Marvel Snap Introduces 'Activate': A Game-Changing New Ability

Marvel Snap, the fast-paced, strategic card battler, is about to get even more exciting with the introduction of its first-ever brand new ability: Activate. This innovative mechanic is set to shake up the meta, offering players unprecedented control over their card's abilities.

What is Activate?

Activate empowers players to decide precisely when a card's ability triggers. Unlike On Reveal abilities that activate immediately, Activate abilities can be triggered on a subsequent turn, adding a new layer of strategy and timing to the game.

To activate a card's ability, players simply press and hold the card until the “Activated!” message appears. The ability can also be deactivated in the same manner or by using the “Undo All Actions” button.

When Will We See Activate?

The first card featuring Activate, Symbiote Spider-Man, will swing into action on September 3rd as part of The Amazing Spider-Season. Two more Activate characters will also be joining the fray during this season, promising a web of new strategic possibilities.

Designing Activate: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The development team at Second Dinner aimed to expand the types of cards possible while maintaining the game's core principles of accessibility and fast-paced play. They experimented with various concepts, including additional costs and multiple uses, before settling on the current version.

The decision to require cards to be in play for a turn before activating their abilities was made to differentiate Activate from On Reveal abilities and create a unique feel. While this introduces a slight drawback, it also allows for more powerful Activate effects, creating a compelling trade-off.

A New Era of Strategy

Activate opens up new avenues for strategic deck building and gameplay. Cards with situational effects, like Elektra and Polaris, can now be utilized more flexibly, allowing players to wait for the optimal moment to trigger their abilities.

The Move archetype, often constrained by the need for specific card sequences, also benefits from Activate. Araña, for example, grants players the freedom to move a card and boost its power at a strategically advantageous time.

The Future of Activate

Activate is set to become a core mechanic in Marvel Snap, with new designs appearing regularly. The developers are also considering updating existing cards to incorporate Activate and exploring further refinements to the mechanic in the future.

Get Ready to Activate!

The introduction of Activate marks a significant milestone in Marvel Snap's evolution. This new ability promises to add depth, excitement, and strategic complexity to the game, providing players with even more ways to express their creativity and outsmart their opponents. So get ready to activate your cards and unleash their full potential!