I’ve been actively playing in the modern format ever since the Conclave Arcana set was introduced, and I must say the experience has been both interesting and exciting rewards, but until now still in adapting mode since I've only use cards which I think usable in most battle and of course profitable. Over the past few seasons, I’ve rented a few useful cards and gradually collected a number of Rebellion reward cards, which have significantly boosted my gameplay. These cards have given me more flexibility and confidence when crafting strategies that match the rule sets of each battle. Today, I’d like to share a powerful combo that I personally find effective in modern format battles—one that has consistently performed well in both max-level and decently leveled matches.
This entry is also in response to the current Splinterlands Community Engagement Challenge: Powerful Combos!, where we are encouraged to showcase our most impactful strategies. In this blog, I’ll highlight a battle where I was able to execute one of my favorite combos. I’ll walk you through how I built the team, how I utilized specific abilities, and why each card was a wise choice given the rule set. Hopefully, it can serve as guidance for others looking to strengthen their own battle tactics.
The strategy behind my modern combo is quite simple, building the perfect synergy between the rule set, card abilities, and base stats to dominate the battlefield. By carefully analyzing each match's conditions, I well fit my lineup to maximize the strengths of important abilities like Sneak, Opportunity, or Weapons Training—depending on what's most effective. I also consider mana limits and available Splinters to balance offense and survivability. This approach allows me to use high-value cards, including some impactful Rebellion reward cards, that bring both versatility (abilities) and power (stats). Whether it's countering enemy strategies or exploiting their weaknesses based on their battle history, my combo is all about adaptability and assuming—turning setups into high chance wins.
Now, let’s go into the action as I share a recent battle I played in the Modern format.
Into the battle: https://splinterlands.com/battle/sl_4803e68f3435525733849ce89dd98bdf
In this particular Modern format battle, the rule sets were Aimless, Up to Eleven, and Born Again, with a generous 58 mana cap, and only Fire and Dragon splinters unavailable. With limited access to high-cost summoners and relying on budget-friendly rentals, I opted to use Prunda Undervesch, a dual-element summoner that allowed me to combine Life and Water cards for greater flexibility. My strategy centered around utilizing Nimbledook Explorer from the Life splinter and Daarg Deadblast from Water to take advantage of the Weapons Training ability to grant magic stats. I positioned Commander Slade as my primary tank in the first slot and Giant Alpine Skink in the second, both Water cards capable of soaking damage. To maximize Giant Alpine Skink's potential, I deployed Janni Rebel, a Life splinter card whose Instructor ability grants Reach to adjacent allies—perfect for enabling Giant Alpine Skink’s offensive impact. My full lineup included: Commander Slade, Giant Alpine Skink, Janni Rebel, Nimbledook Explorer, Daarg Deadblast, and Lucheheim Demon to round out the backline with further support.
The opponent used Reklak as their summoner and fielded a team of Helheim Demon, Wailing Wraith, Dark Arborist, Gramel the Hunger, Chaos Battle Mage, and Meriput Slinger. Their composition featured a mixed-attack strategy but leaned more heavily on ranged units. Among their lineup, Gramel the Hunger appeared to be the primary damage dealer, especially due to his ability to become stronger as the rounds progress. Their card placements and synergy were well thought out, taking advantage of abilities and stat distribution to pressure both front and backline positions. The choice of summoner and balance of damage types made their formation appear threatening on paper.
However, my strategy proved more durable and sustainable throughout the battle. With Aimless being one of the active rule sets, I made a conscious decision to include Triage abilities to heal random backline damage, which is why Daarg Deadblast and Lucheheim Demon were critical components in my lineup. Their ability to restore health to injured teammates gave my composition a strong sustainability edge. Even though I had a solid frontline with Commander Slade, Giant Alpine Skink was ready as a reliable backup tank. This redundancy, combined with magic-boosted backliners and synergy from Weapons Training, helped wear down the opponent
That wraps up my simple yet powerful combo, and I hope this strategy offers some helpful insights. Every player has access to different types of cards, and even lower-cost or underrated ones can outplay stronger lineups when used wisely. The important lies in how effectively you utilize each card's abilities in line with the given rule set whether to gain an advantage, apply pressure, or even set traps based on your opponent’s previous battle patterns.
A Big Thanks! For supporting me, being here, and coming this far. I hope this strategy assists you with some of your battles with these rule sets.
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