Welcome to our comprehensive “Slay the Spire: Ascension Mode Guide,” your ultimate resource to conquering the game’s most challenging mode! Dive into the thrilling world of Ascension Mode, where each level tests your strategic prowess and deck-building skills to the limit. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to master the climb, with in-depth breakdowns on Understanding Ascension Levels, Preparing for Higher Ascension Levels, Key Challenges and Strategies, Building Consistent Decks for Ascension, and Tips for Climbing Ascension Levels. Get ready to elevate your gameplay and slay the Spire like never before!

Slay the Spire: Ascension Mode Guide#

Understanding Ascension Levels#

So, you’ve conquered Normal mode in Slay the Spire and you’re ready to up the ante? Welcome to Ascension Levels, where each victory unlocks a new challenge and the climb gets steeper. Let’s break down what Ascension Levels are, how they work, and what to expect as you progress.

What are Ascension Levels?#

Ascension Levels are like difficulty settings that you unlock as you keep winning with each character. Each level adds new wrinkles to the game, making your path to the top of the Spire more treacherous. There are 20 Ascension Levels in total, and each one adds a unique modifier to your run.

For instance, at Ascension Level 1, you start battling stronger enemies right off the bat. It ramps up from there, with each level piling on new challenges.

Here’s the basic rundown of the first few levels so you know what you’re in for:

• Ascension 1: Elites spawn more often.
• Ascension 2: Bosses are tougher.
• Ascension 3: Normal enemies are a bit stronger.
• Ascension 4: You start with fewer hit points.
• Ascension 5: Shops are pricier.
• And so on…

Why Play on Ascension Levels?#

Besides bragging rights, playing on higher Ascension Levels is a true test of skill and strategy. The lower levels teach you to adapt to individual challenges, while the higher levels demand near-perfect runs. It’s where you prove you really understand the game’s mechanics and can make the best out of some truly rough situations.

Plus, each victory feels incredibly satisfying. If you think beating the Spire on Normal is great, wait until you conquer it on, say, Ascension 10! Not to mention, for completionists, beating all 20 levels with every character is the ultimate badge of honor.

Tips for Climbing Ascension Levels#

Here’s some practical advice to help you tackle these ascending challenges:

• Master the Basics: Before diving into high Ascension levels, make sure you’re really comfortable with the basic gameplay. You should have a clear understanding of each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and optimal build paths.

• Adapt Your Strategy: The same strategy that worked on Normal may not cut it on Ascension levels. Pay attention to what challenges each Ascension level introduces and adapt your strategy accordingly. You’ll often need to prioritize different cards and relics depending on the level you’re dealing with.

• Value Your Health: As you climb higher, every HP point becomes more precious. Avoid unnecessary risks and always weigh the potential rewards against the damage you could take. Sometimes, skipping that Elite fight when you’re low on health is the smartest move.

• Plan Your Path: Your path through the map becomes increasingly important. Identify rest spots, shops, and relics that can bolster your chances. Sometimes, a safer path with fewer elites and more rests is the way to go.

• Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to fail. Each failure teaches you something new. You’ll slowly but surely begin to see patterns and develop a deeper understanding of how to navigate the challenges.

The Road to Ascension 20#

Reaching Ascension 20 is no small feat and will likely take dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. But every step of the way, you’ll be honing your skills and learning more about what makes each character tick. By the time you reach the highest level, you’ll be a true Slay the Spire master.

Remember, patience and persistence are your best allies here. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Each run, whether you win or lose, is a valuable learning experience.

Happy climbing, and may your relics be ever in your favor!

This should give you a solid foundation to begin your ascent to higher Ascension Levels. Keep these tips and insights in mind, and you’ll be well-prepared to face the escalating challenges that await you in Slay the Spire.

Preparing for Higher Ascension Levels#

So, you’ve conquered the spire a few times, and now you’re eyeing those higher Ascension levels. Things are about to get real tough; enemies hit harder, and your health starts lower. But don’t worry, we’re here to prep you for the climb!

Master Your Basics#

Even if you’re a seasoned player, remember the basics:

• Mana Management: Balancing your energy is crucial. Prioritize cards and relics that give you extra energy or lower card costs.
• Card Synergy: Build a deck where cards complement each other. Don’t just grab every shiny new card; think about how they work with what you already have.

Know Thy Enemy#

Each Ascension level introduces new challenges. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Ascension 1-10: You’re mainly dealing with more challenging battles. Enemies hit harder and have more health.
• Ascension 11-15: Here, things get more strategic. You’ll face tougher elites and bosses. Focus on building a solid deck beforehand.
• Ascension 16-20: This is no joke. Random mishaps like fewer rewards start kicking in, making each decision count.

Focus on Scaling & Healing#

When preparing for Ascension, scaling and healing become your best friends.

• Scaling: Look for cards like Demon Form (Ironclad) or Echo Form (Defect) that let you grow stronger every turn. These can turn the tide in long battles.
• Healing: Relics and cards that give you healing can be lifesavers. Always consider Regen Potion or relics like Burning Blood.

Adapt with the Relics#

Relics can make or break a run. On higher Ascensions, choosing the right ones becomes even more crucial:

• Defense Relics: Things like Orichalcum, which gives you block if you end your turn without block, can save damage.
• Energy Relics: Sozu or Runic Pyramid can offer the extra energy needed to play your powerful cards more often.

Balance Your Deck#

It’s tempting to collect every card, but that can bloat your deck. Instead:

• Thin Decks: Aim for a streamlined deck of around 15-20 cards. This way, you draw your best cards more often.
• Versatility: Include versatile cards that can be useful in multiple situations instead of situational ones.

Plan Each Path#

Take a few moments at the start of each act to plan your route:

• Elites: On higher Ascensions, try to strike a balance between fighting elites for relics and avoiding unnecessary risk.
• Rest Sites: Don’t undervalue rest sites. Sometimes upgrading a card is worth more than healing, especially if your HP is decent.

Don’t Underestimate Potions#

Potions can be the unsung heroes of a run:

• Emergency Use: Always keep a potion or two for difficult encounters. In higher Ascensions, they often mean the difference between victory and defeat.
• Utility Picks: Potions like Dexterity Potion or Energy Potion can give you that extra edge in critical moments.

Mental Preparation#

Finally, Ascension is not just about the cards but also about your mindset:

• Patience: Higher Ascensions require more strategic play. Don’t rush; take your time with every decision.
• Resilience: You’ll likely hit walls and face defeats. Learn from each run and improve your strategy.

Keep these tips in mind as you face increasingly brutal challenges in Slay the Spire. Prepare well, stay focused, and who knows – you might just reach that coveted Ascension 20 victory!

Key Challenges and Strategies#

One of the coolest things about Slay the Spire is that it never gives you an easy ride. The higher up you go in Ascension Mode, the tougher the challenges get. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are some hurdles you’ll face and how to leap over them like a pro.

1. Stronger Enemies and Elites#

Challenge: As you climb higher in Ascension levels, from A1 to A20, enemies and elites become stronger. They hit harder, have more health, and often come with nasty tricks under their sleeves.

Strategy:

• Focus on Synergy: Create a deck where cards work well together rather than just picking strong individual cards. This could mean combining attack cards with specific buffs or finding the perfect balance between offense and defense.
• Recognize Patterns: Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and plan your blocks and attacks accordingly. For example, enemies like the Gremlin Nob become way more predictable once you understand their attack cycle.
• Upgraded Cards: Don’t ignore your Smith option at the rest sites. Upgraded cards can make a huge difference.

2. Limited Rest Sites#

Challenge: Higher Ascension levels reduce the healing you get from rest sites, making health management essential.

Strategy#

• Plan Your Path: Look ahead on the map and plan a path that balances combat encounters with rest sites. If you’re low on health, avoid elite fights and focus on smaller battles.
• Use Rest Sites Wisely: Don’t just use rest sites for healing. Sometimes upgrading a critical card is more important than gaining a bit of health back.
• Potion Management: Utilize your potions effectively. They can provide clutch healing or turn the tide in critical battles.

3. Tougher Bosses#

Challenge: Bosses gain new abilities in higher Ascension levels, making them even more formidable.

Strategy#

• Know Your Foes: Study each boss’s moves and plan your strategy around them. Knowing what attacks to expect can save you from getting overwhelmed.
• Build Accordingly: Some bosses are more vulnerable to certain types of decks. For example, The Bronze Automaton is weak against decks that can handle multiple targets quickly.
• Save Resources: Save your best potions, powers, and cards for the boss fights. Going into these fights with all your resources intact can be a game-changer.

4. Card Selection and Deck Size#

Challenge: It’s tempting to grab every shiny new card, but bloated decks can be your downfall in higher Ascension levels.

Strategy#

• Be Selective: Only add cards that genuinely improve your deck. If a card doesn’t enhance your strategy, skip it.
• Thin is In: A smaller, well-balanced deck often performs better than a large, inconsistent one. Cards like “Remove” options from shops or events can help with this.
• Think Long-Term: Early in the game, prioritize cards that build a foundation. Later, focus on strategic additions that work with what you’ve already got.

5. Cursebane#

Challenge: Higher Ascension levels throw more curses and status cards at you, clogging up your hand.

Strategy#

• Remove Wisely: Use shops and events to remove curses whenever possible. It can sometimes be worth spending good money to get rid of a particularly nasty one.
• Protective Relics: Some relics can help mitigate the damage from curses. For example, the Blue Candle allows you to play curses, getting them out of your hand immediately.
• Dedicated Cards: Certain cards like True Grit or Prepared can help deal with status cards and curses more effectively.

Final Thoughts#

Slay the Spire in Ascension Mode is about balancing risk and reward. Pay attention to the unique challenges at each level and adapt your strategies accordingly. Remember, a well-thought-out plan can turn the tables in your favor, allowing you to climb higher and tackle more formidable foes. Happy slaying!

Building Consistent Decks for Ascension#

So, you’ve beaten the heart and are ready to tackle Ascension mode in Slay the Spire. Congrats! Now the real fun begins. Ascension ramps up the difficulty, but with a solid deck-building strategy, you can consistently climb those levels. Let’s break down how to build those killer decks you need.

Start with a Clear Game Plan#

When you start a new run, look at your starting relic and early card options. Ask yourself these questions:

• What strengths does my starting character have?
• What is my preferred win condition (damage, defense, combos)?
• What’s my plan for dealing with elites and bosses?

For example, if you’re playing the Ironclad, you might focus on high damage and self-healing to sustain through fights. The Silent could lean into poison or shiv builds, while the Defect might aim for a powerful orb strategy.

Trim the Fat#

One of the golden rules in Slay the Spire is to keep your deck lean. Smaller decks are more consistent. Aim to have around 12-15 cards by the time you reach Act 3.

Key tip: Skip adding cards that don’t synergize with your plan. Sure, that attack card might look cool, but if it doesn’t advance your strategy, it’s just dead weight.

Prioritize Upgrading Key Cards#

Upgrading cards at the Smith is crucial. Some cards, like Defect’s Zap or Silent’s Neutralize, become significantly stronger and cost less energy when upgraded. Focus on upgrading:

• Core cards that define your build
• Energy-efficient cards
• Cards that will give you an advantage in elite and boss fights

Example: for Ironclad, upgrading Bash can lead to more turns of Vulnerable on foes, maximizing your damage against tough bosses.

Balance Offense and Defense#

In higher Ascension levels, your deck needs a balanced mix of offense and defense. Pure glass cannon strategies might work in normal runs, but here, you’ll need reliable ways to mitigate damage.

Ironclad: Mix heavy-hitters like Uppercut and Sword Boomerang with block cards such as Shrug It Off and Iron Wave.

Silent: Combine attack cards like Bane and Eviscerate with defensive staples like Footwork and Backflip.

Focus on Synergies#

Look for cards and relics that complement each other. Synergistic decks often outperform hodge-podge builds.

Examples#

• Ironclad: Combining Corruption with skills like Feel No Pain and Shrug It Off can lead to a deck that cycles quickly and gains absurd amounts of block.
• Silent: Using After Image with a lot of low-cost cards like Infinite Blades can result in strong defensive plays.
• Defect: Creating a deck around Focus with cards like Defragment and Glacier ensures your orb damage stays high while keeping you defended.

Relics Are Your Best Friend#

Relics can make or break your run. Prioritize relics that support your deck strategy and provide consistent benefits.

Ironclad#

• Champion Belt: Pairs with Vulnerable cards for added Weak debuff.
• Red Skull: More damage when your HP gets low.

Silent#

• Tingsha: Deals damage whenever you discard, awesome for discard-heavy decks.
• Pen Nib: Double damage every 10 attacks, which can be exploited with high burst damage cards.

Defect#

• Inserter: Gradually improves orb slots, perfect for a power-heavy build.
• Runic Capacitor: Starts you with more orb slots, crucial for orb-scaling builds.

Adapt to Your Draws#

Sometimes you’ll get unlucky. Adapt and remain flexible. If your ideal cards or relics never drop, make do with what you have. Aim for secondary synergies and never be afraid to change your strategy mid-run if necessary.

Conclusion#

Building consistent decks in Ascension mode involves planning, adaptability, and smart card choices. Keep decks lean, focus on building strong synergies, and prioritize cards and relics that enhance your strategy. Use these tips, and you’ll be climbing those Ascension levels in no time. Happy Spire-slaying!

Tips for Climbing Ascension Levels#

So, you’ve conquered the heart of the Spire and are ready to take on the Ascension Levels? Get ready, because things are about to get much tougher! Here are some essential tips to help you rise through the ranks and beat those higher Ascension Levels like a pro.

Understand the Ascension Stages#

The first thing to know is that each Ascension level adds a new challenge. For example:

• Ascension 1: Elites spawn more often.
• Ascension 2: Normal enemies are tougher.
• Ascension 3: Bosses are stronger.

And it keeps getting harder from there, with more enemies, harder fights, and less healing. Familiarize yourself with what’s added at each level to prepare accordingly.

Prioritize Defense Early On#

While it might be tempting to focus on offensive cards early in your run, having a solid defensive strategy is crucial. Cards like Block, Defend, and Plated Armor can help you survive those nasty elite encounters and bosses. Remember, a dead player deals no damage!

Learn the Enemies’ Patterns#

Each enemy in Slay the Spire has a set attack pattern. As you progress, learning these patterns becomes vital. Knowing when an enemy will deal heavy damage can help you prioritize when to defend or attack.

Relics Matter#

Relics can often be the difference between a good run and a great one. Some key relics worth keeping an eye out for include:

• Kunai or Shuriken: Great for Dexterity or Strength builds.
• The Peace Pipe: Allows you to remove cards at rest sites, which can be huge in optimizing your deck.
• Anchor: Gives you Block at the start of each combat, providing a defensive edge.

Try to tailor your relics to complement your deck’s strengths.

Optimize Your Path#

The path you choose through each act is crucial. Here’s a rough priority:

1. Elites: Offer stronger relics but are tough.
2. Campfires: Essential for resting and upgrading crucial cards.
3. Shops: Great for card and relic options, and removing unwanted cards.
4. Question Marks: Often less predictable but can lead to useful events.

Keep Your Deck Lean#

A bloated deck with too many cards dilutes your chances of drawing your strongest ones. Aim to keep your deck lean and focused. Removing weak or redundant cards at shops or through events is key to optimizing your deck.

Upgrade Wisely#

Upgrading cards should be a strategic decision. Focus on cards that give the most significant benefit when upgraded. For instance, upgrading Defend or Strike might not be as impactful as upgrading A Thousand Cuts or Catalyst.

Adapt to Your Draws#

Flexibility is key. Be open to changing your strategy based on the cards and relics you acquire. If you find a powerful relic that benefits poison, for example, you might want to pivot toward a poison-focused build.

Keep an Eye on Your Health#

Managing your health is one of the trickiest parts of higher Ascension levels. Don’t be afraid to skip a fight if it means surviving the act. Weigh the benefits of resting versus upgrading cards. Sometimes taking a rest is the best strategy for longevity.

Practice Makes Perfect#

Climbing Ascension Levels isn’t just about strategy; it’s also about practice. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the game’s mechanics, enemies, and optimal paths.

Don’t Get Tilted#

Losing is part of the game. Don’t get discouraged if you have a rough run. Learn from each attempt, and soon you’ll see yourself climbing those Ascension Levels.

Keep these tips in mind as you battle your way up the Spire, and remember— every run brings you one step closer to victory! Good luck, and happy climbing!