The Splinterlands community is truly unique in Web3. For those who aren't aware, Splinterlands is currently running a bracket test event in the Survival game mode. I make a point of mentioning this constantly because many players still don't know it's happening, and also because it relates to why the Splinterlands community is so unique.
Last season, the test event also took place in Survival mode, but there were fewer distinct bots, and using cards from the Wild format was permitted. Since that test was limited to just Bracket V, all participating players were in the same pool, making matches against other human players a common occurrence. However, the test event is back in Survival mode this season, but with a few differences.
Unlike last season's event, this one encompasses more brackets; if I'm not mistaken, Brackets I through V of Manual Survival are participating. This wider range of brackets has made matches against bots much more common than matches against human players. Furthermore, once the rating hits 1500, the bots begin employing more complex strategies—such as utilizing bloodlines and card combos (like all-mage lineups)—and fielding powerful cards that even many players don't own, such as Legendaries from the most recent collections.
There seems to be a general feeling this season that completing all the matches is harder and more time-consuming—at least, that’s the impression I’m getting. Perhaps this is because I’m facing bots with cards I don't have access to; my deck was optimized for Wild, whereas in Modern, I usually play in Frontier Mode. Consequently, I have access to some cards from recent collections, Foundation cards, and Common, Rare, and Epic reward cards, but no Legendaries. Looking for ways to improve my win rate—or at least secure some easier matches—I decided to ask the community for tips on combos to use and cards to look for that were both affordable and offered good value. A Splinterlands community member named jakkalreborn shared some advice with me; since the Water deck featuring Mages is one of the most powerful options using Foundations summoners—thanks to Marlai Singariel granting +1 magic damage—he decided to gift me a few cards to help with my matches. Check out the upgrades I made!
I'll be much appreaciated if you Votes, Reblogs or give any Tips. Thanks and have good reading! 🍀
Splinterlands Deck Upgraded for Survival with Gifts!
Let's start by talking about the first card—one that was capable of winning multiple battles all on its own: the Abyssal Elemental. This card is so powerful that I actually considered titling this post simply "Abyssal." It is an Epic card from the Conclave Arcana collection; unlike cards used in Wild mode, it is significantly more expensive—a single Level 1 copy costs $0.228, whereas cards from older collections can go for less than a cent.
I have to say, this card absolutely destroyed enemy teams in Survival mode matches. It was particularly effective when it was the last card standing in low-card-count battles, managing to defeat two opponents single-handedly. Its Resurgence ability allows it to withstand heavy hits while dealing damage to opponents; with Marlai, its magic damage hits 2. Even after being defeated, it returns to the fray—continuing to deal damage and tank hits thanks to its solid HP pool and 2 points of armor.
Upon defeat, the ability triggers its return with 100% HP and Armor, while dealing 1 point of physical damage to everyone on the field—both allies and enemies. In one specific 2v1 match, however, the opponents managed to mitigate this ability: one used Shield to reduce the damage to zero, and the other also had a shield that blocked the attack. The goal now is to get the Abyssal to level 2, as that seems to offer the best value for the card; it gains +1 magic damage, allowing it to defeat many opponents—reaching 3 damage when paired with the Archon Marlai.
In addition to the Abyssal—which boosts magic damage and strengthens the Water element—I also acquired a level 2 Mystic ScaleWeaver. This brings its damage to 4 in Foundation matches. In Survival bracket matches, it deals 3 damage, boasts great HP, and applies the Slow effect to all enemies. It is truly a beast on the battlefield; in Foundation matches, hitting for 4 damage allows it to take out many opponents.
Finally, to provide support while also dealing damage, I obtained a level 2 Anasth Soothsayer, which features the Tank Heal ability. It has 5 HP and 4 speed—impressive stats for a support unit—deals 2 magic damage (with the Marlai), and can heal the frontline while removing debuffs, all for a cost of just 6 mana.
