Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross is the newest addition to *Marvel Snap*, and he's already making waves. Portrayed by Harrison Ford in *Captain America: Brave New World*, you might expect a meta-defining card, but let's dive into his actual impact.
How Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Works in Marvel Snap
Ross is a 2-cost, 2-power card with a unique ability: When your opponent ends their turn with unspent energy, you draw a card with 10 or more power. This mechanic, similar to Red Hulk and High Evolutionary effects, is straightforward. Card draw is incredibly powerful in Marvel Snap, but Ross's restriction to cards with 10+ power significantly limits his application. Currently, this includes cards like Attuma, Black Cat, Crossbones, Cull Obsidian, Typhoid Mary, Aero, Heimdall, Helicarrier, Red Hulk, Sasquatch, She-Hulk, Skaar, Thanos (if generated), Orka, Emperor Hulkling, Hulk, Magneto, Death, Red Skull, Agatha Harkness (if generated), Giganto, Destroyer, and The Infinaut.
Most decks only include one, if any, of these high-power cards. However, if your deck features several, Ross becomes a valuable addition, offering both powerful card draw and deck thinning. His primary counter is Red Guardian.
Best Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Decks in Marvel Snap
Ross synergizes exceptionally well with Surtur decks. While Hela decks can also utilize him, Surtur remains his ideal partner.
Surtur Deck:
- Zabu
- Hydra Bob
- Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross
- Armor
- Cosmo
- Juggernaut
- Surtur
- Ares
- Attuma
- Crossbones
- Cull Obsidian
- Skaar
[Click here to copy this list from Untapped.]
This deck contains several Series 5 cards (Hydra Bob, Surtur, Ares, Cull Obsidian, Skaar). Hydra Bob can be substituted with Iceman, Nico Minoru, or Spider-Ham. The remaining cards are generally essential, though Aero can replace Cull Obsidian if needed. The strategy centers on playing Surtur on turn 3, boosting him to 10 power with other high-cost cards, and making Skaar free. Juggernaut and Cosmo provide late-game counters, while Armor protects against Shang-Chi. Ross significantly enhances this deck by drawing crucial high-cost cards like Skaar, often securing victory.
Hela Deck:
- Black Knight
- Blade
- Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross
- Lady Sif
- Ghost Rider
- War Machine
- Hell Cow
- Black Cat
- Aero
- Hela
- The Infinaut
- Death
[Click here to copy this list from Untapped.]
This list includes Series 5 cards (Black Knight and War Machine). War Machine is replaceable; Ares or Swordmaster offer viable alternatives. The goal is to discard high-power cards of varying costs to revive with Hela on the final turn. Ross ensures consistent drawing of these high-power cards for discarding. Black Knight and Ghost Rider provide reliable power output before the final turn.
Is Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross Worth Spotlight Cache Keys or Collector’s Tokens?
Currently, unless you're dedicated to Surtur/Ares decks, Thunderbolt Ross isn't a priority purchase if resources are limited. While his value will increase with the addition of more 10-power cards, his current usefulness is niche. The prevalence of Wiccan decks, where opponents frequently spend all their energy, further diminishes his effectiveness.
