Unlocking Lasher in Marvel Snap: Is He Worth the Grind?

The Marvel Rivals season in Marvel Snap is winding down, but a freebie from October's "We Are Venom" season remains: Lasher, obtainable through the returning High Voltage game mode. But is this symbiote worth the effort?

Lasher's Capabilities

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, he inflicts -2 power on an opponent's card unless boosted. This opens up strategic possibilities beyond other free cards like Agony and King Etri, thanks to Marvel Snap's buffing mechanics.

For example, Namora can boost Lasher to 7 power, or even 12 (or more with Wong/Odin), making him a potent -12 or -24 power play. He synergizes particularly well with the season pass card, Galacta. Remember, as an "Activate" card, playing Lasher by turn 5 maximizes his impact.

Optimal Lasher Decks

While Lasher's meta position is still developing, he fits well within buff-heavy decks, especially Silver Surfer decks. Here's an example:

Nova, Forge, Lasher, Okoye, Brood, Silver Surfer, Killmonger, Nakia, Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta. (Copyable from Untapped)

This deck features expensive Series 5 cards (Red Guardian, Sebastian Shaw, Copycat, Galacta), but substitutes are possible (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 for maximizing buff potential, effectively acting as a 10-power card (a 5-power card buffed by Galacta, inflicting -5 power).

Another, more expensive deck utilizes Namora's buffing capabilities:

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

This deck heavily relies on Series 5 cards (Scarlet Spider, Galacta, Gwenpool, Symbiote Spider-Man, Namora), but Jeff! can be replaced by Nightcrawler. The strategy revolves around 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 high-cost cards. Jeff! and Hulk Buster provide backup.

Is the High Voltage Grind Worth It?

Given Marvel Snap's increasing cost, Lasher is a worthwhile acquisition if you have the time to grind High Voltage. The mode offers various rewards before unlocking Lasher, making the effort potentially rewarding. While not guaranteed to become a meta staple, Lasher, like Agony, will likely see play in several relevant decks.