Introduction

I have said this before, and I say it again - Splinterlands provides a fascinating world of never-ending possibilities. There are so many permutations and combinations of monsters and attack types that can be used that there is always something new to discover.

Talking about something new to discover, let’s get talking about the ‘Giant Squid’. It is one of the monsters of the Water Splinter and one that I end up using during low to moderate mana games. Why? Well, for one, it has a decent health value of 4 with armor, and it has an impressive attack value of 2.

Well, the last point is good enough for me to choose this monster during smaller mana games. As we level up the Giant Squid, the armour, health and attack value improves quite well.

Let’s get to know the Giant Squid a bit better! 😊

But before we get to know the Giant Squid, what is Splinterlands? I am sure many of you newbies have no idea about it, so let’s get to know Splinterlands first.

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.

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 Giant Squid – Awaits with It’s Arms Wide Open!

The Giant Squid falls in that odd spot where there are monsters for the same mana cost, have higher health value or have self-healing abilities. So, it becomes a trifle challenging to lean towards the Squiddy. However, where players require some potent attacks, the Giant Squid does not disappoint.

As I mentioned before, Squiddy is suitable for low-moderate mana games as much as high mana games.

Let’s look at both varieties of games to get a sense.

High Mana Battle

Here is one battle where I had the 99 Mana Cap limit. Take a look at how the fight progresses:

Screen 1: The Enemy and I Face-Off

Well, I went in for heavy artillery considering that it was a big mana game. I covered the legendary, rare and common cards. And guess what Mr Squiddy made it to the league.

Take a look at how my opponent and I fair:

The opponent chose the Fire Splinter, and his/her lineup is good too. Take a sum of the attack value of all the monsters from position two, and you will see that the opponent has an attack value of 11. A similar analysis of mine shows an attack value of 12. Considering the monster in the first position is the same, it is easy to see that we are evenly matched.

Here is a lineup of my monsters for the battle:

1. Prismatic Energy – The choice is obvious for its magic-reflecting ability
2. Phantom of the Abyss – One of the most potent attacker at level 1. Besides, a magic monster. Amazing combo!
3. Mantoid – A common monster with an attack value of 2. Not bad to be added
4. Giant Squid – Well, how can we miss Squiddy? 😊
5. Azmare Harpoonist – Another useful monster with an attack value of 3. Quite impressive
6. Water Elemental – A self-healing monster with an attack value of 2, is always a great addition to the team

Now, let’s see how the battle progresses.

Screen 2: The Battle Horns Are Ringing!

At first, there was hardly any difference between the two teams, as both sides held up well.

Take a look after a few attacks from both sides:

But after this status-quo, is where things started changing. My attacks started appearing a bit more potent than the opponents. As such, I made quick inroads.

Though, at first, we were pretty even-steven with one monster gone on either side:

Then the complexion changed even further.

Screen 3: Complete Carnage

As we got to the end of the battle, I had lost just one monster in total, whereas the enemy was run over entirely.

And guess what? Squiddy remains unharmed. 😊

That completes one of the high mana battles. Now, let’s look at a moderate mana battle.

Low to Moderate Mana Battle

Now, here the complexion changes a bit. With the high mana games, we have the liberty of getting all our biggies and squiddy, but with moderate mana games, there is a question of whether to take Squiddy to battle or any other monster in its place.

That question probably leads to players choosing monsters other than Squiddy, at times.

Let’s look at one of the battles.

Screen 1: Along Squiddy We Face-Off

Now, considering the mana limit, I could only select:

1. Sea Monster – Self-healing melee attack monster with a high attack value
2. Crustacean King – Heals the monsters in the first position
3. Giant Squid – Ranged attack monster with an attack value of 2
   And, I thought, these were good. Though, I could have taken a water elemental in the place of the Squiddy.

Here is how our face-off screen looked like:

It is quite a strong line up from the opponent’s side as well. And here my monsters from second position onwards have a combined attack value of 2, whereas, the opponent has a combined attack value of 3. His monsters are a trifle stronger than mine, but let’s see.

Screen 2: We Battle

And the battle went quite in favour of the opponent’s team. They were good.

Take a look here:

See that? I’ve already lost the Crustacean King and on the verge of losing Squiddy too.

Screen 3: The Fight Back

Here is where the fortunes changed in my favour. With the Rexx out of the way, my self-healing Sea Monster had the last laugh.

See that? The Sea Monster from the verge of being decimated started gaining health with each attack and ended up running through the opponent’s team.

And here’s where the Squiddy didn’t work though I won the battle. So, with Squiddy, it is always a touch-and-go thing. You may win, or you may not. ☹

Why Is It Difficult to Choose Squiddy?

Firstly, the Giant Squid belongs to the Water Splinter, where there are many incredible monsters already. The Sea Monster and the Water Elemental are those who can self heal, then there is the Harpoonist who has a better attack value, and of course, the choice of some magnificent common monsters too.

In such a case, choosing Squiddy becomes a tad bit difficult. No doubt, it has impressive stats, but unless it is at level 5 or above, there is hardly anything different about the card. That is one thing that makes me play less with Squiddy.

The only exception is where I have to play a low mana battle which grants all monsters extra armour, and then Squiddy becomes a great choice. Unless the opponent is using a magic attack, I get away with a triple armoured Squiddy.

So, that’s clearly my opinion about the Giant Squid! 😊

How do We Level Up the Giant Squid?

The Giant Squid does not come with any additional abilities until level 4. After that, it has the blinding ability, and at level 8, it also has weakening ability.

Hmm… A level 8 Squiddy is something I wouldn’t mind using because it also weakens the enemy monster. That’s something you need to remember.

Here is how the Squiddy levels up.

So, what are you waiting for? Rush and get more of those Giant Squids to level up your Squiddy card.

So, What Do You Think?

I feel that the Giant Squid has its own merits, depending on your battle strategies.

Whatever the case, at level 8, the Squiddy becomes an entirely dependable ally. With the blinding and weakening abilities, the Squid not only takes on the enemy with an attack value of 3 but also weakens them. That is more than enough to take on the best of attacks. So, what is your opinion?

Let me know in the comments.

Want to Join Splinterlands?

You can click below and follow the link. All the best!

JOIN SPLINTERLANDS

Image Courtesy: Splinterlands