Hi all,
Introduction
Another post in this series. 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 Elven Defender.
Gameplay Analysis
Elven Defender is a Common Neutral Monster from the Untamed set. As a high-mana melee tank, it provides strong durability with its large health pool and armor, making it a viable front-line defender in multiple Splinters.
Mana Cost: 8
Attack Type: Melee
Abilities by Level
Level 1: No abilities, but boasts high armor and health, making it a strong tank.
Level 5: Gains Shield (reduces damage from Melee and Ranged attacks), significantly increasing its tanking potential.
Level 10: Gains Knock Out (deals double damage to stunned enemies), adding an offensive edge when paired with Monsters that have Stun.
Level-Based Insights
Level 1: A raw stat-based tank with 6 Armor and 8 Health, making it effective against physical damage but vulnerable to Magic attacks.
Level 5: Gains Shield, reducing incoming Melee and Ranged damage, making it a far more resilient tank in physical-based matchups.
Level 10: Gains Knock Out, allowing it to deal double damage against stunned enemies, but this requires synergy with allies who can apply Stun.
Comparative Analysis
How does this card compare to other similar ones?
Vs. Lord Arianthus: Lord Arianthus has Void, Shield, and Magic Reflect, making it better against Magic attackers. However, Elven Defender has higher armor and benefits from Knock Out at max level.
Vs. Mycelic Infantry: Mycelic Infantry has Shield at Level 1 and Void at Level 5, making it a strong hybrid tank against both Melee and Magic, while Elven Defender relies more on raw armor and durability.
Key Takeaway
Elven Defender is a high-armor tank that specializes in physical damage mitigation, making it a solid choice against teams that rely on Melee or Ranged attacks.
Synergies
Drake of Arnak (Dragon Summoner): Grants additional armor, reinforcing Elven Defender’s tankiness.
Stunning Monsters (e.g., Djinn Chwala, Magi of Chaos): Helps activate Knock Out, increasing Elven Defender’s damage output at max level.
Healing Support (e.g., Venari Crystalsmith, Wood Nymph): Extends its survivability in prolonged battles.
Ruleset Performance
Favorable Rulesets:
Armored Up: Additional armor further enhances Elven Defender’s survivability.
Equalizer: High health becomes less relevant, but its large armor pool remains an advantage.
Challenging Rulesets:
Unprotected: Removes armor, nullifying one of its primary strengths.
Noxious Fumes: No self-healing makes it difficult for Elven Defender to survive poison damage.
Market Analysis
Price Overview
Regular Foil: around $ 0.08
Gold Foil: around $ 7
Investment Potential
Elven Defender is a cost-effective Neutral tank that works in multiple teams, making it a valuable long-term investment. While it lacks abilities at lower levels, its Shield ability at Level 5 makes it a strong defensive unit, and Knock Out at max level adds offensive value when paired with stunning allies.
Ratings
Usefulness: 7/10 (Effective against Melee and Ranged, but vulnerable to Magic)
Cost-Effectiveness: 7/10 (Solid tank for a reasonable price, though requires leveling to shine)
Versatility: 8/10 (Works in many Splinters as a Neutral tank, though limited in Magic-heavy battles)
Conclusion
Elven Defender is a durable, high-armor tank that excels against physical attackers. While it lacks utility at lower levels, its Shield ability makes it a reliable frontliner, and Knock Out at max level gives it offensive potential when paired with Stun allies. A strong pick for armor-based strategies and an affordable tank option for many teams.
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. 😊