One To The Power Of Seven

As of lately, I believe everyone’s been talking all over about the new creatures we received this update. Even though I wasn't active during this period, I am well aware of how the Apex creatures of the update have their own potential of being meta-relevant through their moves. One particular Apex, Sah Panthera, was partly the main inspiration on why this article was made. The reason was not because Sah being an issue here, but rather the history of one of its crucial components that makes this topic a lot bigger than many could imagine.

Looking at every non-hybrid creature in JWA, there are surely quite a number of them that fuse into some of the more powerful hybrids in both PvP and Skill Tournaments. Some of which, like Nundasuchus and Parasaurolophus are some of the stronger competitors on this list, especially when both of their hybrid lineages fuse into 3 Unique hybrids, while the latter even has an Apex to add onto the list. However, with this recent update, I have to say that the best non-hybrid creature to invest in DNA right now isn’t the 2 Common creatures that I’ve mentioned just then (even if they’re close calls to the main creature I will be discussing later). If you want to know which creature this article will be focusing on, just look at the thumbnail.

Now what’s with Marsupial Lion? As a Rare creature itself, and with rend being almost irrelevant with Omegas around, it surely won’t come in handy in tournaments for sure. Besides, with the rend resisted Rexy now dominating lower arenas more frequently, it won’t be going anywhere with the word ‘battle’ in it. So, this article won’t be about Marsupial Lion’s battle performances in the current game, but rather on how you can spend your DNA on it, which you can have a total of 7 choices to pick, apart from the typical marsupial itself. But hey, if Nundasuchus DNA can be used to create 9 hybrids, while Parasaurolophus has 6 to choose from, how does Marsupial Lion DNA excel itself from these options? Well, get your lab coats ready cause we’re probably gonna need several chromosome samples for further explanation as we move on to its hybrids.

Starting off we’ve got the Epic Thylacocator, which is probably the weakest investment of Marsupial Lion DNA out there due to it being shut down by Omegas and Epics that are a tier above it, like Giganotosaurus and Pulmonoscorpius. Still, it’s one of the more useful Epics for a beginner to behold. A niche bleed and rend combo can be a huge problem to tanks like Diplodocus. Swap In Distraction can also be useful when you’re dealing with Fierce like Tyrannosaurus Rex or Ghost. The resistances on the other hand, aren’t too great but then you still have speed reduction immunity, which is decent to have. So yet again, it’s another Epic that has seen better days. But hey-ho, we’ve all expected power-creep to be a thing, especially when the new Gigantspinosaurus has rend resistance and comes with a cleanse. Although its future in the meta seems unimpressive for now, the DNA demand for this thing right now is what I’d say 'even higher than the stocks of Berkshire Hathaway'. Why? To answer that, we’ll have to see Thylacotator’s reptilian cousin first before moving on.

Reaching the Legendary leagues we’ve got the reddish Thylaconyx, another spinosaurid fusion for Marsupial Lion. By now, if not all but most would know that this hybrid is part of the infamous ‘Big 4’ of the Legendary meta, despite being easily the worst and probably the least useful of the 4, so it’s position isn’t really that steady as it was before. Whether it’s still a member of the ‘Big 4’ for now is still up to question. Primarily because Rexy can do a better job on shutting down creatures turn 1 as a Fierce tank, plus Panthera Blytheae exists. Still with these disadvantages, it’s the 2nd best Fierce in its category, mainly because of its decent speed, bleed, devour, swap in rend and a dodge that makes a difference. Besides, Skirmish being a group rampage just makes things better for this furry monster, especially when it can come in handy when punishing slower flocks. Either way, all these make Thylaconyx a relatively versatile hybrid, when it’s already on par with some mid tier Uniques like Albertospinos and Entelolania. Like its mammalian cousin, the DNA demand for Thylaconyx is also pretty trendy. Although not as much as Thylacotator right now, it’s still pretty valuable - not only just for the tournaments, but rather for a whole new kind of hybrid. 

Ah, Thylos Intrepidus. I still recall how much joy I had when I first unlocked this flock back on Christmas Day of 2022. Originally intended, for me to be used in raids, one single buff back then changed it overnight. The buff Thylos got was perhaps one of the BIGGEST since the game’s launch and these critters, well, they became the fiercest flock in the game. 

When it comes to Thylos, I bet most players will talk about how annoying it is to face up against it when it could swap in, take a kill from a crit and damage increased shattering strike, and be wary of that 90% chance for it getting a critical hit. As a master of fright, Dual Rending Assault with the damage and crit buff would brutally KO everything without rend resistance. Similar to Thylaconyx, it also has bleed, devour and dodge placed into the mix, making even a Thylos that’s down to one member, a deadly opponent. Along with an on-escape rallying strike, running from it just makes things worse for an unawaring opponent. With the ability to take down Geminideus and Stegosaurus Ungulatus in the most successful way, while outclassing Tyrannometrodon as the huge damage dealer in the Unique meta, there is no doubt that it is the 3rd best investment to spend Marsupial Lion DNA on. But wait!! If Thylos already occupied a spot in the meta, why is it still only the 3rd best investment? Before unveiling the top picks, let’s move on to some honourable mentions.

Generally speaking, wolves in JWA are a nice addition to the roster and that also goes to our next hybrid creatures: Aenocyonyx and Indolycan. Like wolves in popular culture, they’re untameable unless you could learn how to stay in a mutual relationship with them. By mean of ‘relationship’, I actually meant their abilities. Let’s start with the Unique first.

Aenocyonyx shares 50% moves directly from the Legendary spinosaurid hybrid it fuses from, and there only clear differences are having Skirmish replaced with Disarming Decimate And Run, as well as gaining Challenging Howl On Escape and Swap In Lockdown. Besides that, having immense bulk for a Fierce hit and runner, amazing resistances and with quick speed, this canine can be used in a variety of matchups effectively, especially against beefy tanks like Alankyloceratops and Ceratosaurus; having a quick speed output, as well significantly increasing the chance for it to gain dominance within an opposing team. Despite all these advantages, the current meta has a lot of nullification moves to deal with, and so, it may not be the brightest thing in the meta for now. However, still a solid choice for Unique teams. 

Next up, we have Indolycan, which uses entirely different moves from Aenocyonyx. Spirit Wolf here, rather uses Fierce moves in favour of more Cunning abilities, like dodge and distraction to further maul the opponent. As with Indoraptor Gen 2, Indolycan can also use its own version of Mutual Fury: 'Cloak Of Rage' - supporting its raid teammates as well as to benefit itself in PvPs. This move is relatively horrifying when the timing is correct! It’s practically a cloak that increases one’s attack, while reducing the other’s armour entirely. Allowing this wolf to dish out immense damage next turn unless it’s slower. Consider this as a ‘high risk, high reward’ move. Even though having abilities that could confuse opponents, it has seen better days as it’s not as viable as it was a year ago. Luckily, with a buff on its new enhancement, now allows it to break shields at the end of a turn; it may see another chance. Overall, one of my favourite Apexes in the game would definitely be the 4th best investment in Marsupial Lion DNA. 

So far, we’ve discussed 5 Marsupial Lion hybrids. Through these descriptions, all 5 of them being relatively useful in their own rights could have credibility on why Marsupial Lion DNA is viable nowadays. Even so, all 5 of them aren’t exactly so-called the best creatures in the main meta, despite all of them being powerful, and with their own reputation. With the last 2 hybrids, they could really make one rage if faced up against them. 

Panthera Blytheae has always been one of the creatures I maintain a hatred for 2 reasons: Evasive Hunt and Nullification. Getting a hybrid isn’t the brightest thing either.

Not only is Pantherator one of the more astounding creatures in the main meta, but it requires even more Thylacotator DNA to fuse it right after Thylos got its inevitable buff. Unlike Thylos though, Shovel Chin is a pure Cunning creature, like the snow leopard it fuses from. First up it’s got Determined Strike which is arguably the best strike in the game; the usual Evasive Hunt, yet another bleed and rend combination, along with a double strike that uses more dodge and distraction. Furthermore, with an upgraded Counter and Hunt On Escape, with distraction immunity. Through all these abilities, this feline could be almost fearless against any set ups . Coming along with an already strong damage stat and quick speed, these are the main reasons why Pantherator excels easily, without even trying to adapt in the pestering meta: It fits and could dominate in a Fierce-oriented environment. 

As if 2 panthers weren’t enough for the game, but now we’ve got 3 of them in order to match up with the ‘Rex Vs Panther’ rivalry.
 

Our final Marsupial Lion hybrid on this list is the Apex back in the introduction, Sah Panthera. I’m not sure what’s with the main obsession with JamCity releasing panthers lately. However, all I know is that Sah has part Pantherator in its genes, which in turn uses more Thylacotator DNA, and that leads to another LOAD of Marsupial Lion DNA. From what Afflicting Trap and Vengeful Double Strike could do, it’s definitely a powerful upgrade from what Pantherator was. Especially, when Afflicting Trap is practically an Evasive Hunt but comes in 100% affliction, which comes in handy even if the opponent has tons of immunities to start with. This, while the both defensive and offensive double strike is way more effective towards both Fierce and Cunning creatures alike. Although, hilariously this panther actually loses to Skoonametrodon and putting an end to team panther’s winning streak. Sah still could be a huge menace if the opponent is missing any cleansing abilities to even get a strike on it.

Overall, it’s a rather impressive upgrade, considering how oppressive Pantherator is. 

So, with all of that being listed out, there has to be a reason why Marsupial Lion DNA is relatively more valuable than any other creatures.

Marsupial Lion getting so much attention lately though it’s different hybrids is now practically a fact, and not just a joke on whether it’ll be the next Albertosaurus. Speaking of Albertosaurus, Marsupial Lion is again, another exclusive creature locked behind events. It’s possible to scent Marsupial Lion through the Scent Of Claws, but most of the time, you aren’t gonna encounter it in the wild. Again, with 7 hybrids to choose from, plus if you include Marsupial Lion itself in the event exclusives list, you get a total of 6 different creatures (7 if you include the short range spawn Amphicyon).

So, even if you manage to collect enough Marsupial Lion DNA in order to get these hybrids, you would still have to deal with those event exclusive creatures in order to do so, and yep, it’s gonna be a long journey ahead. While Marsupial Lion itself isn’t your average arena combatant, its DNA would surely be, if not, one of the most valuable materials in the game.

With Thylos and Pantherator already occupying 2 of the top 3 spots in the meta right now, Sah Panthera preparing to take on the meta teams in Nublar Shores, as well as the recent enhancement buff on Indolycan, it is an almost impossible task for any player to blow their Marsupial Lion DNA on one particular creature, as everyone’s gonna go bankrupt with all those demands on its hybrids.

For me, if these hybrids were to continue performing well in the current meta, there’s only one way to satisfy players without allowing JamCity to get a cash grab frenzy: Let’s have our fingers crossed to have Marsupial Lion become a global spawn in the future. If not, only a pay to win would gain benefit from purchasing a free Apex instead of players who grind the game for fun.

That’s all for Marsupial Lion, and with 7 hybrids being associated with it, it surely isn’t going anywhere away from the laboratory.

Anyways, if you spy an event with this typical marsupial being featured, wish you all the best on darting this creature and break a leg on fusing its hybrids.

Thanks for reading this article and happy playing!