If you're intrigued by the God of War himself, Ares, then you've likely found yourself pondering his arrival in the world of comics. Following Norman Osborn's ascension as the leader of the Avengers post-Secret Invasion, Ares remained by his side alongside Sentry. While Sentry’s allegiance stemmed from intentional madness, Ares’ support seemed puzzling given his role as an Avenger. Traditionally, Avengers stand against evil—but Ares? His loyalty lies not with sides, but with the essence of war itself. This makes sense when considering both his Marvel Comics persona and his presence in Marvel Snap, where his flavor text perfectly aligns with his larger-than-life, aggressive nature.
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Ares isn’t your typical Big Bad, though he certainly brings plenty of power to the table. Unlike other characters tied to synergistic archetypes, such as Bullseye with Swarm and Scorn or Victoria Hand with Moonstone and Wiccan, Ares operates differently. He thrives in decks packed with large cards, making him an ideal partner for high-powered allies like Grandmaster and Odin. His abilities shine when paired with Surtur decks, where repetition amplifies his strengths.
Image: ensigame.com
Despite his disdain for smaller foes like Shang-Chi and the Shadow King, Ares can still benefit from protection via allies like the young Japanese hero Cosmo or the resilient Armor—or even a Russian dog (though Ares would surely scoff at that).
Ares Isn’t a Big Bad, Sadly
While Ares boasts impressive stats—reaching power levels akin to Gwenpool or Galactus—he lacks raw synergy. Control decks like Mill and Wiccan Control suggest that Ares demands specific deck builds to maximize effectiveness. Unlike some other powerhouses, Ares struggles to compete without significant investment. Even Move-based strategies often rely on disruption to gain advantages. Surtur’s recent underperformance highlights the challenge Ares faces in competitive play.
Currently, the Surtur 10 Power archetype sees an average win rate of 51.5%, while Ares remains overshadowed by stronger options. However, his value extends beyond raw power; Ares serves as a valuable source of information and strategic depth.
The Season’s Weakest Card?
At first glance, Ares might appear lackluster, especially compared to cards enabling energy cheating (Wiccan) or widespread power generation (Galacta). Yet, with the right build, Ares shines. Using allies like Alioth, Cosmo, Man-Thing, and Red Guardian, you can disrupt opponents and secure victories through clever tactics.
Conclusion
In summary, Ares represents a niche choice in Marvel Snap. While his potential is undeniable, his success hinges heavily on deck construction. Without a compelling ability attached, even his impressive stats struggle to justify inclusion. For now, Ares stands as a testament to the game’s evolving complexity—and perhaps the season’s most overlooked asset.
