Archetype Build Guides
Master every deck archetype in Slay the Spire 2. Each guide includes core cards, synergy chains, per-act strategy, and boss matchup advice.
Ironclad
3 archetypesStrength Engine
BeginnerStack Strength to amplify every attack, then unleash devastating multi-hit or heavy attacks. The classic Ironclad power fantasy.
Exhaust Machine
IntermediateExhaust cards for value, triggering powerful effects every time a card leaves your deck. Thin your deck into a perfect engine.
Barricade Fortress
AdvancedStack Block permanently with Barricade, then double it with Entrench. Once your Block is sky-high, Body Slam converts it into massive damage.
Silent
3 archetypesPoison Rush
BeginnerApply and amplify Poison to melt enemies over time. Stack it high, double it with Catalyst, and watch the damage tick up every turn.
Shiv Storm
IntermediateGenerate and buff Shivs for explosive burst turns. Accuracy turns each 0-cost Shiv into a serious threat, and multi-Shiv turns overwhelm enemies.
Discard Engine
AdvancedDiscard cards for value using Reflex and Calculated Gamble. Turn hand management into a powerful draw-and-damage engine.
Defect
3 archetypesFrost Wall
BeginnerChannel Frost Orbs for massive passive Block generation. With Focus, each Frost Orb generates more Block than most dedicated Block cards.
Lightning Storm
IntermediateChannel Lightning Orbs for constant passive damage to all enemies. Storm generates Lightning every time you play a Power, creating a self-fueling engine.
Dark Orb Scaling
AdvancedDark Orbs grow in damage every turn they sit in your Orb slots. Evoke them at the right moment for devastating single-target damage.
Necrobinder
3 archetypesSummon Swarm
BeginnerOverwhelm enemies with summoned spirits and minions. Each summon fights alongside you, creating a numbers advantage that compounds every turn.
Sacrifice Engine
IntermediateSacrifice HP, summons, and resources for devastating payoffs. Trade short-term safety for long-term power in this high-risk, high-reward archetype.
Curse Control
AdvancedUse Curses as fuel rather than a hindrance. Cards that benefit from Curses in your deck turn the Necrobinder's dark theme into a powerful advantage.
Regent
3 archetypesStance Dance
IntermediateRapidly switch between Stances to chain bonuses. Each transition triggers effects, and mastering the rhythm lets you deal damage and generate energy in the same turn.
Wrath Burst
BeginnerEnter Wrath Stance for double damage, play your strongest attacks, then exit safely. High risk, massive reward.
Divinity Scaling
AdvancedAccumulate Mantra to reach Divinity Stance for triple damage turns. Patient buildup leads to game-ending burst turns.