A brand-new limited-time mode has arrived in *Marvel Snap* — meet **Sanctum Showdown**, a fresh and strategic way to test your deck-building skills and adaptability. Available until **March 11th**, this event introduces a unique win condition, a powerful new location mechanic, and exciting twists on the classic snapping system. Can you master the challenge and climb the Sorcerer Rank?
What Is Sanctum Showdown?
In *Marvel Snap’s* latest limited-time mode, the traditional six-turn structure is replaced with a dynamic point-based system. Instead of playing through all six turns, the first player to reach **16 points** wins the match. This shift in gameplay encourages aggressive plays and careful resource management, making every turn critical.
The Sanctum Location
At the heart of this mode lies the **Sanctum**, a special location that awards the most points each turn. Controlling the Sanctum can be the difference between victory and defeat. What makes it even more exciting is the new **snapping mechanic**: starting from turn three, players can choose to snap once per turn, increasing the Sanctum’s value by one point. This creates a constant battle for momentum, where timing and strategy are everything.
How to Play and Progress
Each match in Sanctum Showdown costs **one Scroll** to enter, but winning grants you a new Scroll—allowing you to keep playing without interruption. You begin with 12 Scrolls and receive two additional ones every eight hours. If you run out, you can replenish your supply for 40 Gold.
Every match contributes to your progress in the **Sorcerer Rank**, unlocking rewards as you climb. Additionally, matches earn you **Charms**, which can be spent in the **Sanctum Shop** for exclusive cosmetics or new cards to enhance your collection.
Deck Building Tips and Banned Cards
To succeed in Sanctum Showdown, building a well-rounded and adaptable deck is crucial. Some cards and locations have been banned in this mode to ensure fair competition and prevent exploitative strategies. Abilities that influence final turn outcomes won’t function here, and certain cards like **Debrii** have been removed to avoid one-sided advantages.
If you're eyeing cards like **Captain Marvel** or **Dracula**, rethink your approach—they won't help in this format. Instead, focus on versatile and efficient options that can control key turns and manipulate point swings. For an edge in deck selection, check out our *Marvel Snap tier list* for recommended builds tailored to this event.
Exclusive Card Opportunities
Sanctum Showdown offers a rare chance to collect specific cards before they appear in the Token Shop. Cards such as **Laufey**, **Gorgon**, and **Uncle Ben** will only be available through this mode until **March 13th**. Use Portal Pulls wisely to unlock them for free, along with up to four Series 4 or 5 cards.
Final Thoughts
Sanctum Showdown brings a refreshing twist to *Marvel Snap*, offering both competitive play and rewarding progression. Whether you're aiming to climb the ranks or simply enjoy the new mechanics, this mode is a must-play while it's live. Don’t miss your chance—grab your Scrolls and start climbing today!
