New to Decktamer and not sure how to survive long enough to hit Hard (Explorer) mode? This guide breaks down early team-building, what makes a reliable tame, and how to use Extraction Syringes effectively. Losses are normal at the start—this game has roguelike unpredictability, so learning how to shape your deck around a few key carries is the fastest way to improve.
Decktamer Beginner Guide – Team Composition, Cards
A strong run usually isn’t about collecting every cool card—it’s about a tight team with clear roles that scale into the later rounds. Early on, focus on consistency and survivability.
A balanced lineup tends to include:
- 1–2 strong damage dealers (your win condition)
1–2 frontline tanks (so your carriers survive long enough to scale)
1 support (either providing sustain, utility, or boosting your damage output)
1 “throwaway” body for emergencies or to absorb key hits
Ideal team size early on: 5–7 tames
Keeping your roster lean prevents unnecessary randomness when trying to rotate “on placement” abilities. Fewer bodies also means your best units show up more often.
By Round 8, you generally want at least:
- Two reliable damage tames
- Two frontliners that can either soak hits or self-sustain
If you reach that point intact, your scaling options open up.
Starters and Early Tames That Make Runs Easier
Some tames are simply more reliable at the start. Here are creature types that consistently perform well in the early zones and why:
Strong Starter Choices
- Kilimaro – Brings early utility and doesn’t fall off immediately.
- Furble – Great all-around starter option with helpful early momentum.
Good Early Accompany Picks
These support your opener and stay relevant longer than most:
- Amethyst Ant – One of the best companions early due to fast speed and solid healing.
- Bull Weevil & Bell Rat – Tough early-game tanks that buy time, even if they won’t last the entire run.
Best Cards
These creatures or skill sets stand out because of their impact, flexibility, or scaling potential:
- Pillar Pole (2★) & Hollow Ape (2★)
Great for stabilizing runs—one can soak huge hits, the other offers strong sustain. - Peacarp (1★)
Excellent early debuffer that doesn’t fall off as the game gets harder. - Spinehog (2★)
Turns into a monster when buffed. It can roll multiple premium traits at once such as hitting first, attacking all enemies, or striking twice. This unit can become a late-game carry if built properly. - Xiphonoir (4★ with Berserk talent)
A panic-button pick when your comp lacks damage by Round 7. Great cleanup specialist.
“Building” a Tame – What It Actually Means
Most monsters only have one key skill worth keeping long-term. That means you’ll sometimes tame a creature not because you want it on the field, but because you need to steal its talent for someone better later.
A late-game carry succeeds if it can reliably solo major threats. There are three ways a carry can “win the duel” against tough enemies:
- One-shot potential – Eliminates threats before they act.
- Sustain and grind – Wins through healing, armor, or defensive scaling.
- Speed execution – Doesn’t hit hard, but acts first when enemies are vulnerable.
Often your chosen finisher needs support pieces early to survive until the build is fully online.
A simple but effective approach is to create one main carry with the best traits you find, then layer backup carries so a single bad turn doesn’t end the run.
How to Use Extraction Syringes Wisely
Syringes are extremely limited—expect about five per run—so treat them as premium resources.
Use them for:
- Pulling key abilities off a tame before it dies
- Preventing cursed merges on an essential unit
- Securing game-changing effects before a risky fight
- Spreading power across multiple carries so one bad draw doesn’t end the run
The Golden Syringe can look tempting for creating a “perfect” hybrid tame, but if you put everything into one creature and fail to draw it in time, the run collapses. Spread your upgrades unless you’re confident in your draw support.