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 Hardy Stonefish.

Gameplay Analysis

Hardy Stonefish is a Common Water monster from the Chaos Legion set in Splinterlands. With its low mana cost and straightforward stats, it serves as a cost-effective option for players seeking to fill their team lineup efficiently.

Mana Cost: 1
Attack Type: Melee
Melee Attack: 1 (Levels 1–3), 2 (Levels 4–10)
Speed: 1 (Levels 1–2), 2 (Levels 3–10)
Health: 1 (Levels 1–2), 2 (Levels 3–9), 3 (Level 10)
Armor: 0 (Levels 1–4), 1 (Levels 5–10)
Abilities: None

Hardy Stonefish's primary appeal lies in its minimal mana requirement, allowing players to utilize it in low-mana battles or to complete their team composition without exceeding mana limits. Its stats are modest, with incremental improvements across levels, but it lacks any special abilities that would provide additional strategic advantages.

Level-Based Insights

Levels 1–3:
At these levels, Hardy Stonefish offers basic melee attack and low health, suitable for occupying a position in the lineup when mana constraints are tight.

Levels 4–10:
As it levels up, it gains increased melee attack, speed, health, and eventually armor, enhancing its durability slightly. However, the absence of abilities limits its utility to being a simple, low-cost melee attacker.

Comparative Analysis

How does Hardy Stonefish compare to other 1-mana cost monsters in Splinterlands?

Vs. Furious Chicken:
Furious Chicken has no attack but serves as a zero-mana cost filler and can absorb attacks due to its utility as a sacrificial card. Hardy Stonefish, while costing 1 mana, provides a melee attack, offering offensive potential that Furious Chicken lacks.

Vs. Radiated Scorcher:
Radiated Scorcher, a 1-mana Fire monster, has similar stats but includes the "Reach" ability at higher levels, allowing it to attack from the second position. Hardy Stonefish lacks such abilities, making Radiated Scorcher more versatile in certain team compositions.

Key Takeaway
Hardy Stonefish serves as a basic, low-cost melee attacker within the Water splinter, suitable for filling team slots in low-mana battles. Its lack of abilities and modest stat progression limit its strategic impact compared to other monsters with similar mana costs.

Synergies

Hardy Stonefish can be paired with:

Kelya Frendul: This summoner provides additional speed and armor to all friendly monsters, enhancing Hardy Stonefish's durability and attack potential.
Demented Shark: Its "Inspire" ability increases the melee attack of all friendly monsters, boosting Hardy Stonefish's offensive capabilities.

Ruleset Performance

Good Rulesets:
Little League: Only monsters and summoners with a mana cost of 4 or less can be used, making Hardy Stonefish a viable option.
Equal Opportunity: All monsters have the Opportunity ability, allowing Hardy Stonefish to target the enemy with the lowest health, increasing its offensive utility.

Bad Rulesets:
Reverse Speed: Monsters with lower speed attack first and have a higher chance of evading attacks. Hardy Stonefish's low speed becomes advantageous in this scenario.
Up Close & Personal: Only monsters with melee attacks can be used, allowing Hardy Stonefish to participate despite its low stats.

Market Analysis

Historical Price Movement
Regular Foil: Approximately $0.01 per BCX, with 705 cards available on the market.
Gold Foil: Approximately $0.31 per BCX, with 19 cards available on the market.

Investment Potential
Given its common rarity and basic stats, Hardy Stonefish is widely available and affordable. Its primary value lies in collection completion and occasional use in specific low-mana battles. Investors may find limited appreciation potential due to its lack of unique abilities or high demand.

Conclusion

Hardy Stonefish is a straightforward, low-mana melee attacker within the Water splinter, suitable for filling team slots in mana-restricted battles. While it lacks special abilities and has modest stat progression, it can serve a purpose in specific scenarios where low-cost monsters are needed.

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. 😊