Welcome to your ultimate “Slay the Spire: Getting Started Guide”! Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned gamer looking to master this deck-building roguelike, you’re in the right place. Dive into the exhilarating world of Slay the Spire with our comprehensive guide that covers everything from Understanding Game Basics to offering must-know Tips for New Players. You’ll learn how to Choose Your First Character, master the Basic Controls and Interface, and expertly Navigate the Map. Prepare to conquer the spire with confidence and strategy—let’s embark on this thrilling journey together!

Understanding Game Basics#

Welcome, aspiring Spire-slayer! Before you dive headfirst into the unforgiving halls of this roguelike deck-builder, you’ll want to get a good handle on the basics. Here’s everything you need to know to get started in Slay the Spire.

Choose Your Character#

When you start a new run, you’ll need to choose one of the game’s distinct characters:

• The Ironclad: A warrior who focuses on strength and defense.
• The Silent: A rogue-like figure skilled in poison and multiple attacks.
• The Defect: A robotic entity who uses orbs for powerful effects.
• The Watcher: A monk who shifts between different stances to deal and avoid damage.

Each character has their own unique cards and relics, so gameplay can vary widely depending on who you pick.

Understanding the Map#

The game is divided into three acts (or four, if you unlock the fourth). On the map, you’ll see nodes you can move to, each with their own challenges or rewards:

• Enemies: Fight standard monsters.
• Elites: Tougher enemies that drop better loot.
• Treasure Rooms: Free relics!
• Rest Sites: Heal up or upgrade your cards.
• Shops: Spend your gold on cards, relics, potions, and card removals.
• Question Marks: Mystery events that could be good or bad.

Combat Basics#

Combat in Slay the Spire revolves around your deck of cards. Here are the main things to know:

• Energy: You start each turn with 3 energy points. Each card costs energy to play.
• Attack Cards: Deal damage to enemies.
• Skill Cards: Provide defense or other effects.
• Power Cards: Grant a persistent effect for that combat.
• Status Cards: Usually unplayable cards that can clog your deck.

Managing Your Deck#

One of the keys to success is creating a killer deck. Here’s how you can do that:

• Add Carefully: Don’t just add every card you see. A smaller, more focused deck can be way more powerful.
• Card Synergy: Look for cards that work well together. For example, cards that boost poison are great with characters skilled in poisoning.
• Upgrades: Use Rest Sites to upgrade important cards. Upgraded cards cost less energy or do more damage.

Relics#

Relics are powerful items that give you unique bonuses. Some examples include:

• Burning Blood: Heals you for 6 HP after each combat (Ironclad starter relic).
• Ring of the Snake: Draw 2 extra cards at the start of combat (Silent starter relic).
• Cracked Core: Channel 1 lightning at the start of each combat (Defect starter relic).

Getting the right combination can make or break your run.

Potions#

Potions provide a one-time use effect that can turn the tide in your favor. They might heal you, deal damage to enemies, or give you special abilities temporarily. Collect and use them wisely.

Strategy and Foresight#

To conquer the Spire, you need to think ahead. Plan out your path on the map, making sure to balance fights with healing and upgrades. Pay attention to enemy behaviors since each has predictable attack patterns. Knowing when to defend and when to go all-out is key to survival.

Learning From Defeat#

Slay the Spire can be tough, and you will lose. A lot. Each defeat should be a learning experience. Take note of what worked and what didn’t, and apply that knowledge to your next run.

Congratulations! You’re now armed with the basics you need to climb the Spire. Remember to keep experimenting with different tactics and synergies. The Spire is a constantly shifting challenge, but with these foundational tips, you’re well on your way to mastering it. Good luck, and happy slaying!

Slay the Spire: Getting Started Guide - Choosing Your First Character#

So, you’ve decided to dive into Slay the Spire. Sweet! This game is a turn-based, roguelike deck-builder where each run can feel completely different from the last. It’s like having a new adventure every time you play. But first, you’ll need to pick your starting character. Each one has unique abilities and playstyles. Let’s break down what you need to know to make the best choice for your first run.

The Ironclad#

The Ironclad is the big red dude with a sword. He’s the classic warrior archetype, and he’s usually the first character you have access to when starting out. Here’s what you can expect with him:

• Strengths: The Ironclad is straightforward and forgiving. He has high health and straightforward mechanics. His starting relic, Burning Blood, helps you heal 6 HP at the end of each combat, which is a lifesaver for beginners.

• Playstyle: Ironclad’s gameplay revolves around strength-based attacks and heavy hitting. Cards like Bash and Strike are your friends here. You can also build up defensive strength through block cards.

• Strategy Tip: Focus on cards that either deal lots of damage or help you gain strength quickly. Cards like Flex (increases strength) and Sword Boomerang (multiple attacks) work wonders together.

The Silent#

The Silent is the green, sneaky character. Think of her as the rogue archetype, specializing in poisons and lots of small, repeated attacks. You unlock her shortly after starting out.

• Strengths: The Silent is all about finesse and strategy. She has lower health than Ironclad but can evade damage with good planning. Her starting relic, Ring of the Snake, gives you 2 extra cards at the start of each combat, giving you better options right away.

• Playstyle: Stealthy and complex. The Silent uses poison to whittle down enemies over time and has lots of zero-cost cards that allow for rapid sequences of actions.

• Strategy Tip: Look for cards that synergize well with each other. Neutralize (lowers enemy attack) and Deadly Poison (adds poison) are excellent together. Building a solid deck of defensive cards can also help you survive longer fights.

The Defect#

The Defect is a blue robotic character who uses orbs for combat. He’s a bit more advanced but still awesome once you get the hang of it. You’ll unlock him after you’ve had a few runs with the other characters.

• Strengths: The Defect is all about versatility and managing different types of orbs. Lightning orbs deal damage, Frost orbs provide block, and Dark orbs charge up to do massive damage. His starter relic, Cracked Core, generates Lightning orbs, giving you passive damage.

• Playstyle: Tactical and varied. You’ll need to balance orb management with card strategy. The Defect’s gameplay can feel like managing a mini-game within your main game.

• Strategy Tip: Focus on cards that generate and evoke orbs effectively. Zap (creates a Lightning orb) and Dualcast (evokes an orb twice) are your bread and butter. Consider balancing your deck with both offensive and defensive orbs to adapt to different combat situations.

Which One Should You Start With?#

As a beginner, you might want to start with the Ironclad. His straightforward mechanics and healing abilities make him easier to grasp. Plus, the brute force approach can be very satisfying. Once you get comfortable with the game’s basics, try the Silent for a more strategic experience. The Defect is a fun challenge for later, offering depth and versatility once you’re more familiar with the game.

Quick Tips for All Characters#

• Try Different Builds: Each run is unique, so experiment with different card combinations to see what works best.
• Relics Matter: Don’t underestimate the power of relics. They can drastically change how you approach the game.
• Learn from Defeat: Dying is part of the process. Each loss teaches you something new.

Happy slaying, and may your deck always be in your favor!

Slay the Spire: Getting Started Guide#

Basic Controls and Interface#

Slay the Spire is a game about climbing a mysterious tower, battling different monsters, and collecting cards to build powerful decks. But before diving into complex strategies, let’s get you familiar with the basic controls and interface. Whether you’re playing on PC or console, understanding these basics will ensure you aren’t stumbling around when things get tough.

Movement and Navigation#

The core gameplay involves a map that shows a series of connected rooms. Each room can contain enemies, events, treasures, or shops. Here’s how you navigate:

• PC Controls:

  • Mouse: Click on the room you want to move to next. You can see possible paths and plan your route accordingly.
  • Keyboard: You can also use the arrow keys to navigate through the menu options.

• Console Controls:

  • Left Stick: Move the cursor to select rooms and options.
  • A Button (Xbox) / X Button (PS): Confirm your selection.
  • D-Pad: Navigate menus and map options.

Combat Interface#

Combat in Slay the Spire is turn-based and card-driven. Each battle follows a similar interface:

• Energy: Represented by blue orbs near the bottom of the screen. Each card costs a certain amount of energy to play.
• Deck: Located on the bottom-left. Draw 5 cards from your deck at the start of your turn.
• Hand: Cards you draw appear at the bottom of the screen. Drag and drop (or select with a controller) to play them.
• Discard Pile: Located on the bottom-right. Once you play or discard a card, it goes here.
• Draw Pile: The remaining cards in your deck. Hover over to see the number of cards left.
• Enemy Icons: Displayed at the top. Click or hover to see their intents (like attacks or buffs) for the next turn.
• Player and Enemy Health: Red bars show health totals. Make sure your health doesn’t hit zero before your enemy’s does!

Important In-Game Menus#

While playing, you’ll need to frequently check various in-game menus:

• Deck Browser:

  • PC: Press D or click the deck icon on the bottom right.
  • Console: Press the View button (Xbox) / Touchpad (PS) and navigate to the deck icon.

• Map Screen:

  • PC: Click the map icon on the bottom-middle.
  • Console: Press Back/Select (Xbox) / Touchpad (PS).

• Relics and Potions:

  • On the top of the screen, you’ll see icons for your collected relics and potions. Hover or select with the controller for descriptions.

Tips for Using the Interface#

1. Read Each Card Carefully: Each card has a different effect. Make sure you understand their abilities before playing them.
2. Watch Enemy Intentions: The indicators above enemies tell you their next move. Use this to plan your actions strategically.
3. Plan Your Route on the Map: Some paths might seem easier but less rewarding. Try to balance safety and potential rewards.
4. Manage Your Deck: After battles and events, you’ll get options to add cards to your deck. Be picky to keep your deck efficient.

Conclusion#

Understanding these basic controls and the interface will help you get started on your journey through the Spire. With a firm grip on how to navigate, battle, and manage your deck, you’ll be better prepared for the increasing challenges ahead. Now get out there and start climbing!

Navigating the Map#

In Slay the Spire, the map is your guide to conquering the levels, known as “acts,” each filled with enemies, events, and treasures. Efficient navigation can make the difference between a smooth climb and a climb that ends in frustration. Here’s how to get the most out of your journey.

Understanding the Nodes#

The map is made up of different kinds of nodes connected by pathways. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main nodes you’ll encounter:

• Enemy Nodes (👿): The bread and butter. Fighting enemies here earns you experience and rewards, like cards and gold.
• Elite Enemy Nodes (💀): Tougher battles with greater risk but also greater reward. Defeating elites can really pay off with powerful relics.
• Rest Sites (🔥): Take a breather here. You can either heal up or upgrade a card in your deck. Use these wisely!
• Treasure Rooms (💎): Score a random relic without a fight. Treasure rooms are rare, so grab the loot when you can.
• Shops (🛒): Spend your hard-earned gold on cards, relics, or potions. Keep an eye out for the “Remove a Card” option to slim down your deck.
• Mysteries (❓): These are wildcards. Could be an easy event, could be a tricky choice, or maybe even a mini-boss. Expect the unexpected!

Planning Your Path#

Key Priorities#

1. Health Management: Always keep an eye on your HP. Prioritize rest sites when you’re running low on health, especially before a boss or elite fight.
2. Deck Upgrades: Make sure you’re upgrading your cards regularly. Target paths with enough rest sites to upgrade key cards.
3. Loot Acquisition: Don’t shy away from early elites when you feel strong. Their relics can offer incredible boosts.
4. Flexibility: Check a few paths ahead when making a choice. Sometimes it’s better to stay flexible and adjust your route as you encounter events and battles.

Short-Term Goals#

• Early Act: Focus on building and strengthening your deck. Take on manageable fights and grab easy loot.
• Mid Act: Balance between fighting normal and elite enemies. Don’t miss out on treasure and upgrade opportunities.
• Late Act: Prepare for the boss. Ensure you’re at high health or have effective cards and relics to counter the boss’s mechanics.

Tips and Tricks#

Elite in the Early Acts#

While risky, defeating elite enemies can give you powerful relics early on, making the later acts easier. However, if your health is running low, it might be smarter to avoid them until you’re stronger.

Healing vs. Upgrading#

Rest sites force a tough choice: heal or upgrade. Generally, if you’re above 50% health, prioritize upgrades. A well-upgraded deck can prevent future damage, making the need for constant healing less important.

Use Events Smartly#

Mystery nodes can swing your run in wild ways. Sometimes they offer card removals, which are great for deck-thinning. Other times, you might face a mini-boss or encounter a beneficial or harmful relic. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks before diving headfirst.

Example Paths#

Path A (Safe and Steady)#

1. Fight a couple of standard enemies for early cards.
2. Hit a rest site to upgrade a key card.
3. Pursue a mystery node for possibly useful events.
4. Fight an elite if you’re strong/healthy enough.
5. Reach a shop to fine-tune your deck.

Path B (High Risk, High Reward)#

1. Immediately fight an elite for a powerful early relic.
2. Enter a mystery node and hope for positive outcomes.
3. Take on manageable enemies for quick card additions.
4. Use rest sites in between to either heal or upgrade, depending on remaining health.
5. Finish with another elite, if feasible, for another relic.

Final Thoughts#

Navigating the map in Slay the Spire is a balancing act between risk and reward. Each path you choose affects your overall strategy, and a well-planned route can tilt the odds in your favor. Remember, flexibility and smart decisions will carry you far in your ascension, making each victory all the sweeter. So gear up, plan ahead, and slay that spire!

Slay the Spire: Getting Started Guide#

Tips for New Players#

Welcome to Slay the Spire! If you’re new to the game, don’t sweat it. Here are some handy tips to help you climb higher and take down those tough bosses.

1. Understand Your Character#

Each character in Slay the Spire has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The Ironclad

• Starts with higher health.
• Has a simple but powerful set of attacks.
• Heals a little after every battle (6 HP).

The Silent

• Focuses on poison and lots of small attacks.
• Starts with more energy in battle (3 energy).
• Relies on synergies between cards to do massive damage.

The Defect

• Uses orbs to deal damage or defend.
• Very versatile and has a lot of unique mechanics.
• Can switch between attack and defense modes effectively.

Learn what each character is good at and play to those strengths.

2. Balance Your Deck#

A smaller, more focused deck is better than a larger, unfocused one. Try to avoid grabbing every card you see. Aim for a deck of about 15-20 cards that work well together.

• Focus on Synergy: Pick cards that complement each other. For The Silent, cards that increase poison damage are great when you’ve already got poison cards.
• Thin Your Deck: Don’t be afraid to use card removal services. This helps keep your deck streamlined and efficient.
• Avoid Bloat: More cards mean less chance of drawing the ones you need. Be selective.

3. Plan Your Path#

Before you start each floor, look at the map and plan your route. You’ll want to balance fights, question mark rooms, and rests.

• Question Marks: These can be risky, but they often offer rewards that can make your run easier.
• Elites: These tough fights give you powerful relics. Don’t avoid them entirely, but make sure you’re prepped before diving in.
• Rest Sites: Use Rest Sites strategically. Sometimes upgrading a key card is better than healing.

4. Manage Your Resources#

Gold, potions, and relics are all super important. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Gold: Spend wisely. Focus on buying cards that fit your strategy and relics that provide strong benefits.
• Potions: Don’t hoard potions. Use them when you need them, especially if they can save you in a tough fight.
• Relics: Relics provide powerful passive bonuses. Prioritize grabbing as many as you can, especially those that align with your deck’s strategy.

5. Learn from Failure#

You will fail. A lot. And that’s okay! Every defeat teaches you something new. Pay attention to what went wrong and think about how you can improve next time.

• Review Battles: Look at your battle outcomes. Did you run out of energy too quickly? Did you lack enough defense?
• Adapt Strategies: As you learn the game, adapt your strategies. Sometimes a different approach can make all the difference.
• Patience is Key: Deep runs take practice. Don’t get discouraged!

6. Take Your Time#

Think through your moves. Slay the Spire isn’t about speed, it’s about making smart choices. Consider:

• Energy Use: Make sure you’re using your energy efficiently every turn.
• Enemy Intent: Always check what the enemies are planning to do and react accordingly.
• Card Order: The order in which you play your cards can make a big difference. For instance, playing a card that boosts your attack before an attack card can deal more damage.

Slay the Spire is a game that rewards strategy and planning. Remember to have fun and experiment with different builds and strategies. Good luck climbing the spire!