In Slay the Spire, some must-have cards include Offering, Demon Form, Echo Form, and Defragment for powerful synergies. These cards can significantly enhance your deck and increase your chances of success by providing valuable effects and combos to handle various encounters and challenges in the game.
Overall Strategy
In Slay the Spire, a deck-building roguelike game, the key to success lies in finding a balance between offense and defense. To achieve this, players need to acquire and strategically use a mix of cards that synergize well with their chosen character and playstyle. A good deck in Slay the Spire will typically have a strong focus on card draw, energy generation, damage output, and defensive capabilities.
Common Rarity Must-Haves
Some must-have cards in Slay the Spire are common rarity cards that provide solid foundational elements for any deck. Cards like "Defend" and "Strike" are essential early-game cards that provide basic defense and attack options. As players progress, upgrading these cards can provide meaningful benefits throughout the run. Other common cards that are often considered must-haves include "Quick Slash" for damage and card draw, and "Neutralize" for applying weaken and gaining card draw.
Uncommon Rarity Must-Haves
Stepping up in rarity, there are several uncommon cards that are frequently considered must-haves due to their versatility and impact. "Blur" is a strong defensive card that retains block between turns, making it invaluable for surviving big hits. "Footwork" is another standout card that enhances Dexterity, increasing the effectiveness of block cards. "Corruption" is a powerful card that enables energy-free plays, allowing for explosive turns with the right build. Lastly, "Catalyst" is a key card for poison-based decks, multiplying the poison on enemies to deal massive damage.
Rare Rarity Must-Haves
At the rare rarity level, certain cards stand out as game-changers when included in a deck. "Limit Break" is a staple card for strength-based decks, doubling the player's strength when upgraded. "Echo Form" is a powerhouse card that lets players play the same card twice, providing immense value and combo potential. "Adrenaline" is a popular choice for energy generation and card draw in a single package, offering flexibility and momentum. On the defensive side, "Malaise" is a high-impact card that reduces an enemy's strength and applies a potent amount of weak.
Character-Specific Must-Haves
Each character in Slay the Spire has unique cards that are considered must-haves for maximizing their potential. As the Ironclad, "Immolate" is a standout card for AoE damage, helping clear swarms of enemies efficiently. The Silent benefits greatly from cards like "Poisoned Stab" and "Noxious Fumes" to ramp up poison damage over time. The Defect's "Coolheaded" and "Hologram" are essential for energy generation and card recycling. For the Watcher, cards like "Wallop" and "Mental Fortress" aid in generating and maintaining block while setting up powerful attacks.
Synergistic Must-Haves
Finally, some must-have cards in Slay the Spire are defined by the synergy they create within a specific deck archetype. Cards like "Dead Branch" and "Corruption" combo exceptionally well in exhaust-based decks that capitalize on cycling through and triggering exhaust effects. "Burst" becomes a must-have in decks that focus on high-impact single-target spells or powers due to its ability to duplicate the next card played. Other synergistic must-haves include "Infinite Blades" for shiv-focused decks and "Storm of Steel" for generating multiple shivs in a single turn.