In terms of specific combos, I ‘m not too keen on full on defense. Entrenched is useless by itself and requires too much of a set up before it can be used effectively. Barricade/demon form are awesome powers but they cost a lot and effectively force you to “lose” a turn in order to play them, take them if you have the energy to spare but they aren’t a must have. I prefer inflame/some relic and limit break for strength generation.
Yeah, I've started disliking Demon Form's cost. It's an amazing card after a few turns, but 3 energy is too much for a card that also takes time to get good. Also, upgraded entrenched is probably just a second block card, up until you get barricade, so taking it is gambling a campfire and a card take hoping you get Barricade. Barricade is expensive, but it's also a nice way to use your energy for those turns when the RNG gives you only block cards (although, at that point, it's equivalent to an ice cream cone, except it takes 2 energy each fight and also smooths out your only/mostly got attack cards hands.) I've also seen rampage being a low-damage card a lot lately (although it kind of works in long fights like donu and deca, or if you have headbutt as well). I'll probably completely avoid them for a few runs to see how that works out for me.
My only problem with limit break is getting my strength above zero. Flex doesn't work, because it's hard to get them at the same time.
For damage dealing I prefer a heavy hitter ( bludgeon, heavy blade, whirlwind, pummel) + vulnerable combo. Perfect strike is a nice card but requires specific deck builds, take 1-2 of them if you don’t have any of the heavy hitters. Searing blade/rampage require too much set up to become effective in higher ascensions. An upgraded bodyslam is always nice either for damage or for the play x number of cards relics. Most importantly you really need some AOE damage, for when you are outnumbered, whirlwind is probably the best of the bunch.
Ah. Thank you for reminding me why I used to like whirlwind even though it's 5*x damage. That's (potentially) much better than cleave. Pummel+vulnerable+strength gain is a fun combo.
For defense, I really like metallicize, rage and flame barrier. The first two allow you to focus on taking out enemies quickly and the last one gives you plenty of bang for your buck. Upgraded armaments is a nice card but it will become a dead draw eventually, still it’s nice to have one if you haven’t had the chance to upgrade your key cards or if you can't upgrade your cards anymore.
Agreed. Rage and metallicize are almost auto-picks for me, and I have similar feelings about armaments.
- Preserved insect is a really strong relic to have, since it will help you get stronger. Pair it with the Black Star if possible.
- The bird cage relic (I'm not sure how it's called) is a valid option if you haven't had the chance to remove the cards you want to.
- Dreamcatcher, that pipe, and the shovel are mostly useless as relics.
- Upgraded Infernal Blade/exhume isn't a necessary addition in your deck but I find it quite a fun way to play, without sacrificing much in terms of efficiency.
- The smokescreen potion can save you from a bad fight, like that sphere that has the barricade ability and opens the fight with a ton of defense.
I'd consider adding Giryu to the list of relics that are bad because they require you to use campfire actions. I got it in the recent daily challenge with the ironclad, but never used it. Starting with 3 strength is great, though.
I can't figure out how I feel about exhume/dark embrace/feel no pain, because I usually only see them early and I don't know that I'll get much use out of them. I'll usually take exhume, but not dark embrace.
I like taking Evolve, because so many enemies throw statuses at you. It really shines against "
dazed" spammers. Mostly ignoring statuses is also nice when you play with a thinner deck or a lot of power cards.
... wait, what? The shovel that gives you more relics over the course of a run is mostly useless? Card removal pipe is also serious mojo if you're going for a slim deck. I'd agree the dreamcatcher is mostly shite, but those other two are pretty golden.
Yeah, they're great if you somehow have too many campfires and no more cards to upgrade, but that's not a common situation.