Slay the Spire 2 – How to Unlock All Characters

At Early Access launch, Slay the Spire 2 includes five playable characters. Only one is available at the beginning, while the remaining characters unlock through a simple progression chain tied to starting runs with previously unlocked heroes.

Unlike many roguelikes, winning a run is not required. Simply starting a run with the required character counts toward unlocking the next one in the roster.

1. How to Unlock All Characters

Ironclad character

Characters unlock in a fixed sequence. Each new hero becomes available after participating in a run with the previous one.

This chain progression introduces new mechanics gradually, allowing players to learn different systems step by step as the roster expands.

2. Fastest Way to Unlock Every Character

Necrobinder character

Unlocking the full roster can take only a few minutes if you want access to every playstyle immediately. The quickest method works like this:

1. Start a run with the currently unlocked character.
2. Open the pause menu.
3. Select Give Up.
4. Return to character select to unlock the next character.

Even though the run ends immediately, the game still counts it as participation, which triggers the next character unlock.

3. How Each Character Works

Slay the spire 2 gameplay Ironclad

Each playable hero in Slay the Spire 2 comes with a distinct combat identity and resource system, making every run feel different depending on the character you choose. Every character shines in different scenarios:

• Ironclad – Heavy Hitter and Tank: Ironclad excels at straightforward combat with strong attacks and reliable defense. His starting relic heals you after each battle, letting you take risks early and sustain through tough fights. Builds often lean into strength scaling and repeating powerful attacks.
• Silent – Precision and Scaling: Silent focuses on fast-paced plays and damage over time. Her kit revolves around poison effects, shiv attacks, and card cycling that rewards careful planning. Defensive cards and debuffs like Weak and Vulnerable help control fights while poison stacks chip away at enemies.
• Regent – Stars and Strategic Burst: Regent introduces a secondary resource called Stars that persists between turns. Cards build Stars, which can then fuel high-impact plays or power up his signature weapon through Forge mechanics. His gameplay rewards careful resource management and timing over brute force.
• Necrobinder – Summons: Necrobinder brings entirely new mechanics to the Spire. She fights alongside a summoned companion that has its own health and can absorb damage. Her unique Doom mechanic stacks lethal thresholds on enemies, instantly finishing them when Doom equals or exceeds their HP.
• Defect – Orb-Based Automation: Defect returns with its classic Orb system. Orbs provide passive effects each turn, such as automatic damage, block, or energy. Effective Orb sequencing and focus stacking are key to maximizing this character’s potential.