Strength Burst
Stack Strength quickly, then convert it into lethal pressure with multi-hit attacks in 2-3 turns.
Key Cards: Inflame / Demon Form / Twin Strike / Whirlwind
Recommended Relics: Brimstone / Vambrace / Paels Legion
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Ironclad
Slay the Spire 2 Ironclad guide, builds, and playstyle
Learn Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2 with practical builds, key cards, relic priorities, and route planning tips for stronger and more consistent runs.
Ironclad Quick Start
- Prioritize stable block in Acts 1-2 so you do not lose HP before your scaling cards are online.
- Transition into Strength scaling in mid game and pair it with multi-hit attacks for clean damage spikes.
- Remove low-impact Strikes to improve draw quality and keep key turns consistent.
- If you run self-damage lines, secure sustain or mitigation before adding more HP-cost cards.
Ironclad Decks
Strength Deck
Strength remains the Ironclad's primary method of scaling. By utilizing buffs that provide a flat increase to all attack damage, he can turn multi-hit attacks into lethal sequences.
This build is simple: set up your Strength, then hit the enemies hard!
Key Cards
Early Commons
- Twin Strike - Decent early game damage card that benefits from Strength twice
Early Uncommons
- Fight Me! - Strength generator with multi-hit damage
- Inflame - Cheap Strength generator
- Rupture - Best when taken with a self-damage deck (see Bloodletting deck below)
- Whirlwind - Best multi-hit card and has AoE
High Synergy
Great potential payoffs, but requires more commitment to the archetype.
Demon Form - Best passive Strength generation but requires expensive set up
Brand - Amazing for thinning out deck of either Status cards or Strike / Defend, scales with Rupture too
Thrash hits multiple times and will eat the Strength empowered cards to scale exponentially
Simply set up Strength scaling then play cheap attack cards. Multi-hit cards benefit from Strength on each hit, making them the most effective attack options for this deck.
Relics
- Anchor, Horn Cleat, Permafrost buy you time to set up Demon Form by giving extra Block
- Brimstone is risk/reward but should heavily favour the player in a Strength deck
- Ruined Helmet is usually good for an extra 2 Strength. Not build defining but helpful.
- Sword of Jade is free 3 Strength
Tips
- Vulnerable is great when paired with high damage Strength attacks
- Having extra Energy will allow you to set up and still make a play.
Core Archetypes and Build Direction
Exhaust Control
Use Exhaust to thin the deck and repeatedly find your core defense and finisher package.
Key Cards: Burning Pact / Dark Embrace / Corruption / Feel No Pain
Recommended Relics: Charons Ashes / Pacts End / Burning Sticks
Barricade Counter
Convert large block into late-game offense and close fights with Juggernaut or Body Slam.
Key Cards: Barricade / True Grit / Flame Barrier / Body Slam
Recommended Relics: Self Forming Clay / Parrying Shield / Centennial Puzzle
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Easy to pilot
- Heals after combat
- Straightforward mechanics
- Beginner friendly
Weaknesses
- Exhaust can be awkward to manage
- Low floor but low ceiling
Act-by-Act Route Plan
- Act 1: Stabilize with reliable defense and efficient 2-cost cards before greedy upgrades.
- Act 2: Commit to your strongest core line and start trimming low-value cards.
- Act 3: Add boss-specific tech so your deck has a reliable closing sequence.