A new patch just dropped and, while there weren't any balance adjustments, the patch was jam-packed with new info, goodies, and hints of what is coming. This article will guide you through the highlights from the patch and help you interpret some of the breadcrumbs Second Dinner has left for us.
The Cosmetics Patch
This patch introduced a lot of new and future cosmetic changes. We've been given the ability to have cards with a background finish with no particle effects and can have original backgrounds with effects. Prism finish and black effects got much needed makeovers.
We're also getting a flood of new background effects and finishes ranging from cool to classic to downright silly.
As of now, we're not sure how these will be distributed. The best guess is that they'll be consumable cosmetics just like custom borders and will be available for purchase in the cosmetics shop or given away in other ways (see below for more on that). We already have indications of them appearing in bundles.
Asgardian Season
As already suspected, November will be an Asgardian themed season with Fenris Wolf, Frigga, and Malekith scheduled to appear in Spotlight caches with Gorr being the season pass card. Fenris Wolf looks to be a very strong card that can be played out and then activated after you play Shang Chi, Moon Knight, Silver Samurai, or Elektra. Gorr’s ability changed quite a bit from what was datamined last year and I'm not sure if his new ability is quite interesting enough to anchor a season pass, though his raw power cap is quite high.
Extra Cards
The latest mystery in Snap datamine sleuthing revolves around seemingly extra cards that have been found in the game files. September is a Spider-Man themed season with a full slate of 4 cards in Spotlight caches (plus a season pass card), but we have also found Tombstone and Uncle Ben cards. October is a Symbiote season but we've found two additional Symbiotes, Agony and Lasher. As mentioned above, several Asgardians are set for Spotlight Caches, but Surtur and King Eitri have also been found and don't have release dates attached. So what gives? How can these cards be acquired?
What are Snap Packs?
New information was put into the games files for something called Snap Packs. These appear to be packs of goodies that can be earned just by winning games (though there will undoubtedly be a way to give Second Dinner cold hard cash for them as well).
Here's how they might work:
Packs may contain some number of items like boosters, borders, new flare or background effects, currencies, or new series 5 cards. Maybe each pack contains 1 item or maybe it's a pack of 3 or 5 items all at once. There are likely to be different rarity levels attached to different item types and there appears to be some kind of pity timer mechanic to ensure you don't end up on the short end of the variance stick too many times in a row.
It is very likely that the “extra” cards are going to be distributed through this new system of packs.
While I'm always cautious about any new randomized system or gacha-like mechanic as a way to distribute new game pieces, there are some advantages if this is handled well. Having an alternative way to distribute cards means relatively weak or more niche (but still interesting!) cards can be given out in other ways leaving Spotlight Caches full of bangers that are worth spending your valuable keys on. Also, more new cards per year means a more vibrant and dynamic metagame. Some players have expressed that the slow one card per week drip doesn't mix things up often enough. Extra cards help with that.
Additionally, there are gaps in the datamined Spotlight dates like November 26th when there aren't any new cards scheduled to appear in Spotlight caches. This could be a week when we get these Snap Packs, but it could also signal the return of the Diner! Deadpool's Diner might return on November 26th with one or more of the “extra” cards available as rewards!
Dark Avengers
There are also a few newly referenced cards that have been found for the first time! These include Ice, Moonstone, Iron Patriot, and Victoria Hand. While I'm not sure what Ice refers to (perhaps a new, generated token?), the rest of the characters make it clear that we are getting a Dark Avengers season based on the Dark Reign comic storyline! Indications are that this is slated for January. For those unfamiliar, Dark Reign was a new status quo in the comics when, in the aftermath of Secret Invasion, a variety of super villains rose to power, led directly or orchestrated by Norman Osborne. The Hood features prominently, so I'd expect a season pass variant.
New Art
There has been some great new art datamined including some from fan favorite artists that are likely getting albums and some fresh faces.
Vincenzo Riccardi
Vincenzo Riccardi is new to Snap and he's got 14 newly discovered variants coming to the game soon. Additionally, his Silver Surfer card is tabbed as an album reward, so it looks like Riccardi is storming into Snap in a big way and getting his own album.
Wild Blue Studios
Wild Blue Studios has been in Snap for a little while, but they've got a ton more coming soon, including an album reward Doctor Doom.
138 Game Art
138 Game Art is a newly commissioned studio and they've got an amazing Dracula and stunning Emma Frost on the way!
Andrea Guardino
Andrea Guardino is another newcomer that has some great Asgardian focused art coming out. Could Guardino’s Odin and Thor be November season pass variants?
Sweeney Boo
Sweeney Boo is having her second card added to the game: an X-Men: Evolution inspired Rogue!
Alex Ross
A Thor variant by industry icon Alex Ross is being added to the game and is marked as an album reward. This probably means we'll be getting a Thor character album in November!
And of course, I can't go before mentioning a new classic cover variant to add to your collection!
Best Bundles
This patch was an absolute monster in terms of cosmetics and future content. I'm excited to see how the extra assets and new cosmetics are going to be distributed and am particularly excited about the potential Dark Avengers season. Let me know in the comments what you found most exciting from this patch!