In Slay the Spire, relics play a crucial role in shaping the direction of each run, offering passive bonuses that significantly impact strategy, combat efficiency, and deck-building decisions. These artifacts can range from simple stat boosts to game-changing effects that redefine your entire playstyle. Understanding how relics function and knowing which ones synergize with your chosen character or deck archetype can be the difference between defeat and victory as you ascend the tower. With hundreds of possible relic combinations, no two runs feel exactly the same.
What Are Relics in Slay the Spire?
Relics are passive items that grant ongoing effects throughout a run. Once obtained, a relic remains active for the duration of your journey unless removed by a rare event or specific encounter. Players can acquire relics from elite enemies, treasure chests, merchants, and events. The variety and randomness of relics introduce a layer of strategy and unpredictability that makes each game unique.
There are several types of relics in Slay the Spire, each classified by rarity and method of acquisition:
- Common Relics– Basic but helpful, often enhancing stats or providing small bonuses.
- Uncommon Relics– Provide stronger or more unique effects than common relics.
- Rare Relics– Offer powerful and often run-defining effects.
- Boss Relics– Gained after defeating a floor boss; these often come with a major benefit paired with a drawback.
- Shop Relics– Only available for purchase at merchants.
- Event Relics– Obtained during specific random events.
- Starter Relics– Each character begins with one unique to them.
Starter Relics and Their Purpose
Each of the game’s four characters starts with a specific relic that defines their early-game mechanics:
- Ironclad – Burning Blood: Heals 6 HP at the end of every combat. This encourages aggressive play with sustain.
- Silent – Ring of the Snake: Draw 2 additional cards on the first turn of combat. It supports combo-heavy and tactical playstyles.
- Defect – Cracked Core: Starts combat with 1 Lightning Orb channeled. Sets up the Defect’s orb-based mechanics from the start.
- Watcher – Pure Water: Adds a Miracle to your hand at the start of each combat, aiding in early energy flexibility.
These relics provide consistent value and help guide players toward certain deck archetypes, particularly in the early game when synergy is still developing.
Powerful Common and Uncommon Relics
Many common and uncommon relics offer straightforward advantages that can strengthen nearly any build. While they may not be flashy, they often form the backbone of a successful run.
Notable Common Relics
- Anchor: Start each combat with 10 block. Extremely useful for surviving early turns before your deck gets going.
- Vajra: Increases Strength by 1. A simple but impactful damage boost, especially for Ironclad builds.
- Bag of Preparation: Draw 2 extra cards on the first turn. Helps set up a stronger opening move for any class.
Important Uncommon Relics
- Preserved Insect: Elites have 25% less HP. Makes elite fights more manageable and encourages taking more risks.
- Toxic Egg: Whenever you add a Skill to your deck, it’s automatically upgraded. Great for scaling defensive strategies.
- Ink Bottle: Every 10 cards you play, draw 1 card. Subtle but effective draw support over longer fights.
These relics add consistency to your deck and enhance combat flexibility. Picking them early can create a strong foundation for more complex synergies later on.
Game-Changing Rare Relics
Rare relics in Slay the Spire often introduce unique effects that can completely change the trajectory of your run. Acquiring one of these can open up new strategies or strengthen your current one dramatically.
- Dead Branch: Whenever you exhaust a card, add a random card to your hand. Combines well with exhaust decks, especially for Ironclad or Silent.
- Shuriken: Every time you play 3 attacks in a turn, gain 1 Strength. Perfect for aggressive, multi-hit decks.
- Incense Burner: Gain 1 Intangible every 6 turns. Offers immense value in long, tough fights like bosses.
- Ginger: You can no longer become weakened. Counteracts a major debuff, great for strength-based builds.
Rare relics are typically obtained from elite or boss encounters, making them high-reward opportunities for players who can handle the risk.
Boss Relics and Trade-offs
Boss relics are offered after each act’s final boss fight. These relics offer powerful benefits but often come with drawbacks that must be carefully weighed.
Examples of Boss Relics
- Coffee Dripper: Gain 1 extra energy each turn, but you can no longer rest at rest sites. Better for experienced players who can win without healing.
- Runic Pyramid: Retain all cards in hand between turns. Ideal for combo decks that rely on perfect timing.
- Sozu: Gain 1 energy, but you can no longer obtain potions. Great for strong builds that don’t rely heavily on potions.
Choosing the right boss relic can amplify your deck’s strengths, but the downside can be harsh if misaligned with your needs or playstyle. Assess your current build before accepting one.
Relic Synergies and Strategy
As your relic collection grows during a run, the synergy between them becomes more important. Some relics directly support one another, while others change how you build or play your deck.
Combining Effects
- Kunai + Shuriken: Gaining Dexterity and Strength together from attack spam builds up strong offense and defense.
- Toxic Egg + Card Removal: Upgraded new skills paired with thinning your deck leads to better consistency.
- Dead Branch + Corruption (Ironclad): Infinite combos are possible as skills cost 0 and exhaust automatically.
Pay attention to what relics you already own when visiting shops or deciding whether to fight an elite. Prioritizing synergistic relics can exponentially improve your deck’s power level.
Tips for Managing Relics in a Run
- Adapt to What You Find: Let relics guide your build as much as cards do. If you find relics that support poison or exhaust strategies, lean into them.
- Know When to Take Risks: Elite fights and mystery rooms can reward you with powerful relics plan routes accordingly based on your current strength.
- Consider Deck Size: Some relics (like Lantern or Bag of Marbles) shine in small decks where every turn counts. Others work better in larger, slower setups.
Relics are one of the most dynamic and rewarding aspects of Slay the Spire, offering passive effects that can range from subtly helpful to completely transformative. They add depth, variety, and endless strategic options to each run, making every game feel fresh and challenging. Mastering the use of relics involves not just recognizing their value, but also understanding how to adapt your deck and combat approach to fit the tools you’re given. By learning their synergies and anticipating their impact, players can push deeper into the spire and overcome even the most difficult encounters.