Setup Strike

Setup Strike is a 1-cost Common Attack card for the Ironclad that deals 7 damage and grants 2 temporary Strength for the current turn only. The Strength bonus applies to all subsequent Attacks played after Setup Strike in the same turn, making card order critical when using this card.

Setup Strike works best when followed by heavy hitters like Bludgeon, Hellraiser, or Primal Force to maximize the temporary Strength bonus. Multi-hit cards like Twin Strike and Whirlwind benefit especially well since each hit gains the extra damage. Combine with Expect a Fight for the energy needed to chain multiple Attacks after the Strength boost. Rage also benefits from playing more Attacks in a turn.

Setup Strike is a solid early pickup for aggressive Ironclad decks that can chain multiple Attacks in a single turn. It becomes less valuable in decks with few Attacks or heavy Block focus. The card performs well against Kin Priest where burst damage in a single turn can be critical. In Strength-scaling builds with Demon Form or Inflame, the temporary bonus stacks on top of your permanent Strength for explosive turns.