Silent [Knife (Shiv) Deck] How to Play & Build Guide
This is an overview of the Knife (Shiv) deck for the Slay the Spire playable character “Silent”.
Characteristics of the Knife Deck
A deck that focuses on repeatedly throwing Knives (0-cost, 4 damage) over and over.

Use the Power card Accuracy and the boss relic Wrist Blade to steadily scale your Knives.

In some cases, you can deal over 100 damage in a single turn using Knives alone.
Prioritize picking defensive cards and Knife-related cards.
The synergy with the so-called “three relics” (Shuriken, Kunai, Ornamental Fan) is outstanding.


When to Commit to the Deck
・By mid Act 2, if you manage to obtain Shuriken or Kunai.

・By mid Act 2, if you have secured two or more copies of Footwork along with a way to increase Knife damage.

TIPS
Unupgraded Knives struggle to defeat enemies in Act 3, so scaling Knife damage is essential.
As an initial goal, aim for each Knife to deal 10 or more damage.
Deck Building Guidelines
Starter Card Removal Priority
Your approach to removing starter cards should be:
Strike > Defend
Since your primary damage source is Knives, remove Strikes aggressively.
(Poor Strikes—always neglected.)
Upgrade Priorities
Upgrade priority order:
① Neutralize, Footwork

② Cloak and Dagger, Accuracy

③ Blade Dance
④ Well-Laid Plans
⑤ Leg Sweep
⑥ Sucker Punch
⑦ Infinite Blades
※ Listed in order of priority
Since increasing survivability is the top priority, upgrade Neutralize for Weak application and Footwork to improve defensive scaling first.
After that, focus on securing Knife generation and increasing Knife damage.
Upgrade with balance in mind.
Pick Guidelines
Prioritize cards with high rankings in the [Knife Deck] Card Tier List.
Ideal Pick Counts ▼
Footwork, Adrenaline: Any number is fine
Cloak and Dagger: 2–4 copies
Accuracy: 2–3 copies
Blade Dance: 1–3 copies (adjust based on relics obtained and number of Footwork copies)
Related Articles ▼
Silent | Character Overview & Core Decks
Silent [Knife Deck] Card Tier List
Knife | Card Details, Combos, and Build Analysis
◆Beginner Articles (Spoiler Warning)◆
Is Slay the Spire Hard? A Beginner’s Guide for Players Who Can’t Clear the Game
List of Unlockable Cards and Relics [Spoilers]
How Many Acts Are in Slay the Spire? Act Unlock Guide
◆Character-Specific Strategy Guides◆
Ironclad Tips for Your First Win
Ironclad | Strategy Tips & Core Decks
Silent | Strategy Tips & Core Decks
Defect | Strategy Tips & Core Decks
Watcher | Strategy Tips & Core Decks
◆Card Tier Lists◆
Ironclad | Full Card Tier List (In Progress)
◆Potion Guides◆
Potion Ratings & Pick Priorities (All Characters)
A Discussion on the Role of Potions
◆Ascension Mode Guides◆
◆Achievement Guides◆
Tips for Completing All Achievements (With Deck Examples)
◆Boss Guides◆
Boss Relic Evaluations & Pick Priorities (All Characters)
Slay the Spire Beginner Guide: Act 1 Boss Strategies
◆High-Difficulty & Endgame Guides (Spoilers)◆
First-Time Heart Guide (Ironclad)
First-Time Heart Guide (Silent)
First-Time Heart Guide (Defect)
First-Time Heart Guide (Watcher)
◆For Hardcore Slay the Spire Fans◆
8 Games Every Slay the Spire Fan Should Play
Slay the Spire 2 Announced! Latest Information
Play as New Characters! Downfall Mod Setup & Localization Guide
Challenge Run Rules for Players Who’ve Done It All

