Marvel SNAP has introduced a groundbreaking limited-time event known as the Sanctum Showdown, which drastically alters gameplay by modifying the rules surrounding locations. In this unique mode, players must commit to a specific lane each turn, requiring a reevaluation of traditional strategies.
If you’re seeking clarity on the gameplay mechanics of Sanctum Showdown or looking for optimal decks and cards to enhance your performance, you’ve arrived at the perfect resource.
Event Overview: Sanctum Showdown
- Start Date: February 25
- End Date: March 11
- Game Mode: Location Domination
This event marks Marvel SNAP’s inaugural location domination game mode, available for a two-week period. Players will utilize Scrolls (event tickets) to participate in player-versus-player (PvP) matches, earning new cards and cosmetic rewards as they progress.
How to Obtain Additional Scrolls
Scrolls function as event tickets for participating in each match of Sanctum Showdown. Each match requires one Scroll, which is refunded upon victory and discarded upon loss. You can accumulate two Scrolls every eight hours, with additional Scrolls obtainable by climbing the mode’s ranked ladder. You can earn up to 26 extra Scrolls by reaching the top tier, Sorcerer Supreme, within Sanctum Showdown.
Playing the Sanctum Showdown
Interestingly, the gameplay mechanics of Sanctum Showdown can be likened to the Domination mode in Call of Duty. The objective is to control the designated location each turn to accumulate points, with the first player to reach 16 points declared the winner. However, the location marked as Sanctum shifts each turn, compelling players to adjust their strategies. Here’s how to play:
- Dominate Locations: From turn three onward, one location is designated as Sanctum, highlighted with a four-point green badge. The player who dominates this location during the current turn gains the full four points.
- Collect Domination Points: Continue to seize locations to build up your score until you reach a minimum of 16 points. Notably, the first player to achieve 16 points wins, irrespective of the broader board state.
- Snap for a Quick Match: Beginning from turn three, players have the option to Snap once per turn. Snapping adds one point to Sanctum, potentially increasing its value to six points if both players Snap.
Ties do not award any location points—if neither player controls the location, no points are gained.
Top Decks and Cards for Dominating Sanctum Showdown
To excel in Sanctum Showdown, players should focus on control and disruption tactics. The best decks typically utilize cards that can displace enemy cards, steal their power, or outright eliminate them.
Four primary card types are particularly effective in this mode:
- Pushers: Cards like Stegron or Cannonball excel at maneuvering opponent positions.
- Stealers: Cards such as Cassandra Nova, Rocket & Groot, or Scream gain advantages by inflicting damage on opponents.
- Self-buffers: Cards like Groot, Rocket Raccoon, and Gamora enhance their power independently.
- Destroyers: Cards such as Negasonic Teenage Mutant, Lady Deathstrike, and Shang-Chi can efficiently eliminate enemy cards.
Banned Cards in Sanctum Showdown
The following cards are prohibited from use in Sanctum Showdown:
- Annihilus
- Captain Marvel
- Debris
- Dracula
- Galactus
- Green Goblin
- Hobgoblin
- Juggernaut
- Invisible Woman
- Kang, the Conqueror
- From Baku
- Magic
- Malekith
- Martyr
- Mysterio
- Quake
- Supergiant
- Viper
- Storm
These cards are banned due to their abilities potentially conflicting with the rules of Sanctum Showdown.
Ranking and Rewards in Sanctum Showdown
Sanctum Showdown incorporates a unique ranking system consisting of six tiers, which include Initiate, Acolyte, Sorcerer, Disciple, Librarian, and Sorcerer Supreme. Points scored in matches translate to rank points, irrespective of match outcomes.
|
Rank |
Rewards |
|---|---|
|
Initiate |
4 Scrolls, 1 Title, 500 Charms |
|
Acolyte |
4 Scrolls, 500 Charms |
|
Sorcerer |
4 Scrolls, 500 Charms |
|
Disciple |
4 Scrolls, 750 Charms |
|
Librarian |
5 Scrolls, 1000 Charms |
|
Sorcerer Supreme |
5 Scrolls, 1 Title, 1500 Charms |
New Cards Introduced in Sanctum Showdown
Charms serve as the currency for this event, allowing players to unlock exclusive cosmetics and three new cards:
- Laufey: (On Reveal) Steal one Power from each card here.
- Uncle Ben: (Passive) When destroyed, replace this card with Spider-Man.
- Gorgo: (Ongoing) Opponents’ cards not starting in their hand cost one more, with a maximum of six.
Acquiring these cards requires 1, 200 Charms each, with the process relying on RNG mechanics. Each 1, 200 Charms expenditure unlocks a portal that may yield one of the new cards: Laufey, Gorgo, or Uncle Ben.
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