Finding the right combination of cards in a low mana battle can be challenging, but oh so satisfying when you hit the sweet spot. My go-to strategy, especially for sub-20 mana cost battles, has evolved, but of late I have been gravitating to one lineup more times than not. On one of my alt accounts, where I exclusively play in the Modern league, I've been trying many different low-mana cost lineups. This account was the account where I completed the challenge of opening 1000 Chaos Legion Packs.
Finding Balance in a Low Mana Game
There are multiple ways to approach low mana battles in splinterlands. Some players opt for spreading their mana costs evenly across all six monster positions and ensuring every position is filled. Some others will rely on a single high-cost monster in the hope that they will carry the team.
Personally, I favor a more balanced approach that focuses on having a well-rounded team. So, here's my favorite sub-20 mana cost lineup that I rely on when faced with an 18-20 mana battle.
The Best Sub-20 Mana Lineup
Summoner: Kelya Frendul (4 Mana)
- Role: Summoner
- Abilities/Stats: +1 armor and speed to all friendly monsters
- Reasoning: Theres not much to say about Kelya Frendul that hasn't been said before -- this is an amazing summoner and pairs so well with many of the monsters in the Water unit. The armor and speed buffs are extremely useful and make those already overpowered monsters (e.g. Deeplurker, Djinn Oshannus, Diemonshark etc.), even more powerful.
First Position: Diemonshark (8 Mana)
- Role: Tank
- Abilities: Trample, Enrage
- Reasoning: Diemonshark is the perfect frontline tank for this setup. It's tough, with a great mix of high health, decent armor, and good damage output. Thanks to Trample, this monster can easily wipe out multiple enemies in a row if it defeats a monster, and Enrage boosts its speed and damage when it takes damage. My go-to tank because of its high survivability thanks to its armor.
Second Position: Torrent Fiend (0 Mana)
- Role: Sacrificial Lamb
- Abilities: None
- Reasoning: This zero-mana cost card serves as bait for Sneak or Opportunity attacks. On rare occasions, it might even survive long enough to get a hit in, but its main purpose is to serve as a sacrificial lamb.
Third Position: Deeplurker (6 Mana)
- Role: Backline DPS
- Abilities: Opportunity, Poison
- Reasoning: Deeplurker has been a community favorite for many a time. High damage output, and two abilities that allows it to attack from the backline and poison opponents -- whats not to like? Also, it has just enough health to aid its survivability over a few rounds.
Battle
In this battle, and right from the first round, my Torrent Fiend was taken out by Exploding Rats, which had been given Reach through Drybone Megaladon's Flank ability. Again not an issue as Torrent Fiend was there as bait!
As the battle progressed, Diemonshark showed why it's the MVP of this lineup. Its Trample ability triggered, allowing it to take out two monsters in quick succession, while its Enrage boosted its damage and speed. Meanwhile, Deeplurker kept plugging away at the oppositions backline, taking out Uraeus with Poison ability. The combination of Deeplurker's high DPS and Diemonshark's survivability secured a satisfying victory.
Why This Strategy Works
This lineup balances high defense with high damage. The high health and armor of Diemonshark ensures survivability and crucial for a tank, while being able to deal a good amount of damage. Meanwhile, Deeplurker is a beast from the backline, capitalizing on the Opportunity. And to top it off - Torrent Fiend serves as bait to absorb an attack from the opposition.
Concluding Thoughts
This setup has consistently brought me success in Silver and Gold leagues. The combination of the monsters synergizes well with the Water summoner and more often than not has clinched me many victories in low-mana cost battles.
What's your favorite sub-20 mana cost lineup?
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