Captain America: Problem Solving Expert Venom Goblin

This deck is derived from Captain America: Justice is Served but tweaked specifically for Expert Venom Goblin. Venom Goblin at the time of this writing is probably in the top 3 most difficult villains IMO. He has a few things to take into account that make him extra challenging:

• Status Effects: At Stage 2 he's steady and at Stage 3 stalwart. This makes sense since it shuts down the main scheme glider mechanic, but it does mean status heavy decks aren't very effective here.
• 3 Main Schemes: This has 3x the amount of acceleration happening compared to most scenarios, which means any team will need to be able to do some decent thwarting. Lower Manhattan and Symbiotic Thrall boost effects don't help.
• Potentially multiple attacks a turn: The big one people remember is Advanced Glider. If you're unlucky and have Advanced Glider, Remote Navigation can trigger an activation against you. Luckily, if you really hate this card it's part of Goblin Gear which is the optional modular set. Symbiotic Strength is required though and it comes with two copies of Swinging Assault which can attack you regardless which side you're on. Of course, there's still Assault in the standard encounter set.

Solving Venom Goblin

Why Cap?

Cap is a versatile (and super strong) hero and brings a lot of tools to dealing with the 3 problems. I was originally considering Doctor Strange, but actually found Cap to better positioned for the things I cared about.

• Fearless Determination helps and "I Can Do This All Day!" can really help manage threat.
• Shield Block helps with surviving extra attacks.
• Captain America's Shield gets Cap to a respectable 3 DEF which can be used in a pinch.
• Shield Toss the most common minions are 4x Symbiotic Thrall (4 hp) and 3x Enraged Symbiote (2 hp).

Sadly, Heroic Strike is a bit overcosted at 6 damage with Stun, with Steady and Stalwart.

Problem Solving with Justice

So Much Threat

With threat being so impressive and a scenario with 3 main schemes out, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to showcase a card I don't see often Problem Solvers. This can remove threat from each scheme! It does require having both Guardian and Avenger characters. Cap is already an avenger can has the ability to get his THW to 2-5 depending. In Justice, we have access to some decent Guardian allies, but Eros is the star for this card. I'll often play him and not chump with him if possible. This means problem solvers when played will hit for minimum 4, but usually I'm able to get it to 5 PER scheme. This means without any side schemes you're removing 15 most of the time which really helps manage. It is expensive at 4 cost, so I only run copy of this card. If you're lucky you'll have One Way or Another. In Venom Goblin's default setup, there are two static 5 threat side schemes: Festering Mass and Limitless Supply.

Survivability

Beyond shield block, you'll still need access to a decent selection of allies. With Chance Encounter we're able to recur some of our crucial allies back without waiting for our deck to cycle. I'm looking at you Nick Fury!

Cap isn't the best at innate healing, but Making an Entrance can help get you some extra needed healing.

Ramp

Being able to get setup quickly is also key. Justice feels like one of the fastest aspects because of access to One Way or Another. This coupled with Chance Encounter -> Nick Fury means it's possible to draw an extra +6 cards a turn.

Card Changes

• -1 Professor X - With status effects significantly less effective, this was an easy cut.
• -1 Turn the Tide - Great card, but seemed less essential to getting the deck going compared to other cards at 3 of.
• -1 Lockjaw - I love this card with The Power in All of Us and is a super easy decision making card, but again needed some space for some Guardian allies.
• -1 Snowguard - Versatile, but expensive.
• +1 Problem Solvers
• +1 Eros
• +1 Quasar
• +1 Cosmo

You can see it in action on the OSCS Streamed Channel!