(G)Rooted Survival

Rocket’s got a plan, and no one is going to stop him!

The idea behind this deck is to increase Rocket’s survivability in ways that synergize well with his kit. The highest-priority cards are Groot and Thruster Boots.

Groot is the primary survivability enabler for the deck. Once played, he should be able to remain in play for the rest of the game, which helps enable Flora and Fauna whenever it is drawn. Defiance and Pinned Down are pivotal to this plan, as they reduce incoming damage—either from a villain or from minions, respectively—allowing Groot to continually and safely heal. Defiance can also save Rocket in situations where Groot is unable to take a hit.

Pinned Down works especially well alongside Rocket Launcher, allowing Rocket to “hoard” enemies for big clears—and potentially extra card draw. These minions can come from regular encounter draws or from "Come Get Me, Bub!", which further increases Rocket’s survivability. Weakened enemies are also ideal targets for a single defense from Groot, helping him recover from low health.

Thruster Boots, in combination with Ever Vigilant and I've Got a Plan, enable massive threat-removal turns, which are particularly effective in multiplayer. Ever Vigilant can also help deal with stunned and confused status cards, whose forced effects can sometimes interfere with Rocket’s game plan.

The deck’s slower playstyle is supported by cards like Drax, Starhawk, and Knowhere. Booster Boots should be used with caution until Groot is in play, but they can help dig for Rocket’s tech cards more quickly when combined with Salvage.