Father Mateo (FFG Starter Decklist)

From Arkham Horror: The Card Game Investigator Decklists, v7:

Father Mateo Strategy Tips

Father Mateo is a versatile investigator who can alter the contents of the chaos bag and help mitigate bad luck for all of the investigators. His high willpower and decent agility allow him to defend well against the encounter deck’s hazards and enemies. While his special ability to change an token into an token can only be used once each game, it can make a huge impact. Using his ability at the right time is crucial—you don’t want to waste it on a skill test that doesn’t matter!

Mateo has one of the best abilities in the game, bar none. If you are lucky you may reveal the once or twice during a game, but if you want to truly make the most out of Father Mateo, you will want to use cards that will increase the odds of it appearing. The Chthonian Stone can help with this, and of course The Codex of Ages. As you gain experience, consider purchasing more cards that can increase your odds of drawing the token, such as Grotesque Statue or Protective Incantation.

While Mateo does not have any glaring weaknesses, he can struggle with enemy management when he does not have Mists of R'lyeh or Shrivelling in play. Serpents of Yig can be especially bothersome, since they seal the token. It is worth pointing out that both Serpents of Yig and The Codex of Ages can counter the other—if the token is sealed on Serpents of Yig, you cannot play The Codex of Ages, and if the token is sealed on The Codex of Ages, the Serpents of Yig cannot seal it. Use this knowledge to your advantage!