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 newest 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 transform Lasher into a 7-power card, or even a 12-power (or 24-power 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 placement is evolving, he excels in buff-heavy decks, especially Silver Surfer decks. Here's a sample decklist (obtainable via Untapped):

Nova, Forge, Lasher, Okoye, Brood, Silver Surfer, Killmonger, Nakia, Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta: Daughter of Galactus

This deck features expensive Series 5 cards (Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta), but alternatives exist for most (e.g., Juggernaut or Polaris for Galacta). Lasher serves as a third target for Forge, ideally saved for Brood or Sebastian Shaw. After playing Galacta on turn 4, Lasher becomes crucial, effectively acting as a 10-power card (with Galacta's buff) on the final turn.

Another deck showcasing Lasher's potential (also from Untapped):

Agony, Zabu, Lasher, Psylocke, Hulk Buster, Jeff!, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Spider, Galacta: Daughter of Galactus, Gwenpool, Symbiote Spider-Man, Namora

This high-cost deck requires several Series 5 cards (Scarlet Spider, Galacta, Gwenpool, Symbiote Spider-Man, Namora). Jeff! can be replaced with Nightcrawler. This deck relies on Galacta, Gwenpool, and Namora to buff Lasher and Scarlet Spider, spreading power across the board. Zabu and Psylocke accelerate 4-cost card deployment, while Symbiote Spider-Man reactivates Namora. Jeff! and Hulk Buster offer backup.

Is the High Voltage Grind Worth It?

Considering Marvel Snap's increasing cost, acquiring Lasher through High Voltage is worthwhile if you have the time. High Voltage offers numerous rewards before Lasher, so dedicate time to completing the 8-hour challenge missions. While not a guaranteed meta staple, Lasher's utility, similar to Agony, makes him a valuable addition to several meta-relevant decks.