Parallel is a unique card game that offers various decks, each with its distinct playstyle. Among these, the Shroud deck stands out as a control-oriented deck, focusing on banishing units and leveraging the Singularity mechanic. This Parallel Shroud guide will delve into the strategies, key cards, and gameplay nuances of the Shroud deck.

Before you begin, if this is your first endeavor with Parallel, we recommend checking out our starter guide for tips and things you need to know before jumping into your first game. This will help you get familiar with some of the more unique mechanics the game has to offer and brings to the card genre.  

Key Features of the Shroud Deck

The Shroud Deck boasts several key features that set it apart. One standout element is the Singularity Mechanic, exclusive to Shroud, which functions as a unique graveyard that players can actively engage with. In this mechanic, cards that reference "banish" send units directly to the Singularity, adding a distinct strategic dimension to gameplay.

Primarily adopting a control playstyle, Shroud excels in thwarting opponent threats and establishing dominance in the late game. Its strength lies in its capacity to banish units, making it a formidable challenge for adversaries to maintain a foothold on the battlefield.

Key Cards and Their Roles

Several key cards define the Shroud deck and its roles. Demolecularize, for instance, banishes all units, sending them to the Singularity, offering unparalleled control. Life Siphon not only eliminates units but also banishes them, diverting them from the traditional discard pile. Steward grows in power with each unit banished, while Brand, Steward Eternal, possesses the unique ability to banish units upon damaging them, ultimately triggering a formidable resurgence from the Singularity upon its own demise.

Erasure, as another essential card, enables the targeted banishment of units, solidifying its status as one of the most potent control tools in the Shroud deck. Void-Touched Novice, a versatile card, inflicts damage and progressively evolves within the Singularity, becoming increasingly powerful. Lastly, Dark Allure stands as a testament to the deck's late-game prowess, allowing players to pilfer an opponent's unit, showcasing its strategic depth and ability to turn the tide in the final stages of a match.

Gameplay Strategy

1. Early Game: Focus on setting up your board, playing cards like Steward to benefit from the banishing mechanic.
2. Mid Game: Use cards like Life Siphon and Erasure to control the board and banish key opponent units.
3. Late Game: Leverage powerful cards like Brand and Dark Allure to dominate the board and close out the game.
4. Adaptability: Depending on the state of the game, your role might shift. While Shroud is generally control-oriented, there are situations where you might need to be more aggressive.
5. Manage the Singularity: Always keep an eye on the Singularity and use it to your advantage. Cards that pull from the Singularity can be game-changers.

The Shroud deck in Parallel offers a unique control playstyle, focusing on banishing units and leveraging the Singularity. By understanding the key cards and strategies, players can effectively control the game and outmaneuver their opponents. Whether you're a seasoned card game player or new to the genre, mastering the Shroud deck can be both challenging and rewarding.

If this deck isn't for you, you can check out our recent Marcolian guide for one of the strongest decks in the Parallel meta at the time of writing.  With the right strategy and understanding of the deck, you can stack up those wins and climb the ladder relentlessly. A reminder to check out on our Parallel guide on how to maximize your $PRIME earnings while playing by using the available resources to you. Take maximum advantage of everything at your disposal.