Monster Focus
This week's Social Media Challenge puts the spotlight on a small yet powerful monster from the Fire Splinter: the EXPLODING RATS. With a cost of just 4 mana, this monster delivers high Melee damage and boasts impressive Speed, often landing the first strike in battles 🏃♀
Let's dive into its abilities and discover the potential of the EXPLODING RATS in battles. Be amazed by what this seemingly insignificant monster can bring to your strategy. Do not let its size deceive you of its capabilities! 😜
Ability Focus
Ruleset Focus
EXPLODING RATS.Keep an eye out for these rulesets and unleash the full potential
of the
EXPLODING RATS in these battles to greatly enhance your chances of victory! 😉
of the Monster on either team with the highest base Health
EXPLODING RATS in battles featuring the Super Sneak and Melee Mayhem rulesets. Be wary of facing enemy monsters equipped with the Thorns ability, as they can essentially eliminate your EXPLODING RATS with the returned damage 😔
The Battle
In my alt account, jimbei, I was able engage in a battle that showcased the effectiveness of using the EXPLODING RATS especially in an Equalizer ruleset. To get right into the action, the battle link can be found here. Otherwise, do read on as I go into more detail regarding the lineup and fight.
Now, let's examine the ruleset for this battle. The Equalizer ruleset sets all monsters' initial Health equal to that of the highest base Health on either team. The Counterspell ruleset grants Magic Reflect to all monsters, while the Born Again ruleset gives them the Rebirth ability. The battle has a low mana cap of 15, and the Water and Life Splinters are banned.
Summoner, Tarsa
Given the effectiveness of the EXPLODING RATS in battles governed by the Equalizer ruleset, my choice of playing with the Fire Splinter and utilizing the Summoner: Tarsa seems most fitting. Although a Dragon Summoner could also grant access to Fire Splinter monsters, Tarsa stands out as the stronger selection, offering valuable benefits such as a +1 Melee attack and a +1 Health stat buff. These enhancements are crucial for enhancing my team's offensive capabilities and overall survivability in the battle 💪
First Position, Exploding Rats
The blogpost was specially written to highlight this explosive monster, EXPLODING RATS. In the Equalizer ruleset, its low Health becomes a thing of the past, revealing its true potential with heightened Health, outstanding Melee and Speed stats, and the devastating Blast ability. Add the Born Again ruleset to the mix, and the EXPLODING RATS becomes a relentless force, dealing Redemption damages twice to the entire enemy lineup upon resurrection 😂
Second Position, Venator Kinjo
Anticipating the possibility of the enemy placing the EXPLODING RATS in their first position, I strategically positioned Venator Kinjo in the second spot of my lineup. Its Reflection Shield ability acts as a shield against potential Blast damages. Additionally, the Slow ability it possesses bestows a -1 Speed debuff on the enemy's lineup, indirectly boosting the speed of my team 😁
Third Position, Scorch Fiend
Honestly, the Scorch Fiend found its way into my lineup mainly because I had depleted my mana after choosing the other team members. However, with a 0 mana cost, why not include this "freebie"? Moreover, at max level, the Scorch Fiend possesses the Demoralize ability, which inflicts a -1 Melee attack debuff on the enemy's lineup, potentially playing a decisive role in this low mana cap battle. At the very least, it could act as a fodder unit, absorbing attacks from the enemy's turn 😅
Fourth Position, Uraeus
In the team selection, Uraeus was chosen to lead the assault on the enemy's backline. This versatile monster from the Neutral Splinter is a common sight in Diamond and Champion League Ranked Battles. With its 3 mana cost, Uraeus packs a punch with 3 Melee damage and the Sneak ability, making it a formidable force in low mana cap battles. However, its most noteworthy aspect is its potential to inflict Poison on opposing monsters 😤
Last Position, Scavo Chemist
Completing the lineup is the Scavo Chemist. Its selection is attributed to the impressive 6 Health stats it possesses, considering it costs only 2 mana. Placing it in the backline serves as a safeguard against potential Sneak attacks, protecting the rest of the team members. Additionally, the Scavo Chemist offers valuable debuffs like the Slow and Headwinds abilities, proving their utility in battle until it is eventually eliminated 😵
The Analysis
My opponent displayed a well-thought-out strategy when assembling their team. They utilized the Naga Assassin and Chaos Agent as front and backline tankers, hoping to capitalize on missed targets and Backfire damages. Additionally, the inclusion of the new Soulbound card, Kra'Ar Xoc, aimed to enhance its Health stats through the Scavenger ability, synergizing well with the Born Again ruleset. Whereas the Sneak ability of Dhampir Infiltrator and Uraeus allowed them to focus on attacking my backline 👍
However, my team was well-prepared to counter each element of their plan. The Slow abilities from Venator Kinjo and Scavo Chemist reduced the chances of me missing my targets, neutralizing the Backfire strategy. Moreover, my EXPLODING RATS, armed with the True Strike ability, ensured that I would never miss my mark, and its Blast damages nullified any Health gains from Kra'Ar Xoc's Scavenger ability. The "freebie" Scorch Fiend imposed a -1 Melee debuff on the opponent's main attackers, diminishing their offensive impact. The battle quickly concluded with the EXPLODING RATS efficiently dismantling the opponent's team 👊
Do you guys have any go-to strategy as well? Do share them with me in the below comments 😎
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All banners, dividers card and battle images used in this article are open source and obtained from the Splinterlands team or made by flauwy. Do check out his link for other amazing designs!