Within the ever-changing world of Slay the Spire, where strategy meets randomness and success depends on careful deckbuilding, certain relics stand out as hidden gems. One such relic is the Kunai, an item that can quietly transform a struggling run into a synergized powerhouse of agility and defense. Especially useful for characters like the Silent, the Kunai often doesn’t grab attention at first glance, but with the right setup, it can define the flow of battle. This topic explores the full potential of Kunai in Slay the Spire, from how it works, who it benefits most, and how to build around it effectively.
What is Kunai?
Relic Description and Mechanics
Kunai is an uncommon relic in Slay the Spire that grants the following effect: ‘Every time you play 3 attacks in a single turn, gain 1 Dexterity.’ This bonus Dexterity lasts for the remainder of combat, meaning you can stack it multiple times to boost your block-generating cards significantly. It appears most frequently when playing as the Silent, although it can be found by other characters as well.
Dexterity’s Role in Combat
Dexterity increases the block value of block-generating cards. For instance, a card like Defend (which normally gives 5 block) would provide 6 block if you had 1 Dexterity, and even more as you gain additional stacks. This synergy allows characters to survive longer, especially in drawn-out fights against elite enemies and bosses.
Characters That Benefit from Kunai
The Silent
The Silent benefits most obviously from Kunai due to her deck’s natural inclination toward quick, low-cost attacks. Cards like Shiv-producing Blade Dance or zero-cost attacks like Flying Knee, Quick Slash, and Neutralize make it easy to trigger Kunai multiple times per fight, sometimes even per turn.
The Ironclad
Although not as natural a fit as the Silent, the Ironclad can still utilize Kunai in attack-heavy decks. When using cards like Twin Strike, Whirlwind, or Anger-based decks, the player can often play three or more attacks in a turn, especially with the aid of energy relics or cost-reduction cards.
The Defect
Kunai is less consistent with the Defect since many of its damaging tools come from orbs rather than attack cards. However, if the deck leans toward Claw synergy or includes a number of attacks like Streamline or Scrape, Kunai can still offer value.
The Watcher
The Watcher can benefit from Kunai through multi-hit cards like Consecrate, Follow-Up, and Empty Fist. Her ability to chain several zero- or one-cost attacks in Wrath stance gives opportunities to trigger the relic, though her reliance on stances can sometimes limit defensive consistency.
Building a Kunai-Focused Deck
Prioritize Low-Cost Attacks
The more attacks you can play per turn, the more frequently you will trigger Kunai’s effect. Cards like:
- Shiv generators (Blade Dance, Infinite Blades)
- Zero-cost cards (Neutralize, Flying Knee, Consecrate)
- Card draw attacks (Quick Slash, Backflip paired with attacks)
These allow you to reach the three-attack threshold consistently, especially when paired with energy sources or cost reduction mechanics.
Card Draw and Energy
To fuel your attack chains, you’ll need card draw and extra energy. Consider adding:
- Acrobatics or Prepared for The Silent
- Battle Trance or Shrug It Off for The Ironclad
- Energy relics like Lantern, Happy Flower, or Ice Cream
Without sufficient draw and energy, you might find yourself stuck with too few attacks to trigger the relic on critical turns.
Pair with Other Relics
Kunai works even better when paired with relics that reward playing many cards or enhance your block and attacks:
- Shuriken: Similar to Kunai, but grants Strength instead of Dexterity after 3 attacks
- Tingsha: Deals damage when discarding cards, good for discard-heavy decks that still use attacks
- Ice Cream: Stores unused energy for explosive turns full of attacks
Kunai and Shivs: A Natural Match
Shiv-focused decks are perhaps the best example of Kunai synergy. Shivs cost 0, deal damage, and count as attacks. With a single Blade Dance, you can produce three Shivs, immediately triggering Kunai in one action. Infinite Blades helps ensure a constant supply of Shivs, and with Accuracy or Strength relics, they become offensive and defensive tools when combined with Kunai’s scaling Dexterity.
When Kunai Shines
Boss Fights and Long Combats
Kunai becomes increasingly powerful during extended fights. While it may not give an immediate burst of power, the relic steadily builds up your defensive capabilities. By turn 4 or 5, it’s possible to have +3 or more Dexterity, effectively turning every block card into a massive shield.
Low-HP Runs or Ascension Levels
On higher Ascension levels or low-health situations, defense is often more valuable than offense. Kunai offers a reliable scaling defense option, provided your deck is built to maximize attack frequency. This is especially useful in scenarios where full block each turn becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.
Act 2 and 3 Elites
Enemies like the Book of Stabbing or the Awakened One deal consistent, high damage across several turns. Kunai helps in these encounters by letting you keep pace with increasing damage output while your Dexterity rises steadily through consistent attacking.
Limitations and Pitfalls
Decks with Fewer Attacks
If your deck is focused on powers, skills, or orbs, Kunai becomes significantly harder to activate. Dexterity gains will be infrequent, and the relic becomes less valuable than other defensive options. It’s important to evaluate your current deck composition before investing in Kunai strategies.
Early Game Impact
While Kunai can be amazing in the late game, its effect is less noticeable early on unless your starter deck already contains sufficient attacks and energy. Some players may overlook it during early relic choices in favor of more immediately impactful relics.
Requires Planning
Unlike some plug-and-play relics, Kunai demands intentional deckbuilding. If you don’t actively pursue low-cost attacks, card draw, and energy solutions, Kunai’s full potential may never be realized.
Kunai in Slay the Spire is a subtle but incredibly powerful relic when used properly. It turns offensive momentum into long-lasting defense, letting players control the battlefield through agility and sustained blocking power. Especially for characters like the Silent, Kunai can define a winning deck if surrounded by efficient attacks and smart energy management. Whether you’re stacking Shivs, chaining Quick Slashes, or racing against Act 3 bosses, Kunai is a tactical choice that rewards consistent aggression with defensive dominance. Building around it requires thought, but the payoff is well worth the effort.