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 Diemonshark.
Gameplay Analysis
Diemonshark is a Rare Water Melee Tank from the Chaos Legion Core Set. With high durability, Trample, and Armor, it serves as one of the best front-line tanks in the Water Splinter. As it levels up, it gains Enrage and Retaliate, making it a powerhouse in extended battles.
Mana Cost: 8
Attack Type: Melee
Abilities:
Level 1: Trample (If it kills an enemy, it attacks again)
Level 5: Enrage (Increases Speed and Attack when damaged)
Level 8: Retaliate (Chance to counterattack when hit by Melee)
Level-Based Insights
Level 1:
Stats: 3 Melee, 4 Speed, 8 Health, 5 Armor
A high-health tank with Trample, allowing it to deal consecutive damage if it lands a kill.
Level 3:
Gains +1 Speed (5 total), making it faster than most tanks.
Level 5:
Unlocks Enrage, allowing it to become even faster and deadlier when damaged.
Gains +1 Melee Attack (4 total), making it an even stronger front-line attacker.
Level 7:
Gains +1 Armor (6 total), improving its durability against physical damage.
Level 8:
Unlocks Retaliate, giving it a 50% chance to counterattack when hit by Melee attacks.
This makes it one of the best counter-melee tanks in the game.
Level 10:
Gains +1 Health (9 total), making it one of the tankiest Water front-liners.
Comparative Analysis
How does this card compare to other similar ones?
Vs. Wave Brood (Water): Wave Brood provides Taunt and Ranged support, making it a better backline protector, while Diemonshark is a front-line bruiser with Trample and counterattack potential.
Vs. Legionnaire Alvar (Neutral): Alvar has Void Armor, making it more resistant to Magic damage, while Diemonshark is better against Melee attackers with Retaliate.
Vs. Baakjira (Water): Baakjira has Void and Heal, making it an anti-magic tank, whereas Diemonshark deals damage while tanking hits.
Key Takeaway
Diemonshark is a high-durability Melee tank that scales well into late-game fights. With Trample, Enrage, and Retaliate, it is one of the most aggressive front-liners in Water Splinter.
Synergies
Best Pairings:
Kelya Frendul (Water Splinter): Provides +1 Speed and +1 Armor, making Diemonshark even harder to kill.
Demented Shark (Neutral): Grants Inspire, increasing Diemonshark’s Melee Attack even further.
Merdaali Guardian (Water Splinter): Provides Tank Heal, keeping Diemonshark alive longer to trigger Trample and Retaliate.
Venari Wavesmith (Water Splinter): Grants Armor to the entire team, boosting its survivability.
Splinter Synergies:
Water Splinter: Works exceptionally well under Kelya Frendul, due to the Armor buff.
Dragon Splinter: Can be paired with Quix the Devious to slow enemies and increase its advantage.
Life Splinter: If allowed via ruleset, General Sloan's ranged teams can provide backup while Diemonshark tanks hits.
Ruleset Performance
Favorable Rulesets:
Stampede: Since it has Trample, it can chain multiple attacks if it secures consecutive kills.
Melee Mayhem: Allows it to attack from any position, making it much more dangerous.
Unprotected: Opponents lose Armor, making it easier for Diemonshark to trigger Trample.
Challenging Rulesets:
Reverse Speed: Its high Speed (5+ at higher levels) makes it weaker in this ruleset.
Noxious Fumes: Without a healer, it will fall quickly to Poison damage.
Back to Basics: Strips away Trample, Enrage, and Retaliate, making it much weaker.
Market Analysis
Price Overview
Regular Foil: $0.10–$0.20 per BCX
Gold Foil: $2.50–$4.00 per BCX
Investment Potential
One of the best tanks in the Water Splinter, with great long-term value.
Highly used in Water melee strategies, making it a strong investment choice.
Conclusion
Diemonshark is one of the best Water front-line tanks, with a combination of Trample, Enrage, and Retaliate that makes it an aggressive and hard-hitting bruiser. While it is weak against Magic damage and Reverse Speed rulesets, it excels in Melee battles and sustained fights. Now tradable due to the unbinding of Soulbound cards, it remains a staple for Water melee teams and a high-value investment.
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. 😊