Daniela Reyes - Chapter 2 Improved

A Core Set–only refinement of Daniela Reyes for the Chapter 2 (2026) card pool, built around what Daniela does best: taking hits, protecting the team, and turning enemy aggression into an advantage. This deck improves on her starter list by increasing consistency, survivability, and flexibility while remaining fully playable with a single Core collection.

Daniela is at her strongest when enemies engage her, and this build embraces that role from the very first scenario. Daniela’s Wrench remains the centerpiece of the deck, providing both combat power and investigation support while rewarding her unique ability to punish enemies that dare attack her. Meat Cleaver and M1911 ensure she always has access to reliable damage, giving her multiple ways to handle threats regardless of what she draws.

The asset package focuses heavily on durability and staying power. Jumpsuit, Resilience, Hunter’s Instinct, and Aleksey Saburov help Daniela absorb punishment while continuing to function under pressure. Logan Hastings provides additional flexibility and support, making it easier for Daniela to adapt to the needs of the group while maintaining her role as the frontline defender.

Unlike many dedicated fighters, Daniela can still contribute meaningful clues. Right Tool for the Job, Lesson Learned, and “Look what I found!” allow her to convert difficult situations into progress on the act deck, ensuring she remains useful even when enemies are scarce. The result is a true guardian-survivor hybrid that can protect the team without becoming a one-dimensional combat specialist.

The side deck offers a clear upgrade path throughout a campaign. Scrape By is an excellent early purchase that improves resource generation and helps Daniela afford her more expensive tools. Counterattack naturally complements her investigator ability, turning incoming attacks into additional damage against enemies. Bodyguard improves her ability to shield teammates and further reinforces her role as the group’s protector.

For larger experience investments, Charisma allows Daniela to run multiple allies simultaneously, creating powerful combinations with Aleksey Saburov and Bodyguard. Finally, Sledgehammer provides a substantial late-campaign combat upgrade, giving Daniela the raw damage output needed to handle elite enemies and boss encounters while still benefiting from her naturally tanky playstyle.

Overall, this deck is designed to feel like the definitive Core-box Daniela Reyes: tough, dependable, and always ready to stand between the Mythos and her fellow investigators. She may not be the fastest clue finder or the flashiest fighter, but few investigators can match her ability to absorb punishment, protect the team, and turn the enemy’s own aggression against them.