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 Riftwing.

Gameplay Analysis

Riftwing is a Common Death monster from the Chaos Legion set in Splinterlands. Its unique abilities and stats make it a versatile addition to various team compositions, particularly in battles that favor speed and evasion.

Mana Cost: 4
Attack Type: None (Riftwing does not have an attack)
Health: 6 (Level 1) to 8 (Max Level)
Speed: 3 (Level 1) to 5 (Max Level)
Abilities:
Flying (Level 1): Increases evasion against non-flying monsters.
Scavenger (Level 1): Gains 1 max health each time any monster dies.
Backfire (Level 5): When an enemy misses Riftwing, they take 2 damage.
Headwinds (Level 8): Reduces the Ranged attack of all enemy monsters.

Riftwing's combination of Flying and Scavenger allows it to become increasingly durable as battles progress, especially in matches with high monster turnover. The addition of Backfire at Level 5 punishes opponents for missed attacks, while Headwinds at Level 8 provides team-wide utility by diminishing enemy Ranged damage.

Level-Based Insights

Levels 1–4:
At these levels, Riftwing serves as a resilient support monster, with Flying enhancing its evasion and Scavenger increasing its health as monsters are eliminated.

Levels 5–7:
The introduction of Backfire at Level 5 adds an offensive edge, dealing damage to enemies that miss their attacks on Riftwing.

Levels 8–10:
Gaining Headwinds at Level 8, Riftwing further supports the team by reducing incoming Ranged damage, making it particularly effective against Ranged-heavy enemy compositions.

Comparative Analysis

How does Riftwing compare to other Death splinter support monsters?

Vs. Carrion Shade:
While both have Scavenger, Riftwing offers additional utility with Flying, Backfire, and Headwinds, making it a more versatile choice in various scenarios.

Vs. Shadowy Presence:
Shadowy Presence provides a health boost to allies with its Strengthen ability but lacks the defensive and disruptive capabilities that Riftwing brings with its full set of abilities.

Key Takeaway
Riftwing excels as a support monster that can disrupt enemy attacks and grow stronger as the battle progresses, making it a valuable asset in attrition-based strategies.

Synergies

Riftwing pairs effectively with:

Cursed Windeku: As a frontline tank with Thorns, Cursed Windeku benefits from Riftwing's Headwinds reducing incoming Ranged damage, allowing it to focus on countering Melee attackers.
Silent Sha-Vi: This Sneak attacker can capitalize on the distractions caused by Riftwing's evasion and Backfire, targeting enemy backlines more effectively.
Contessa L'ament: As a summoner that reduces enemy Ranged attack, pairing her with Riftwing's Headwinds further diminishes the threat from Ranged opponents.

Ruleset Performance

This card excels in the following rulesets:

Earthquake: Riftwing's Flying ability allows it to avoid Earthquake damage, providing an advantage in this ruleset.
Noxious Fumes: With Scavenger, Riftwing can gain health as monsters die from poison, potentially outlasting opponents.
Little League: Its low mana cost makes Riftwing a suitable choice in battles where only monsters with 4 or less mana are permitted.

Market Analysis

Historical Price Movement
Regular Foil: Currently priced around $0.05 per BCX, making it an affordable option for players seeking versatile support monsters.
Gold Foil: Priced at approximately $0.80 per BCX, appealing to collectors and those seeking increased DEC rewards.

Investment Potential
Riftwing's combination of evasion, health scaling, and enemy disruption abilities ensures its relevance in various battle scenarios. Its affordability and utility across multiple rulesets make it a solid investment for players looking to enhance their Death splinter teams.

Conclusion

Riftwing stands out as a dynamic support monster within the Death splinter, capable of disrupting enemy strategies and growing more formidable as battles unfold. Its synergy with various team compositions and effectiveness in multiple rulesets make it a valuable addition to any player's collection.

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. 😊