fortunately for all those bothered by the changes, the game gets constantly updated so there is a chance a severe nerf can be reversed. Take Doom for example! Once great, then bad, now great again. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how the meta will shift following these changes, but until then below is a video by Alexander Coccia that covers his thoughts on the Marvel Snap August OTA Patch. For even more news related to Snap, check out our Marvel Snap page. Stay snapping!
