Strength Build
Strength remains Ironclad’s most direct scaling plan. It becomes especially deadly when paired with multi-hit attacks and vulnerable windows.
"Best for players who want visible scaling and direct, high-impact attack turns."
Strength remains Ironclad’s most direct scaling plan. It becomes especially deadly when paired with multi-hit attacks and vulnerable windows.
Core plan Gain strength early, convert it with efficient attacks, and use vulnerable to spike damage further.
Strengths
- High damage ceiling
- Simple scaling logic
- Great with multi-hit attacks
Weaknesses
- Can be slow if overloaded with setup
- Needs damage conversion cards
- Can lack defense early
We categorize resources into Core, Support, and Payoff. A build becomes "real" only when these three layers synchronize.
Core Cards
Primary enablers that define this mechanic's direction.
Support Cards
Stability tools that ensure consistency and survival.
Payoff Cards
The 'win conditions' that convert setup into overwhelming power.
Niche & Situational
Additional cards that synergize under specific conditions.
Bash
Deal 8 damage. Apply 2 [gold]Vulnerable[/gold].
Setup Strike
Deal 7 damage. Gain 2 [gold]Strength[/gold] this turn.
Thunderclap
Deal 4 damage and apply 1 [gold]Vulnerable[/gold] to ALL enemies.
Fight Me!
Deal 5 damage twice. Gain 3 [gold]Strength[/gold]. The enemy gains 1 [gold]Strength[/gold].
Inflame
Gain 2 [gold]Strength[/gold].
Brand
Lose 1 HP. [gold]Exhaust[/gold] 1 card. Gain 1 [gold]Strength[/gold].
Demon Form
At the start of your turn, gain 2 [gold]Strength[/gold].
Break
Deal 20 damage. Apply 5 [gold]Vulnerable[/gold].
Synergistic Relics
Passive items that amplify this build's ceiling.
Bag of Marbles
At the start of each combat, apply 1 Vulnerable to ALL enemies.
Red Skull
While your HP is at or below 50%, you have 3 additional Strength.
Vajra
Start each combat with 1 Strength.
Paper Phrog
Enemies with Vulnerable take 75% more damage rather than 50%.
Reptile Trinket
Whenever you use a potion, gain 3 Strength this turn.
Sparkling Rouge
At the start of your 3rd turn, gain 1 Strength and 1 Dexterity.
Girya
You can now gain Strength at Rest Sites. (3 times max)
Rainbow Ring
The first time you play an Attack, Skill, and Power each turn, gain 1 Strength and 1 Dexterity.
Ruined Helmet
The first time you gain Strength each combat, double the amount gained.
Shuriken
Every time you play 3 Attacks in a single turn, gain 1 Strength.
Brimstone
At the start of your turn, gain 2 Strength and ALL enemies gain 1 Strength.
Sling of Courage
Start each Elite combat with 2 Strength.
Philosopher's Stone
Gain [energy:1] at the start of each turn. ALL enemies start combat with 1 Strength.
Toasty Mittens
At the start of your turn, Exhaust the top card of your Draw Pile and gain 1 Strength.
Ember Tea
At the start of the next 5 combats, gain 2 Strength.
Hand Drill
Whenever you break an enemy's Block, apply 2 Vulnerable.
Sword of Jade
Start each combat with 3 Strength.
Strategic Potions
Emergency tools to bridge gaps in difficult elite matchups.
Flex Potion
Gain 5 Strength. At the end of your turn, lose 5 Strength.
Strength Potion
Gain 2 Strength.
Vulnerable Potion
Apply 3 Vulnerable.
Fysh Oil
Gain 1 Strength and 1 Dexterity.
Potion of Binding
Apply 1 Weak and 1 Vulnerable to ALL enemies.
Shackling Potion
ALL enemies lose 7 Strength this turn.
Pro Tip: Balance your shell
"If your deck only has payoffs, it's a glass cannon that will misfire. If it only has support, you'll eventually be out-scaled. Look for the Golden Ratio between establishment, consistency, and victory."
Build FAQ
What is the core idea behind Strength Build?
The goal is to identify the mechanic that actually wins fights, then build around enough support pieces to make that plan reliable.
Do I need every core card to make Strength Build work?
No. In Early Access, most builds are better understood as directions rather than exact decklists. What matters most is whether you have enough engine, support, and payoff to make the build coherent.
Why does this page separate core, support, and payoff?
Because a strong build is not just a list of good cards. Core pieces enable the mechanic, support pieces keep the build consistent, and payoff pieces convert that setup into real combat power.