Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross: A Deep Dive into Marvel Snap's Newest Addition
Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World, joins the Marvel Snap roster. While his star power is undeniable, let's analyze whether his in-game impact lives up to the hype.
How Thunderbolt Ross Functions
Ross is a 2-cost, 2-power card with a unique ability: When your opponent ends a turn with unspent energy, you draw a card with 10 or more power. This mechanic, similar to Red Hulk and High Evolutionary effects, hinges on card draw, a potent element in Marvel Snap.
However, the limitation to 10+ power cards significantly restricts Ross's utility. Currently, this includes cards like Attuma, Black Cat, Crossbones, Cull Obsidian, Typhoid Mary, Aero, Heimdall, Helicarrier, Red Hulk, Sasquatch, She-Hulk, Skaar, Thanos (if generated), Orka, Emperor Hulkling, Hulk, Magneto, Death, Red Skull, Agatha Harkness (if generated), Giganto, Destroyer, and The Infinaut.
Most decks feature only a few, if any, of these high-power cards. Therefore, Ross's effectiveness is directly tied to deck construction. Deck thinning strategies can enhance his value. Red Guardian serves as a direct counter.
Optimal Deck Synergies
Thunderbolt Ross finds a natural home in Surtur decks. A sample Surtur deck incorporating Ross might include: Zabu, Hydra Bob, Thunderbolt Ross, Armor, Cosmo, Juggernaut, Surtur, Ares, Attuma, Crossbones, Cull Obsidian, and Skaar. Note that this deck contains several Series 5 cards (Hydra Bob, Surtur, Ares, Cull Obsidian, Skaar), making it resource-intensive. Substitutions like Iceman, Nico Minoru, or Spider-Ham for Hydra Bob are possible.
The strategy centers on playing Surtur on turn 3, boosting its power with 10+ cards, and utilizing Juggernaut and Cosmo for late-game control. Armor protects against Shang-Chi. Ross significantly enhances this deck's consistency by drawing crucial high-cost cards.
A Hela deck featuring Ross could include: Black Knight, Blade, Thunderbolt Ross, Lady Sif, Ghost Rider, War Machine, Hell Cow, Black Cat, Aero, Hela, The Infinaut, and Death. This deck also relies on Series 5 cards (Black Knight, War Machine). Ares or Swordmaster could replace War Machine. The strategy involves discarding high-power cards of varying costs for Hela's revival effect. Ross assists in drawing these high-power cards for discarding.
Is Thunderbolt Ross Worth the Investment?
Currently, unless you're dedicated to Surtur/Ares decks, Thunderbolt Ross may not be a priority investment if resources are limited. His value will increase as more 10+ power cards are added, but his niche application and the prevalence of Wiccan decks (where opponents consistently spend energy) currently limit his impact.