Leading Strike

Leading Strike is a 1-cost Uncommon Attack card for the Ironclad that deals 8 damage and gives the next Attack you play this turn 8 additional damage. This setup effect rewards chaining Attacks in sequence for burst damage.

Leading Strike pairs with heavy hitters like Bludgeon, Hellraiser, and Primal Force to add 8 damage to their already massive output. In a Rage deck, both Leading Strike and the follow-up Attack generate Block. The bonus damage stacks with Strength from Inflame and Demon Form. Twin Strike's double hit benefits twice from the bonus if it is the next Attack. Expect a Fight provides energy to chain Leading Strike into an expensive follow-up.

Leading Strike is an efficient damage booster for Attack-chaining Ironclad decks. Pick it when your deck plays multiple Attacks per turn. Against Ceremonial Beast, Leading Strike into Bludgeon deals 40 damage for 4 total energy. Against Soul Fysh, the burst damage from the combo can end the fight early. The Ironclad's Attack-heavy nature makes Leading Strike consistently useful. It is best when you can control which Attack follows it.