In Slay the Spire, the Ironclad is the first playable character and serves as an excellent introduction to the game’s roguelike deckbuilding mechanics. Known for his brute strength and self-healing ability, the Ironclad starts with a balanced deck that leans toward straightforward attacks and powerful defensive options. However, mastering the Ironclad goes far beyond the basics understanding synergy, relics, and card choices is essential to successfully climbing the spire. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of strategies, archetypes, and key decisions tailored specifically for the Ironclad.
Overview of the Ironclad
The Ironclad starts each run with 80 HP and heals 6 HP at the end of every combat thanks to his passive ability,Burning Blood. This healing provides room for mistakes and enables more aggressive playstyles compared to other characters. His starting relic is invaluable in the early game, especially when trading health for value through cards likeOfferingor events.
Starting Deck
The Ironclad begins with a 10-card deck consisting of:
- 5 Strike cards
- 4 Defend cards
- 1 Bash card
This basic deck encourages players to experiment with different builds as new cards are added. While Bash can help set up vulnerability, it can also be too slow in higher-level play without proper support.
Key Ironclad Archetypes
As you progress through the game, your deck will start to evolve based on the cards and relics you obtain. While flexibility is key in Slay the Spire, several popular and powerful archetypes often emerge during a run.
Strength Build
This is one of the most straightforward and powerful Ironclad builds. The core idea is to increase your Strength stat, making all attacks deal significantly more damage. Key cards and components include:
- Inflame– Grants Strength passively.
- Limit Break– Doubles your Strength, great when upgraded.
- Heavy Blade– Scales directly with Strength (especially when upgraded).
- Demon Form– Adds Strength each turn, excellent for longer fights.
- Spot Weakness– Situational Strength gain, especially effective against bosses.
Relics likePaper Frog,Champion Belt, andDu-Vu Dollcan amplify this build significantly. The goal is to create overwhelming damage output before enemies can react.
Exhaust/Synergy Build
This archetype focuses on removing cards from your deck during combat to activate powerful effects. It’s a bit more complex but can become extremely effective.
- Feel No Pain– Grants block when cards are exhausted.
- Fiend Fire– Exhausts your hand and deals massive damage.
- Burning Pact– Draws cards while exhausting one from your hand.
- Dark Embrace– Draw cards every time one is exhausted.
- Impervious– Pairs well with exhaust enablers likeExhume.
This build benefits from cards and relics that feed off exhaustion, creating powerful loops that build block, card draw, and damage simultaneously.
Block/Turtle Build
Ideal for players who enjoy slower, calculated fights. This strategy stacks block turn after turn, eventually outlasting enemies.
- Shrug It Off– Solid block with card draw.
- Entrench– Doubles your current block; game-changing when timed well.
- Body Slam– Converts block into damage, vital for this build’s offense.
- Barricade– Keeps block between turns, forming the core of the archetype.
- Ghostly Armor– Free block that can be retained if played in time.
Pair with relics likeCalipers,Ice Cream, orThread and Needlefor optimal effect. While not the fastest path through the spire, it offers consistent survivability.
Card Evaluation and Prioritization
Knowing which cards to add and when is critical. Each card should serve a purpose. Adding too many cards without synergy weakens your deck and can clog your hand.
Early Game
In the early floors, prioritize flexible and efficient cards:
- Pommel Strike– Great damage with card draw.
- Anger– Zero-cost attack that snowballs in longer fights.
- Iron Wave– Offensive and defensive coverage in one.
- Whirlwind– Excellent for clearing multiple low-health enemies.
Mid to Late Game
As your build becomes clearer, start refining your deck:
- Skip cardsthat don’t align with your strategy.
- Take cards thatscalewith your main mechanic (Strength, Block, Exhaust, etc.).
- Look for synergy cards likeCorruptionif you rely heavily on skills.
Relics to Watch For
Relics often make or break your run. Some are universally strong for Ironclad, while others shine in specific builds.
- Dead Branch– Combines perfectly with exhaust decks, creating random cards on each exhaust.
- Bag of Marbles– Applies Vulnerable to all enemies at the start of combat; great for aggression.
- Magic Flower– Increases healing from all sources, improving Burning Blood and healing cards.
- Orichalcum– Provides block if you end your turn without using a block card.
- Champion Belt– Applies Weak when enemies become Vulnerable.
When selecting boss relics, make sure they won’t hurt your core strategy. For example,Runic Domemay backfire if you’re not familiar with enemy patterns, andSnecko Eyeonly works well if your deck has high-cost cards.
Managing Your Deck Size
A common mistake is adding too many cards. Unlike other games where more is better, in Slay the Spire, smaller and more focused decks are usually stronger. A thin deck ensures you draw your best cards more often. Whenever possible, remove base Strikes and Defends unless they serve a specific function in your build. Use events, shops, or card rewards to trim your deck over time.
Elite and Boss Strategy
The Ironclad has enough raw power to tackle elites early in a run, which can reward valuable relics. Don’t shy away from elites if you feel your deck is strong. Choose paths that give you options to rest, heal, or shop after elite encounters. When facing bosses:
- Plan ahead by identifying your weaknesses damage output, block, or card draw.
- Upgrade high-value cards likeLimit Break,Shrug It Off, orBash.
- Adjust your playstyle for scaling fights like Time Eater or Awakened One.
Boss fights often test your deck’s consistency, so make sure you’re not overly reliant on a single combo or card.
The Ironclad is a deceptively deep character that offers a satisfying blend of power, flexibility, and resilience. Whether you favor aggressive Strength builds, intricate exhaust loops, or methodical block setups, the Ironclad has tools to support your playstyle. Success in Slay the Spire comes from adapting to your run’s evolving conditions smart card choices, relic synergies, and knowing when to pivot your strategy. By mastering the Ironclad, you’ll build a strong foundation for understanding the game’s mechanics and conquering the spire again and again.