Forcefield GROOTinator (Expert)

"I am Groot!" — Groot

Forcefield Generator changes everything.

Groot has historically struggled to keep his growth counters against any villains worth their salt and, with a Forced Interrupt on his hero card, not even defense events or Energy Barrier can help him. But Forcefield Generator also has Forced Interrupt, and thus one Forcefield Generator can protect up to 6 growth counters!

Suddenly, Groot can consistently land his events for 10 damage/thwarting - and use his upgrades such as Vine Spikes reliably.

At the time of posting this deck has successfully defeated:

• Expert Thanos
• Expert Klaw
• Expert Zola (in 2-player with Hawkeye Justice)

(Iron Fist was swapped for The Night Nurse against Thanos)

If you like this deck, I'd really appreciate a ❤ !

Strategy

Step 1: Forcefield Grootinator

This deck really gets going once you have a Forcefield Generator in play. Playing Groot even for a few turns with one makes a world of difference, letting you consistently use everything for full value without fear! It feels like how Groot is meant to be played!

Unflappable is arguably worth more, being a reliable and cheap way to boost Groot's economy, with Armored Vest hot on its heels to help protect those sacred growth counters. Hard to Ignore helps maintain the threat, and Helicarrier helps Groot's economy even further.

Fertile Ground is your best find when you mulligan, followed by Unflappable and Helicarrier. Armored Vest and Hard to Ignore are the next best finds and should be played as soon as possible.

Step 2: I am Groot.

Survival while setting up is the name of the game. Even with Repurpose and big "I. AM. GROOT!" plays on the cards, Protection doesn't do anything in a hurry. Leverage your growth counters to maintain board control while playing upgrades.

Your allies are your primary source of thwarting, and you shouldn't feel bad using any of their final hp to thwart with rather than defend - although defending with one can set you up to thwart or attack with your upgrades~ Med Team is ideally here to keep Rocket Raccoon thwarting, but is fine to use on anyone to help you keep the main scheme low and clear side schemes.

Often underestimated, Groot's 1-cost upgrades are all useful and should be used! Vine Shield is especially useful for protecting our growth counters when we don't have a Forcefield Generator or we're trying to protect one that's low while we have a Repurpose in hand. Vine Spikes helps to clear minions, and Entangling Vines provides much-needed thwarting.

Use Root Stomp and Fruition to keep your growth counters up while using your upgrades. Repurpose your Forcefield Generator whenever it down to 1 or 2 counters, or sooner in an emergency - and replace it with another Forcefield Generator as a priority!

Black Widow is the surprise savior of the deck. While something of a tempo loss initially, dodging Advance and Shadow of the Past has made a huge difference in my plays with this deck and she's more than earned her spot. With Unflappable drawing you a 6th card, I've always had a mental resource when I've needed it..

Step 3: I. AM. GROOT!

Once Groot has set up, it's time to end the villain.

With 10 well-protected counters, "I. AM. GROOT!" hits hard and can quickly set the villain up for lethal damage. When solo, once I find the opportunity to hit the villain in their last stage with a big "I. AM. GROOT!", I start blasting through growth counters with Vine Spikes and Lashing Vines and fishing for a Repurpose. Root Stomp is a lower priority but perfectly helpful to help finish off the villain.

With Unflappable, Helicarrier and Deft Focus, it's very possible to play two "I. AM. GROOT!"s or Root Stomps AND Repurpose, and then use your Groot upgrades. It's unlikely, but there's a potential of 34 damage in one turn as Protection! And, over two turns, it's very easy to hit these kind of numbers.

Alternative Cards

• Gamora - More events are never a bad thing. Well, not unless she discards Fertile Ground. But, in general, Gamora is a great addition who also loves Med Team.
• The Night Nurse - An amazing card that really shines in scenarios with stuns/confuse. There's nothing worse than being stunned with Repurpose waiting in hand.
• Agent 13 - Although it can be hard to find the tempo to play her, she combos well with Helicarrier and Med Team to get you a lot of resources and a lot of threat removal.
• C.I.T.T - While not very effective by itself, Repurpose makes C.I.T.T. gain a lot of value if you can find the space to take the tempo hit of playing it.
• Tackle - A solid inclusion for multiplayer. In solo, this gets in the way of Unflappable.

Good luck and have fun!