Silent Shiv Build
Generate waves of Shivs boosted by Accuracy for rapid-fire damage. Each Shiv is a free 0-cost attack that triggers on-attack relics. Fast, aggressive, and deeply satisfying.
Core Cards
Strategy Guide
Overview
Shivs are 0-cost attack cards that deal 4 damage each (6 with Accuracy). On their own, Shivs are weak. But with Accuracy boosting their damage, attack-count relics like Kunai and Shuriken triggering every 3 attacks, and Infinite Blades generating free Shivs every turn, the damage becomes overwhelming. The build also synergizes with any 'on attack played' effects.
Act 1 — Early Game
Blade Dance is the foundation — 3 Shivs for 1 Energy. Cloak and Dagger gives Shivs + Block. Slice is a free 0-cost attack that helps trigger Kunai/Shuriken. In Act 1, Shivs provide decent damage for hallway fights even without Accuracy. Pick up defensive staples like Backflip and Deflect. Look for Accuracy in shops — it transforms every Shiv from 4 to 6+ damage.
Act 2 — Mid Game
Accuracy should be your #1 priority if you don't have it yet. Each copy of Accuracy adds +4 damage (6 upgraded) to every Shiv. Infinite Blades generates a free Shiv at the start of each turn — persistent value. Knife Trap and Fan of Knives add more Shiv generation. After Image gives Block for every card played — incredible with 5+ Shivs per turn. Look for Kunai and Shuriken at shops.
Act 3 — Late Game
With 2+ Accuracy, each Shiv deals 12+ damage. Playing 6 Shivs per turn = 72+ damage plus Block from Kunai, plus Dexterity from Kunai, plus Strength from Shuriken. Storm of Steel converts your entire hand to Shivs for a massive burst turn. Wraith Form provides invincibility frames for the final push. Finisher deals damage equal to total attacks played this turn — lethal after a Shiv storm.
Card Acquisition Priority
Every copy adds +4 damage (+6 upgraded) to all Shivs. The single most important card.
Generate 3 Shivs (4 upgraded) for 1 Energy. Core Shiv generation.
Generate 1 Shiv at the start of each turn. Free persistent value.
Gain 6 Block + 1 Shiv (2 Shivs upgraded). Defense and offense in one card.
Gain 1 Block for every card played. With 6+ Shivs per turn, that's 6+ free Block.
5 Block + draw 2 cards. Defensive staple that digs for Accuracy and Shiv generators.
When attacked, generate Shivs. Reactive Shiv generation that punishes enemies for attacking.
Deals damage per attack played this turn. After playing 6 Shivs, Finisher deals 36+ damage.
Flex / Alternative Cards
When core cards aren't available, these alternatives keep the build functional.
Relic Priority
Gain 1 Strength every 3 attacks played. Shivs are attacks — 6 Shivs per turn = +2 Strength per turn.
Gain 1 Dexterity every 3 attacks played. Shivs trigger this constantly, making your Block cards insane.
Draw 2 extra cards turn 1. More cards = more Shiv generators found early.
Gain 4 Block every 3 attacks. Shivs trigger this constantly for free passive Block.
Every 10th attack deals double damage. Count your Shivs to align the 10th hit with a real attack.
Draw 2 more cards at start of combat. Find Blade Dance and Accuracy faster.
6 cards per turn limit. Shiv builds want to play 8-12 cards per turn. This kills the build.
Random costs on cards. Shivs are free regardless, but your Shiv generators and Accuracy get random costs.
Not knowing intent means you can't decide between going aggressive with Shivs or blocking.
Boss Strategy Tips
Guardian
Shivs chew through Guardian's shield phase quickly due to multiple hits. Each Shiv counts as a separate attack, stripping shield stacks fast. Save Blade Dance for the defense phase.
Hexaghost
Block the big Inferno turn, then Shiv-rush the boss. Accuracy + multiple Shivs per turn outpaces Hexaghost's healing. Kunai/Shuriken make you stronger each turn.
Slime Boss
Shivs are excellent before and after the split. Multiple small hits avoid overkill waste on the split. After splitting, Shiv both halves efficiently.
Time Eater
The worst boss for this build. Each Shiv counts toward the 12-card limit. Play Shivs strategically — don't dump everything turn 1. Save Shivs for burst turns after Time Eater heals.
Collector
Shivs efficiently pick off summoned minions. Use Storm of Steel or big Shiv turns to clear adds while maintaining pressure on the Collector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many copies of Accuracy do I need?
One is functional, two is optimal, three is overkill. Each copy adds +4 damage (6 upgraded) per Shiv. With 2 copies at +6 each, every Shiv deals 16 damage.
Can Shiv and Poison builds be combined?
Yes, with Envenom. Each Shiv hit applies 1 Poison through Envenom. 6 Shivs per turn = 6 Poison per turn. It's a viable hybrid but each archetype is stronger when focused.
Is Shiv build viable at Ascension 20?
Viable but harder than Poison at high Ascension. The build needs Accuracy + Shiv generation + defense. Without all three, Act 3 bosses can overwhelm you. Time Eater is the biggest threat.
Storm of Steel vs more Blade Dances?
Storm of Steel is a finisher — convert your entire hand to Shivs for one massive burst. Blade Dance is consistent Shiv generation every turn. Run Blade Dances for consistency, Storm of Steel for burst.