Slay the Spire 2 Early Access Launch Guide: What You Need to Know

Early Access Has Begun

Slay the Spire 2 launched into Early Access on March 5, 2026. The game is available on Steam for $24.99 USD with regional pricing. This guide covers what's available at launch and how to get started.

Available Characters at Launch

All 5 characters are playable from day one:

1. Ironclad — Returning with reworked exhaust mechanics and new cards

2. Silent — Poison and discard mechanics refined with new synergy options

3. Defect — Major rework to Focus (now temporary), new orb synergies

4. Regent — Brand new character, resource management with Stars

5. Necrobinder — Brand new character, summon and sacrifice mechanics

Content at Launch

606+ cards across all characters

285+ relics

5 acts with alternate route variants

20 Ascension levels

Full controller support

Steam Cloud saves

Key Changes from STS1

Energy economy: No guaranteed energy relic from Act 1 boss

Focus is temporary: Defect's Focus now has duration limits

Alternate Acts: Each act has two route variants (Overgrowth / Underdocks)

Enchantments: Run-long card modifiers found through events

Ancients & Blessings: Replace the boss relic system with act-entry blessings

Quest Cards: New card type with completion requirements and powerful rewards

Tips for New Players

1. Start with Ironclad — most forgiving character with straightforward mechanics

2. Draft for the next act, not for your fantasy end-game deck

3. Skipping cards is often the correct play after you have a working core

4. Potions win elite fights — use them before the fight is lost

5. Check your Act 1 boss before choosing your path