: These often feel underwhelming in practice. On paper, more health seems better, but because you can typically only heal one heart per round, the shield's preventative protection is usually superior.
: This is a specific early version of the full release. For the most balanced experience, it is generally recommended to use the latest version available on official platforms like Steam or itch.io. Pawnbarian.v1.0.4.rar
: Diagonal Splash is often favored because it targets enemies that cannot be hit cardinally. On paper, Cardinal Splash seems equally useful, but players often find it less effective due to enemy positioning and "Spark" enemy mechanics. : These often feel underwhelming in practice
: Widely considered the strongest upgrade. While offensive moves look good on paper, shields allow you to block significantly more damage than you typically take, which is essential for survival in late-game floors. For the most balanced experience, it is generally
In , certain upgrades and strategies are often debated based on their theoretical value versus their actual effectiveness in higher "Chain" difficulties: