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 Mantoid.

Gameplay Analysis

Mantoid is a Common Ranged Monster from the Untamed set in Splinterlands. With its Snipe ability and strong ranged attack, it serves as a reliable backline attacker. At higher levels, it gains additional utility, making it an effective choice against Flying units.

Mana Cost: 5
Attack Type: Ranged
Abilities by Level
Level 1: Snipe (Targets enemy Monsters with Ranged, Magic, or No Attack)
Level 6: Snare (Removes Flying from targets and ensures they can’t evade attacks)

Level-Based Insights

Level 1: Snipe allows Mantoid to target backline support units, making it effective against squishy Magic or Ranged Monsters.
Level 6: Snare makes it a solid counter against Flying units, ensuring accurate hits and removing their evasive advantage.

Comparative Analysis

How does this card compare to other similar ones?

Vs. Tower Griffin: Both are low-mana Ranged attackers, but Tower Griffin provides team-wide armor, whereas Mantoid focuses on sniping and anti-Flying utility.
Vs. Goblin Chariot: Goblin Chariot has higher base attack but lacks abilities, making Mantoid a stronger long-term investment due to Snipe and Snare.
Vs. Mitica Headhunter: Mitica Headhunter has higher damage and Piercing, while Mantoid specializes in sniping and countering Flying units.

Key Takeaway
Mantoid is a solid, mid-cost Ranged unit that excels at disrupting backline support Monsters. At higher levels, Snare makes it an effective counter to Flying-heavy teams, especially in Earthquake rulesets.

Synergies

Yodin Zaku (Fire Summoner): Grants Blast, amplifying Mantoid’s Snipe damage to multiple enemies.
Selenia Sky (Dragon Summoner): +1 Ranged Attack makes Mantoid’s attacks significantly stronger.
General Sloan (Life Summoner): Boosts Ranged Attack, increasing Mantoid’s offensive output.
Brighton Bloom: Grants Flying to the whole team—Mantoid can remove enemy Flying units' evasion, making them easier for the rest of the team to hit.

Ruleset Performance

Favorable Rulesets:
Target Practice: Gives Snipe to all Monsters, doubling down on Mantoid’s strength.
Earthquake: Since Mantoid can remove Flying from enemies, it ensures they take damage from Earthquake.
Lost Magic: Magic units are banned, making Mantoid’s Snipe more effective against Ranged targets.

Challenging Rulesets:
Close Range: Mantoid cannot attack if moved to the frontline.
Fog of War: Disables Snipe, removing one of Mantoid’s core advantages.
Reverse Speed: With decent speed, it struggles in low-speed battles.

Market Analysis

Price Overview
Regular Foil: around $ 0.09
Gold Foil: around $ 1.5

Investment Potential
Mantoid is a great investment for players who need a reliable Snipe attacker. Its Snare ability at Level 6 adds extra utility, making it valuable in Flying-heavy metas and Earthquake rulesets.

Ratings

Usefulness: 8/10 (Strong Snipe attacker with anti-Flying utility)
Cost-Effectiveness: 7/10 (Affordable at lower levels, but higher-level versions provide more value)
Versatility: 7/10 (Good in most lineups but struggles in rulesets that disable Snipe or Ranged attacks)

Conclusion

Mantoid is a strategic Ranged attacker that specializes in sniping support Monsters and countering Flying units. Its Snare ability at Level 6 makes it valuable in Earthquake battles, and it works well with Ranged-focused teams. A solid pick for mid-level and high-level players looking for a versatile backline damage dealer.

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. 😊