Introduction
The fascinating world of Splinterlands never fails to impress, and with all the development that is further expected, the future only looks bright. But I am sure the last few days were more of a happy moment for most players with the new set of reward cards being released. The best part is, most of us got the reward cards in our daily quests too, and we continue to get more.
Talking about cards, let's focus on a few of the existing stalwarts and more specifically, the Barking Spider. Now, here is one of the first few cards that I received as I started playing the game. The Barking Spider is a ranged attacker and the one that gives decent health for the mana cost.
Now, for newbies, when you are starting to play the game, one of the things that you will wish for is that lineup of monsters which has enough life to stand the opponent's attacks. The Barking Spider, in that sense, is a good ally. We will see a bit of that soon, but first…
What game is Splinterlands, really? I am sure many newbies, as well as non-players, have that question. So, let's address that question first, shall we?
What Game is Splinterlands?
Well, it is one of the earliest blockchain-based collectible games. Though I started playing the game quite late, on hindsight, I should have had got going early. Anyway, no need to despair, there is so many opportunities no matter when you start.
Splinterlands is a digital card game which allows you to collect, trade, battle, rent and even earn on the cards. It is one of the most generous games that I have seen where cards, potions, Dark Energy Crystals (DEC. Cryptocurrency) are given out every day to thousands of players for just playing and winning daily quests. And there are tournaments or guilds that you can join.
Just to give you an idea of few of the uber-expensive cards, take a look at this recent purchase of Prince Julian at USD 3500.
Card Purchase Contract: Gold Foil Prince Julian
Did you go to the link and see for yourself? I hope you did. And I hope that gives an overview of the game. I just love the game, and those interested can go to Splinterlands' site and join. If you want a link to join, I will leave one at the end of the article which you can use.
Scroll down, quick. 😊
The Barking Spider – Bark of Danger!
The Barking Spider forms part of a minority group of monsters which has a higher health value for its mana cost. And that is an advantage which is available from level one. So, as you level up the card, the health improves further.
But what does that mean in battle? It means that the Spider is going to remain around for more than a couple of rounds, at least; especially, in low mana games. Even if the Spider has not levelled up, it forms a decent card to be in the team for newbies.
And as it levels up, it forms an excellent card to be in the low mana games with a mana cost of four, attack value of three, and health of seven. Think about it - the Barking Spider becomes more potent and useful as it levels up.
Hmm.., that sounds great, but how does it fare in battle? Let's find out.
The Barking Spider in Battle Mode
Now, I have taken the Barking Spider in one of the Gold level battles, and it does an excellent job despite not being levelled up.
Let's look at the battle.
Screen 1: The Face-Off
The opponent and I stand against each other, and the opponent has used Life Splinter while I chose the Earth Splinter. My team comprised of two magic attack monsters while more of ranged attackers. This was a battle where melee attacks couldn't be used.
Here is how my team appeared:
Here's a bit of explanation of my lineup but before that a look at the opponent's lineup.
Opponent’s Team
Lacking the choice of Melee attackers, the opponent chose more of magic attack monsters and just a couple of ranged attackers. The "Warrior of Peace" in the first position was a good idea as it would take most of my attacks while the opposition would bludgeon us.
Anyway, let's look at my team.
Position 1: Prismatic Energy
The Prismatic was an obvious choice because there would be no melee attackers and a good amount of magic attackers. In case of magic attacks, the Prismatic Energy would attack back which would be a bonus in the battle.
Position 2: Sporcerer
Another strong magic attack monster with an attack value of two. The Sporcerer could be the second monster guarding the lineup before the ranged-attackers stood exposed. If not for the Sporcerer, the ranged attackers would be in danger if the Prismatic Energy died off.
Position 3: Barking Spider
Here is the hero of our show, the Barking Spider. The Barking Spider, again, is one of the apparent choices considering the rule in play and is one of the better-ranged attackers. If at all, the only issue would be the Spider not having attack value equivalent to the other ranged attack monsters in the lineup.
Position 4-6: Ranged Attackers
The rest of the monsters in my lineup were the ranged attackers, though more potent in attack value as compared to the Barking Spider. The monsters from position 4 to 6 were Javelin Thrower, Mantoid and Cyclops. Each of these monsters had an attack value of two and were quite strong coming up at the back of the battlefield.
Now, it was left to be seen how they would fare in battle.
Screen 2: We Rumble
One of the first observations was that the "Warrior of Peace" was acting as a sponge and swallowing all our attacks, while the opponent's monsters were pulverizing my lineup.
Here is how they look at the very beginning of the attacks.
It was apparent that my Prismatic Energy was also taking a good amount of attacks. The Sporcerer stood bludgeoned while my ranged attackers powered on. The Barking Spider delivered its attack and did not sustain any attacks yet.
Screen 3: Downhill From There
At the end of the previous screen, it did appear that I had the upper hand, but that was not the case. If the opponent's Warrior took a lot of our attacks, then there was also his Prismatic Energy to act as the second level of cushion for his remaining monsters. That did us in.
Take a look at the screen now:
Our hero, the Barking Spider, has reached the first position. This is testimony to its life which allows it to continue for many rounds despite sustaining attacks. But the sad part over here is that the Barking Spider in the first position is a good enough indication of my lineup being gobbled up.
And that's what happened.
See the opponent's Prismatic Energy still battling on? And that cushioned his ranged attackers. In another round, my Cyclops also was eliminated.
I lost the battle. ☹
How Does the Barking Spider Fit in My Strategy?
Well, the Barking Spider is an excellent ally for very low mana games where melee attackers aren't allowed, or magic monsters are not allowed. You will have to go with ranged attackers, and in such cases, the Barking Spider is good to use.
However, with the medium and high mana games, the Barking Spider does not become the obvious choice. Why? Because there are other potent ranged attackers in the Earth Splinter and I am not even talking about the common monsters yet. As such, the Barking Spider would be a choice only if there is no other choice.
Is it always that way? Well, there is one exception, and that is when the Barking Spider levels up.
Barking Spider Leveling Up - Almost Becomes a Summoner
Now, as the Barking Spider levels up, it becomes incredibly potent at level 10. The humble Spider becomes a monstrous entity with health of seven, attack value of three and speed of four. That means it is a bundle of potency.
See that? So for all very low mana battles and the rules where monsters with four or less mana can only be used, the Barking Spider is an obvious choice.
But that's not all. The Barking Spider's new ability is unlocked from level six. This ability reduces the opponent's melee and ranged attackers from hitting their target. As such, the Barking Spider forms a protective layer around the entire team. Now, that easily qualifies to be a summoner. In other words, the Barking Spider almost becomes a summoner from level six.
Now, who wouldn't want to have such a monster in battle? So, that explains the fact that the Spider is a good addition at higher levels of campaigns.
So, What Is Your Opinion?
I think the Barking Spider is a beautiful card when you are starting and when you have levelled it up. It serves well to elongate your lineup and at higher levels almost acts like a summoner. For the second reason alone, it can be part of your lineup.
But first, level it up as fast as possible! 😊
So, that's it from me. I hope you enjoyed reading the article.
Have fun playing Splinerlands!
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