Hi all,

Introduction

Another post in this series (just a different title from now on). Thank you for your support in the previous posts 😊

This series intends to determine if there are other aspects of cards that may contribute to increasing its value. Based on your feedback I can focus on more/other things – so feel free to tell me where you want me to go into further detail.
I include some analysis on where the cards fit in terms of gameplay, strategy, comparison with other cards, and a market analysis of its price. Feel free to suggest what more do you want me to look into in this series, and your support is much appreciated!
In this edition I will be looking at the Maggots.

Gameplay Analysis

Maggots is a Common Death Monster from the Untamed Core Set in Splinterlands. As a low-mana melee attacker, it offers strategic advantages through its abilities and stats, making it a valuable asset in various battle scenarios.

Mana Cost: 3
Attack Type: Melee
Abilities by Level
Level 1: Opportunity (This Monster targets the enemy Monster with the lowest health)
Level 6: Scavenger (Gains 1 max health each time any Monster dies)

Level-Based Insights

Level 1: Starts with the Opportunity ability, allowing it to target and eliminate low-health enemy Monsters, potentially disrupting the opponent's strategy.
Level 6: Gains the Scavenger ability, increasing its max health each time any Monster dies, enhancing its durability as the battle progresses.

Comparative Analysis

How does this card compare to other similar ones?

Vs. Undead Badger: While Undead Badger focuses on backline attacks with its Sneak ability, Maggots offers offensive targeting through Opportunity and increased survivability with Scavenger.
Vs. Skeleton Assassin: Skeleton Assassin provides quick backline attacks with the Sneak ability, whereas Maggots delivers melee attacks targeting low-health enemies, serving different tactical roles.

Key Takeaway
Maggots is an effective low-mana melee attacker that excels in targeting vulnerable enemies and gains durability as the battle unfolds.

Synergies

Contessa L'ament (Death Summoner): Reduces the ranged attack of enemy Monsters, indirectly increasing Maggots' survivability.
Undead Priest: Decreases the health of all enemy Monsters, making it easier for Maggots to eliminate low-health targets.
Cursed Slimeball: Acts as a sacrificial unit, triggering its Redemption ability upon death and potentially enabling Maggots to gain health through Scavenger.

Ruleset Performance

Favorable Rulesets:
Equal Opportunity: All Monsters have the Opportunity ability, aligning with Maggots' natural ability and allowing it to capitalize on its targeting strategy.
Super Sneak: All Melee attack Monsters have the Sneak ability, enabling Maggots to target backline enemies effectively.

Challenging Rulesets:
Reverse Speed: Maggots' moderate speed may be a disadvantage in this ruleset, causing it to attack later in the round.
Armored Up: Additional armor on all Monsters can mitigate Maggots' damage output, making it harder to eliminate low-health targets.

Market Analysis

Price Overview
Regular Foil: around $ 0.06
Gold Foil: around $ 0.65

Investment Potential
Maggots' combination of Opportunity and Scavenger abilities makes it a valuable addition to Death teams, especially in battles where targeting low-health enemies and scaling health are advantageous. Its low mana cost and versatile role enhance its long-term utility and value.

Ratings

Usefulness: 7/10 (A solid low-mana melee attacker with good synergy, but somewhat fragile until it gains Scavenger at level 6.)
Cost-Effectiveness: 9/10 (A budget-friendly option that provides excellent value, especially in Opportunity-focused battles.)
Versatility: 6/10 (Best suited for Opportunity and Scavenger synergy; struggles in armor-heavy or magic-dominant rulesets.)

Conclusion

Maggots is a strategic low-mana melee attacker within the Death Splinter. Its abilities to target vulnerable enemies and gain health throughout the battle make it a formidable asset in various combat scenarios.

What do you think about this card? Do you use it in your lineups? Share your experiences in the comments and let me know which card you'd like me to analyze next!
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. 😊