MARVEL SNAP, the digital collectible card game from former Hearthstone game director Ben Brode and his studio Second Dinner, is finally getting the mode fans have demanded since launch. Draft mode is coming, and it’s not just a simple card-picking affair — it layers in roguelike progression that can turn a Black Panther into an absolute monster. I went hands-on with the mode ahead of its launch and came away impressed, even as the game itself faces a challenging year. The news was reported by Cgmagonline.
The timing is notable. MARVEL SNAP launched to critical acclaim in the fall of 2022, winning Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards that year and becoming the top-grossing digital trading card game by September 2023, according to Forbes. But 2025 has been brutal: the game reportedly lost 75% of its revenue. Draft mode, which Second Dinner says is probably the most requested feature, arrives as a potential shot in the arm — and after playing it, I can see why the team believes it could be a turning point.
What Is Draft Mode in MARVEL SNAP?
Draft mode has players build temporary decks from random selections of cards, a familiar structure for card game veterans. But the twist is the roguelike element: after each round, cards can be “augmented” with buffs. This creates a run-based feel where your deck evolves as you progress, rather than staying static from the first pick.
During my preview session earlier this month, I saw how these augmentations can dramatically shift a match. Black Panther, for example, can have his power doubled a second time with certain buffs, which can be extremely valuable. It’s the kind of synergy that Draft mode encourages — you’re not just building a deck, you’re building a runaway train of escalating power.
The structure is tight: Drafts can go on for a maximum of 6 rounds, with players allowed to lose just once before the run ends. That single-loss rule keeps tension high and forces meaningful decisions about when to push for wins versus when to bank what you have. Getting to 5 wins grants an additional Draft ticket alongside currency rewards, giving skilled players a way to keep the mode rolling without spending more.
Limited-Time Window and Availability
Draft is not a permanent addition — at least not yet. It’s a limited game mode running from August 24 at noon PT until September 7 at noon PT. That two-week window suggests Second Dinner is testing the waters, gathering data, and seeing how the community responds before committing to a full rollout.
The team mentioned that this latest iteration of Draft has been in the works for the past year or so. That’s a long development cycle for a mode that, on the surface, seems straightforward. But the roguelike augmentation system adds complexity, and balancing those buffs across MARVEL SNAP’s ever-growing card pool is no small task.
Why Draft Could Be a Turning Point
MARVEL SNAP’s 2025 revenue drop of 75% is a stark number, and it’s clear the game needs something to reignite player interest. Draft mode, with its combination of skill-based drafting and roguelike chaos, offers a fresh way to engage with the game’s core mechanics. It’s a departure from the ladder-climbing and collection-building that defines the main experience.
Based on my time playing and winning 5 rounds of Draft, I believe this is a good game mode which, with a bit more love and polish, could become one of the main reasons players are picking up MARVEL SNAP in the first place. The foundation is solid — the question is whether Second Dinner will iterate on it after this limited run.
For a game that has weathered a rough year, Draft represents a genuine attempt to give players something new. Whether it’s enough to reverse the revenue trend remains to be seen, but for fans who have been asking for this mode since launch, it’s a welcome arrival.
