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 Horny Toad.
Gameplay Analysis
Horny Toad is a Common Neutral Monster from the Untamed set in Splinterlands. As a low-mana Melee attacker, it provides a cheap yet effective option for all teams, specializing in targeting backline enemies.
Mana Cost: 3
Attack Type: Melee
Abilities by Level
Level 1: Reach (Can attack from the second position in Melee-only battles)
Level 6: Poison (Attacks have a 50% chance to apply poison, dealing additional damage at the start of each round)
Level-Based Insights
Level 1: Reach makes Horny Toad a great second-position attacker, allowing it to contribute damage while avoiding direct attacks.
Level 6: Poison significantly increases its damage output, making it a dangerous threat in extended battles by applying damage-over-time effects.
Comparative Analysis
How does this card compare to other similar ones?
Vs. Dhampir Infiltrator: Dhampir Infiltrator has Double Strike and Sneak, offering higher burst damage, while Horny Toad is a more sustainable attacker with Poison.
Vs. Uraeus: Uraeus has Sneak, focusing on backline elimination, while Horny Toad attacks from the second position, making it more suitable for standard Melee lineups.
Vs. Gargoya Scrapper: Scrapper is mostly a disposable tank, while Horny Toad provides offensive utility.
Key Takeaway
Horny Toad is a low-cost Reach attacker that becomes significantly stronger at Level 6 with Poison, making it an efficient secondary damage dealer in Dragon teams.
Synergies
Drake of Arnak (Dragon Summoner): Grants +1 Armor, improving Horny Toad’s survivability against physical attacks.
Brighton Bloom: Provides Flying, helping Horny Toad avoid Earthquake damage and increasing its dodge rate.
Tarsa (Fire Summoner): Boosts Melee attack and health, making Horny Toad more dangerous.
Venari Knifer: A strong frontline tank with Thorns, allowing Horny Toad to safely attack from the second position.
Ruleset Performance
Favorable Rulesets:
Melee Mayhem: Allows Horny Toad to attack from any position, maximizing its value.
Equal Opportunity: Ensures it attacks the weakest enemy, improving its kill potential.
Poison Gas (Noxious Fumes): Its Poison ability at Level 6 adds extra pressure, though it lacks self-healing.
Challenging Rulesets:
Back to Basics: Removes Reach and Poison, making it less valuable.
Reverse Speed: Its moderate Speed means it may struggle against slower opponents.
Little League: Cannot be used, limiting its effectiveness in low-mana battles.
Market Analysis
Price Overview
Regular Foil: around $ 0.04
Gold Foil: around $ 0.5
Investment Potential
Horny Toad is a solid budget pick for all teams, particularly at Level 6 when it gains Poison. Its low mana cost and flexibility make it a useful addition for players looking to build strong Melee teams.
Ratings
Usefulness: 7/10 (Decent low-mana Melee attacker with solid utility at higher levels)
Cost-Effectiveness: 8/10 (Affordable and useful, especially for budget Dragon teams)
Versatility: 7/10 (Best in Melee-focused battles, but struggles in Magic-heavy matchups)
Conclusion
Horny Toad is a cheap yet effective Reach attacker that fits well into Dragon-based Melee strategies. At Level 6, Poison makes it a strong secondary attacker, ensuring consistent damage over time. A solid budget-friendly choice for Dragon Splinter players.
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. 😊