At launch, Slay the Spire 2 features five playable characters. Each one comes with unique abilities, starting relics, and different playstyles. However, when you first start the game, only one character is available. Here’s how you can unlock the rest.
| Character | Unlock Condition |
|---|---|
| The Ironclad | Unlocked by default |
| The Silent | Play one run with Ironclad |
| The Regent | Play one run with Silent |
| The Necrobinder | Play one run with Regent |
| The Defect | Play one run with Necrobinder |
You don’t need to win the run to unlock the next character. The fastest method is to start a run with the required character, pause the game, and select Give Up. This still counts as a completed run, so the next character will unlock even if you lose.
Using this method, you can unlock every character in about five to ten minutes. Each time a new character becomes available, the game presents a lore entry called an Epoch card, along with a short animation and artwork introducing that character.
Slay the Spire 2 – All Characters’ Starting Stats and Abilities
| Character | Starting Health | Starting Coin | Starting Relic |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ironclad | 80 | 99 | Burning Blood: Heal 6 HP at the end of combat. |
| The Silent | 70 | 99 | Ring of the Snake: Draw 2 additional cards at the end of each combat. |
| The Regent | 75 | 99 | Divine Right: Gain three stars at the start of each combat. |
| The Necrobinder | 66 | 99 | Bound Phylactery: Summon 1 at the start of your turn. |
| The Defect | 75 | 99 | Cracked Core: Channel 1 Lightning at the start of each combat. |
Since Slay the Spire 2 is currently in early access, these stats and abilities may change in future updates. If any adjustments are introduced in later patches, the information will likely be updated as well.
Character Descriptions
The Ironclad: The last remaining soldier of the Ironclads. He fights unwillingly, using sword and flame to crush his enemies.
The Silent: A huntress from beyond the Spire who relies on stealth, daggers, and poison to defeat her opponents.
The Regent: The heir to the Throne of Stars. He controls cosmic power while his minions carry out most of the combat.
The Necrobinder: A Spireborn lich seeking revenge. She fights alongside her loyal left hand, Osty.
The Defect: A mechanical automaton that constantly upgrades itself in order to survive. It uses Orb technology to unleash powerful attacks.
Three of these characters return from the original game, while two new ones join the roster. The developers at Mega Crit have once again created distinct archetypes, ensuring that the new additions feel fresh and different from the original cast.
