Silent

Shiv deck

Generate, buff, and fire as many Shivs as possible. Shivs that are played also trigger strike-based relic effects (e.g. Nunchaku, Shuriken, Kunai).

Early commons

• Leading Strike — attack that adds a Shiv to hand
• Cloak and Dagger — block that adds a Shiv
• Blade Dance — now Exhaust; at 3 Shivs gained can be a large burst and enables Shiv synergy

Early uncommons

• Accuracy — strong signal for Shiv focus; doubles Shiv damage (stack when possible)
• Infinite Blades — a Shiv each turn; upgrading to Innate helps on turn 1
• Hidden Daggers — strong with Sly payoffs (e.g. Abrasive, Reflex, Untouchable)

High synergy

• Fan of Knives — useful in AoE fights though 2 Energy is costly
• Knife Trap — powerful finisher; can play many Shivs in one turn (they count as played attacks)
• Finisher — big payoff on turns where many Shivs were played
• Afterimage — extra Block each turn
• Serpent Form — expensive but huge damage with Shivs and Knife Trap

Relics & items

• Ninja Scroll — strong Shiv opener
• Helical Dart — defensive coverage while playing Shivs
• Iron Club, Nunchaku, Shuriken, Kunai, Ornamental Fan, Kusarigama — excellent when spamming Shivs
• Joss Paper — extra draw helps because Shivs Exhaust when played

Tips

• Even a light Shiv package (one or two generators) can unlock relic value.
• Plan around Exhaust on Blade Dance and draw to find your payoffs.

Poison deck

Ramp damage over time: slow start, then exponential pressure as Poison stacks. Stack fast, then multiply or accelerate ticks.

Early commons

• Poisoned Stab — efficient damage plus Poison
• Deadly Poison — strong Poison-per-Energy spread over several turns

Early uncommons

• Haze — AoE that fits many decks; Sly helps because discard is common (Prepared, Acrobatics, Survivor)
• Noxious Fumes — steady Poison on all enemies
• Outbreak — great with wide Poison (e.g. Bouncing Flask)

High synergy

• Accelerant — amplifies Poison damage; very strong upgraded
• Bubble Bubble — efficient enhancer when Poison is already on targets
• Mirage — panic / scaling button for later turns
• Burst — many applicators are Skills, so doubling them matters

Relics & items

• Snecko Skull — easier Poison application
• Unsettling Lamp — doubles the first Poison hit
• Twisted Funnel — frontloads Poison so Bubble Bubble and scaling come online sooner
• History Course — replaying your last Attack or Skill can chain Poison plays
• Anchor, Horn Cleat, Captain's Wheel — stall while Poison ramps

Tips

• Surviving the first few turns is critical; lean on Block and debuffs.
• Artifact blocks Poison application—plan answers or alternate damage.
• AoE Poison is weaker without old tools like Corpse Explosion; use Haze, Outbreak, and Accelerant instead.

Sly deck

Thin, fast deck that discards on purpose to trigger Sly and play high-impact cards for free while cycling.

Early commons

• Flick-Flack — solid damage early; fine even when not discarded
• Ricochet — stronger single-target when discarded; weaker AoE and when not discarded
• Untouchable — core defensive piece
• Acrobatics — draw plus Sly enabler
• Dagger Throw — generically strong, better with Sly
• Prepared — free discard enabler (less draw than Acrobatics)

Early uncommons

• Haze — AoE that fits discard lines
• Reflex — extra cycling
• Tactician — Energy from discards; keeps the engine running
• Calculated Gamble — full hand refresh plus mass Sly triggers
• Speedster — damage while you cycle

High synergy

• Tools of the Trade — standout Power for discard strategies
• Master Planner — non-Sly Skills gain Sly
• Abrasive — stronger Block and Thorns; great in hallway fights, less boss-specialized
• Serpent Form — costly but huge payoff

Relics & items

• Tingsha — damage on discard
• Tough Bandages — Block on discard
• Iron Club, Nunchaku, Shuriken, Kunai, Ornamental Fan, Kusarigama — Sly plays are real card plays
• Pendulum — optional extra draw when cycling hard
• The Abacus — extra Block

Tips

• Keep the deck thin; remove Strikes when you can.
• Survivor is a natural base for discard + Sly.
• Missing Sly payoffs (especially Tactician) stalls the cycle—prioritize seeing them often.
• Supplement damage with Poison tools like Haze if needed.