Marvel Snap's roster of animal companions has been rather limited – Cosmo, Groose, Zabu, and Hit Monkey being the mainstays – until the arrival of Redwing, Falcon's avian ally, in the Brave New World season.

Redwing's Mechanics in Marvel Snap

Redwing is a 3-cost, 4-power card with a unique ability: The first time it's moved, a card is added from your hand to its original location. This presents some key limitations: Redwing's ability is a one-time effect, unaffected by cards like Symbiote Spider-Man or attempts to replay it. Precise card targeting with Redwing proves challenging. Move decks often utilize low-cost cards (like Iron Fist) that are undesirable targets, while Scream decks typically manipulate opponent's cards rather than their own.

Despite these limitations, budget-friendly move options exist for lower Collection Level players, such as Madame Web or Cloak. Redwing's potential for surprise victories lies in deploying a powerful card early (like Galactus) or drawing a high-value card such as The Infinaut.

Optimal Redwing Decks (Day One)

Ares and Surtur, dominant in the previous season, return in a Scream-based deck incorporating Aero and Heimdall. Redwing finds a niche here, though often overshadowed by the priority of playing Surtur on turn 3. This deck, however, is expensive, featuring Series 5 cards: Hydra Bob, Scream, Redwing, Surtur, Ares, and Cull Obsidian. Hydra Bob can be substituted with a 1-cost card like Rocket Raccoon or Iceman, but the others are essential. The strategy centers on turn 3 Surtur deployment, followed by high-power cards to boost Surtur's power, with Scream providing an alternative win condition. Polaris, Aero, and Magneto offer card manipulation, while Redwing can be moved into Heimdall to buff Surtur and draw a high-power card.

Another potential Redwing inclusion is a Madame Web deck. Dagger's nerf has diminished the viability of move-focused decks, but Madame Web's ongoing ability finds utility in current Ongoing decks. This deck, however, includes only two Series 5 cards: Madame Web and Doom 2099. Omitting Madame Web necessitates removing Redwing for another Ongoing card like Mobius M. Mobius. This deck prioritizes Doom 2099 for widespread power distribution, with Madame Web aiding in strategic card placement. Redwing provides an additional means of activating Madame Web's ability. Turn 6 typically involves playing Doctor Doom or Spectrum for power distribution or a power spike.

Is Redwing Worth the Investment?

Currently, Redwing's low power and reliance on a weak archetype make it a poor investment. Saving resources for future cards is advisable, unless significant buffs are implemented by Second Dinner.