Slay the Spire 2
Character & Card Tier List
All 5 characters and 15+ build archetypes ranked for Early Access Patch 0.98.1. Aggregated from r/slaythespire, the official Discord, and high-Ascension player data. The meta is still evolving — expect shifts with each patch.
Slay the Spire 2 Character Tier List
Best Class for Beginners
Build Archetype Rankings
How individual build paths rank across all characters. "Meta" means consistently clears Ascension 10+, rated by ceiling, consistency, and accessibility.
The Necrobinder dominates Patch 0.98.1 with two S-Tier archetypes and one A-Tier path. Read the complete Necrobinder build guide for detailed card picks, relic synergies, and strategy for all three builds. For the Silent, see the Silent build guide — Catalyst timing and Sly mechanics explained for all three archetypes.
Slay the Spire 2 Card Tier List
Top cards for each STS2 character ranked S through B for Patch 0.98.1. Ratings reflect high-Ascension consistency, synergy with core build archetypes, and standalone value across different run types.
Card rankings updated for Patch 0.98.1. Power levels shift with each Early Access patch — check the update badge above for the current version. Returning characters (Ironclad, Defect, Silent) include their strongest STS1 carry-overs; new characters (Necrobinder, Regent) feature STS2-exclusive cards.
Early Access Meta Tips
Don't Force Archetypes
The biggest mistake new players make is pre-planning a build. STS2 rewards adapting to what the run gives you. Evaluate each card offer independently before committing to an archetype path — ideally after the Act 1 boss, not before.
Card Removal Is Power
Removing Strikes and Defends matters more than adding new cards. A lean 12-card deck that draws its best cards every turn beats a bloated 25-card pile every time. Prioritize card removal events and shops above almost everything else.
Branching Acts Are Real
STS2's new branching system lets you choose between two environments per act — Overgrowth or Underdocks, for example. Each has different enemies, events, elite placement, and bosses. Learning both paths is key to optimizing a run's route.
4-Player Co-op Changes Everything
Co-op is live on day one. Team composition matters — pairing Necrobinder (damage) with Ironclad (tank) and Defect (support) is currently the community-favorite 3-player comp for high-Ascension co-op runs.
Build Guides
FAQ
Who is the best character in Slay the Spire 2?
As of Patch 0.98.1, the Necrobinder and Ironclad share S-Tier. The Necrobinder has the highest damage ceiling with Doom Stacking and Osty Tank builds, while the Ironclad is the most consistent and beginner-friendly character with powerful Strength scaling.
How many characters are in Slay the Spire 2?
STS2 launched with 5 playable characters: Necrobinder (new), Regent (new), Ironclad (returning), The Silent (returning), and Defect (returning). Each has unique core mechanics and distinct build archetypes that reward different playstyles.
Is this tier list for high Ascension or beginners?
Rankings are based on overall performance across all Ascension levels, with extra weight given to Ascension 10+ consistency. For beginners specifically, the Ironclad is the recommended starting character due to its self-heal mechanics and straightforward Strength scaling.
How often is this tier list updated?
We update within 48 hours of every STS2 patch. The Early Access meta is evolving rapidly — balance changes can shift character and archetype rankings significantly from patch to patch. Check the update badge at the top of this page for the current version.
What is the Necrobinder's Doom mechanic?
Doom is the Necrobinder's unique execution mechanic. When you apply Doom stacks to an enemy and their current HP drops at or below the Doom value, the enemy is instantly killed — regardless of remaining HP. It functions as a kill threshold, not damage over time. Read our Necrobinder build guide for full strategy and card picks.
What are the best cards in Slay the Spire 2?
The best cards depend on your character. Ironclad's top S-tier cards are Demon Form (Strength per turn), Limit Break (double Strength), and Reaper (damage + heal). Necrobinder's strongest cards are Soul Harvest and Doom Ritual. For Silent, Catalyst and Noxious Fumes anchor every Poison build. Defect's Echo Form and All for One are game-defining. See the full card tier list above for all five characters.
What are the STS2 classes and which is best for beginners?
STS2 has five classes: Necrobinder (S-tier, new), Ironclad (S-tier, returning), Regent (A-tier, new), Defect (A-tier, returning), and The Silent (B-tier, returning). Ironclad is by far the best starting class — its Burning Blood self-heal forgives mistakes, and Strength scaling is intuitive. Avoid the Regent as your first character; its dual-energy Star system has a steep learning curve.