November 17, 2025
Ironclad Build Slay The Spire
General

Ironclad Build Slay The Spire

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In the strategic and challenging world ofSlay the Spire, the Ironclad stands out as the tanky warrior with powerful attacks and strong healing capabilities. While each run is different due to the roguelike deck-building nature of the game, building an effective Ironclad deck can mean the difference between a swift defeat and a glorious ascent. Understanding how to build Ironclad properly involves knowing card synergies, relic interactions, and the pacing of deck thinning and growth throughout each act. This guide explores how to create the best Ironclad build for consistent success and high win rates.

Understanding Ironclad’s Strengths

Passive Healing and Survivability

One of Ironclad’s most notable features is his passive ability,Burning Blood, which heals 6 HP after each combat. This allows more flexibility in absorbing damage compared to other characters, especially in early acts where healing options are limited.

Powerful Attacks and Strength Scaling

Ironclad’s card pool includes a range of strength-scaling attacks, fromHeavy BladetoLimit Break, making him a prime candidate for aggressive builds. Cards likeInflameandDemon Formfurther enhance his offensive potential.

Popular Ironclad Build Archetypes

Strength Build

This is arguably the most satisfying and synergistic way to build Ironclad. The goal is to stack Strength and then apply it to cards that benefit from it directly, such asHeavy Blade,Clothesline, andPommel Strike.

  • Key Cards: Inflame, Demon Form, Spot Weakness, Limit Break, Heavy Blade
  • Strategy: Focus on cards that increase Strength, then multiply it withLimit Break. Finish fights quickly by overwhelming enemies with massive single-target and multi-target damage.

Block / Body Slam Build

This defensive strategy focuses on building as much Block as possible and then converting that Block into damage withBody Slam. With the right combination of cards and relics, you can take zero damage while dishing out high amounts.

  • Key Cards: Body Slam, Barricade, Shrug It Off, Impervious, Entrench
  • Strategy: Build high Block values each turn and retain them withBarricade. UseBody Slamfor offense. Works especially well with energy-generating relics likeEnergy PotionsorRunic Pyramid.

Exhaust / Corruption Build

This build takes advantage of Ironclad’s numerous cards with theExhaustmechanic. The goal is to reduce the cost of skills to 0 usingCorruptionand then generate card advantage withFeel No PainandDark Embrace.

  • Key Cards: Corruption, Feel No Pain, Dark Embrace, Offering, Flame Barrier
  • Strategy: Play Corruption as early as possible in combat to make all skills free. Exhaust cards for Block and card draw. UseFeel No Painto gain block per exhausted card andDark Embracefor card draw per exhaust.

Perfected Strike Build

This is a build tailored around scalingPerfected Strikeby including as many Strike cards and strike-tagged cards as possible. It’s a more linear build but still viable for early and mid-game.

  • Key Cards: Perfected Strike, Twin Strike, Wild Strike, Iron Wave
  • Strategy: Stack cards with ‘Strike’ in their name to increase Perfected Strike’s base damage. Keep the deck lean and focused. Less viable in late-game unless highly optimized.

Choosing the Right Relics

Relics that Enhance Strength Builds

  • Oddly Smooth Stone: Starts you off with +1 Dexterity, helping with defense early
  • Vajra: +1 Strength right away very strong for Ironclad
  • Champion Belt: Weakens enemies when you apply Vulnerable
  • Brimstone: Double-edged relic, but great with Strength burst

Relics for Block Builds

  • Orichalcum: Adds Block if you don’t Block that turn
  • Calipers: Retain Block between turns (amazing with Barricade)
  • Anchor: Provides 10 Block on turn 1, helpful in early rounds

Relics for Exhaust Synergies

  • Dead Branch: Adds a random card to hand when a card is exhausted
  • Darkstone Periapt: Gain max HP when obtaining a curse (great if running high card draw)
  • Burning Blood (starter): Synergizes well since you’ll be exhausting defense cards

Managing Your Deck Size

One of the biggest pitfalls for newer players building Ironclad is creating a bloated deck. Since every card draw counts, especially in synergy-based decks like Corruption or Strength, trimming your deck is essential. Prioritize removing unnecessary Strikes and Defends once you have superior replacements.

When to Add Cards

Only add a card when it fits the overall strategy or solves a problem your deck can’t handle yet (e.g., AoE, scaling, healing). Avoid overloading on one type of card unless it’s your central synergy.

When to Remove Cards

  • Remove basic Strikes: Once you have reliable high-damage cards like Heavy Blade or Bludgeon
  • Remove basic Defends: If you have Shrug It Off, Flame Barrier, or other defensive skills

Tips for Bosses and Elite Fights

Prepare for Multi-Hits

Enemies like Gremlin Nob or the Time Eater punish skill spamming or power stacking. Always carry some potions or flexible attack options to prevent being locked out of a strategy.

Bring AoE for Act 2

Act 2 includes many hallway fights with multiple enemies (e.g., Snake Plant, Spheric Guardian). Cards likeWhirlwind,Cleave, orReaperare valuable here.

Don’t Rely on One Power

Make sure your build doesn’t revolve around drawing one card (like Corruption or Demon Form). If you do, consider takingCard Drawoptions orDraw Relicsto increase consistency.

Sample Ironclad Build Path

Act 1

  • Pick up strong commons like Shrug It Off, Twin Strike, or Pommel Strike
  • Target Elite fights for strong early relics
  • Remove Defends or Strikes at shops if possible

Act 2

  • Focus on synergy if you’ve started building Strength, commit to it
  • Pick cards like Demon Form, Reaper, or Limit Break if available
  • Upgrade important powers and attack cards at campfires

Act 3

  • Solidify your win condition scale fast for Time Eater and Donu & Deca
  • Look for card draw to support complex decks
  • Use all potions in final boss fight

Ironclad is a highly versatile character inSlay the Spirewho offers multiple viable deck archetypes. Whether you’re stacking Strength, exhausting cards for block and draw, or going full tank with Body Slam builds, success lies in synergy, deck management, and tactical planning. With practice and adaptation, mastering the Ironclad build will make ascending the Spire not only achievable but deeply rewarding. Optimize relic choices, trim your deck smartly, and always adapt to what the Spire throws your way.