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 Ash Mirage.
Gameplay Analysis
Ash Mirage is a Common Fire monster from the Riftwatchers set in Splinterlands. With its moderate mana cost and strategic abilities, it serves as a valuable asset for players aiming to counter ranged attackers and mitigate blast damage.
Mana Cost: 7
Attack Type: Ranged
Ranged Attack: 2 (Levels 1–2), 3 (Levels 3–6), 4 (Levels 7–10)
Speed: 4 (Levels 1–10)
Health: 6 (Levels 1–2), 7 (Levels 3–5), 8 (Levels 6–10)
Abilities:
Headwinds (Level 1): Reduces the ranged attack of all enemy monsters by 1.
Reflection Shield (Level 6): Prevents all indirect damage such as blast from affecting this monster.
Ash Mirage's combination of Headwinds and Reflection Shield makes it an effective counter to ranged attackers and blast damage, enhancing team durability.
Level-Based Insights
Levels 1–5: At these levels, Ash Mirage offers increasing ranged attack and health, with the Headwinds ability providing immediate utility by reducing enemy ranged damage.
Levels 6–10: The addition of the Reflection Shield ability at Level 6 further enhances its survivability by negating indirect damage, making it a resilient choice against blast-heavy teams.
Comparative Analysis
How does Ash Mirage compare to other Fire monsters with similar roles?
Vs. Lava Launcher: Lava Launcher has higher base ranged attack and the Close Range ability, allowing it to attack from the first position. However, Ash Mirage's Headwinds and Reflection Shield provide team-wide defensive benefits, making it a more strategic choice against ranged and blast-heavy opponents.
Vs. Pyromancer: Pyromancer offers the Blast ability, dealing additional damage to adjacent enemies. Ash Mirage, on the other hand, focuses on mitigating incoming ranged and blast damage, serving a more defensive role.
Key Takeaway
Ash Mirage is a versatile ranged attacker within the Fire splinter, capable of reducing enemy ranged damage and protecting itself from indirect damage. Its abilities make it a strategic choice for players seeking to enhance team durability against specific threats.
Synergies
Ash Mirage pairs effectively with:
Tinderlock: Combining Ash Mirage's defensive abilities with Tinderlock's offensive capabilities can create a balanced team composition.
Naga Brute: Naga Brute's Shield ability reduces damage from melee and ranged attacks, complementing Ash Mirage's Headwinds to further mitigate enemy ranged damage.
Ruleset Performance
Favorable Rulesets:
Heavy Hitters: Ash Mirage's consistent ranged attack can help capitalize on the Stun effect provided by other monsters, dealing significant damage to stunned enemies.
Armored Up: The additional armor in this ruleset enhances Ash Mirage's survivability, allowing it to sustain longer in battles.
Challenging Rulesets:
Lost Magic: With magic attacks prohibited, opponents may rely more on melee and ranged attacks, making Ash Mirage's Headwinds ability particularly valuable.
Close Range: Since Ash Mirage lacks the Close Range ability, it cannot attack from the first position in this ruleset, limiting its effectiveness if positioned upfront.
Market Analysis
Historical Price Movement
Regular Foil: Approximately $0.09 per BCX, with 136 cards available on the market.
Gold Foil: Approximately $1.88 per BCX, with 17 cards available on the market.
Investment Potential
Ash Mirage's unique abilities and role in countering specific threats make it a valuable addition to a player's collection. Its current market prices reflect its utility and demand among players seeking strategic defensive options.
Conclusion
Ash Mirage stands out as a strategic ranged attacker within the Fire splinter, offering team-wide defensive benefits through its Headwinds and Reflection Shield abilities. Its synergy with various team compositions and effectiveness in multiple rulesets make it a valuable asset for players aiming to counter ranged and blast-heavy opponents.
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. 😊