Slay the Spire

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 121,546 reviews
  • gameplay
  • replayability
  • graphics
Slay the Spire Game Cover
A sublime, impeccably crafted roguelike card-battler that is absolutely without peer, Slay the Spire cements its place as one of the best games of this console generation. This. Is. Essential.
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"Slay the Spire" is a unique deck-building game that combines roguelike elements with strategic combat. Players ascend a spire, battling monsters and acquiring cards to build their deck, with each run offering new challenges and replayability. The game features multiple characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, providing depth and variety for players to explore.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Android
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 121,546 reviews
gameplay3,846 positive mentions
grinding388 negative mentions
  • gameplay8,833 mentions

    The gameplay of "Slay the Spire" is widely praised for its addictive and strategic nature, combining deck-building mechanics with roguelike elements to create a unique and engaging experience. Players appreciate the simplicity of the mechanics, which are easy to learn but offer significant depth and complexity as they progress, allowing for diverse strategies and builds. The game's high replayability, driven by randomized elements and character-specific mechanics, keeps players returning for more, despite some criticism regarding the art style and occasional reliance on luck.

    • “It has very solid mechanics that manage to be intricate enough to reward replay while remaining easy to grasp.”
    • “The gameplay is exactly what I love in a game: easy to learn but hard to master.”
    • “The gameplay loop is addictive, making you want to finish your run, no matter if you win or lose.”
    • “In one run, you might make it quite far, and in the next, you could die in the first few encounters because some enemies are just way too strong, with ridiculous mechanics like stacking permanent debuffs to attack power and defense, combined with enemies dealing 15-30 damage per hit—even on the first two floors.”
    • “For a newbie such as myself, I kinda wish there had been some prompts in some instances - to take 2 specific examples, there is one card which automatically ends your turn after you have played it with no reminder and I kept forgetting the end turn mechanic and so inadvertently ending my turn before I had really planned to, and another one which allows you to pick any card from your discard and play it and I kinda assumed that this really does mean I can play any card but it turned out that you still need to meet the preconditions listed on the 'free' card even for a 'free' play.”
    • “The gameplay loop just isn't interesting enough and there are so many fights where you will just have to grind out a few rounds with blocking to prevent unnecessary damage that are simply boring.”
  • replayability8,369 mentions

    "Slay the Spire" is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the game's diverse character classes, extensive card and relic combinations, and the dynamic nature of each run. The inclusion of an ascension system and daily challenges further enhances its replay value, making every playthrough feel unique and engaging. Additionally, the active modding community contributes to an almost infinite replayability, ensuring that players can continually discover new strategies and experiences.

    • “Finally gave it a shot, and it is amazing: well thought out, hilarious in some parts, highly addictive, with infinite replayability, just great value all around.”
    • “One of the best games I've ever played and one of the few games I keep coming back to: there is near infinite replayability since there are so many possible viable strategies.”
    • “Even today, after hundreds of other takes on the formula, it keeps being the most replayable game of this kind.”
    • “The sheer, seemingly unlimited possibilities in terms of card synergies, alongside relics and potions, adds replay value that never runs out.”
    • “The replayability is endless and almost every game is a completely new experience.”
  • graphics3,239 mentions

    The graphics of "Slay the Spire" are a point of contention among players, with many describing them as simplistic or reminiscent of older flash games. While some appreciate the unique and charming art style, others find it unappealing or amateurish. Overall, the visuals are functional and not demanding on hardware, allowing for enjoyable gameplay that often overshadows the graphics themselves.

    • “The graphics aren't exactly going to strain anyone's video card, but they have their own style, they're kind of cute, and they get the job done.”
    • “Everything in this game is pitch perfect from the simple but effective art style, to the very catchy theme tune.”
    • “The graphics, the gameplay, the sense of progression, the ramp up in the difficulty to get you hooked but not overwhelmed.”
    • “The graphics aren't nice.”
    • “The graphics are divisive, and for me they are nothing special, kinda wonky.”
    • “The art style makes me want to claw my eyes out as well, the whole game looks like it's been made in MS Paint by a middle schooler.”
  • music1,694 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its atmospheric and immersive qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. However, a common critique is its repetitiveness, leading some players to turn it off in favor of their own playlists. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally well-composed and fits the game's theme, there is a desire for more variety and distinctiveness in the music.

    • “The soundtrack is both atmospheric and motivating, perfectly capturing the essence of a high-stakes adventure.”
    • “The music fully immerses you into the game making you feel like you are climbing the spire yourself!”
    • “The music is great, the animation is great and the gameplay is extremely fun and can be incredibly challenging as you progress through ascensions (new game plus) which add difficulty modifiers.”
    • “Sound and music is repetitive.”
    • “The only aspect that I think is lacking is the terribly generic and uninspired music, which I very quickly turned off.”
    • “The music actually gets repetitive after playing it so long so I have the game on mute in the background at times.”
  • story1,276 mentions

    The story in "Slay the Spire" is minimal and often considered secondary to its gameplay mechanics, with many players noting a lack of a cohesive narrative. While some appreciate the subtle hints of lore and environmental storytelling that emerge during runs, others express a desire for a more developed plot and character backstories. Overall, the game is praised for its addictive gameplay, but those seeking a rich narrative experience may find it lacking.

    • “❤️ I love how the storyline is kinda in the background during the runs, but you get glimpses of it throughout.”
    • “A great deck-building game with so many elaborate combinations and the mystery around the spire projects an intriguing story with a living, breathing environment.”
    • “The story, while subtle, is also pretty interesting.”
    • “The only thing I wanted more of is story, even though without it, it is almost a perfect single-player card game.”
    • “I know the story is not the point, but still, the game feels genuinely hollow in this state.”
    • “There is just no story or relation to your character.”
  • humor562 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, with players noting the amusing interactions, quirky character designs, and funny card mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to blend humor with challenging gameplay, creating memorable moments that often lead to laughter, whether through unexpected outcomes or humorous dialogue. Overall, the lighthearted tone and whimsical elements contribute significantly to the game's appeal, making it a delightful experience for players.

    • “Finally gave it a shot, and it is amazing: well thought out, hilarious in some parts, highly addictive, with infinite replayability, just great value all around.”
    • “The number of times my ultimate cause of death boils down to 'hubris' is hilarious and slightly embarrassing.”
    • “They've masterfully blended the best elements of both genres into a tantalizing treat that's both laugh-out-loud funny and brain-busting challenging.”
    • “My wife said, 'Why are you playing that not-funny-looking game?' before she tried to play it.”
  • grinding460 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it both rewarding and tedious. While some appreciate the challenge and replayability offered by grinding for ascension levels and character unlocks, others feel that the process can become monotonous and overly reliant on RNG, leading to frustration. Overall, the game caters to those who enjoy grinding for progression, but it may deter players who prefer a more streamlined experience without extensive grinding.

    • “Progression unlocks more content and difficulty, but there is no grinding to get more powerful - this is the way a roguelike/lite should be.”
    • “No grinding involved, but a lot of replayability and progression available.”
    • “Easy to learn, strategic, no grinding, and nice art style.”
    • “Overall, I found the game to be tedious and unrewarding.”
    • “I spent too many hours trying to get to the end, saw the grinding/luck that would be needed and said, 'no'.”
    • “Gameplay is overly grindy for little gain, making it feel like you're not making any progress except for achievements or unlocks, which don't really do anything for you in your next millionth run of the game.”
  • atmosphere222 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, combining vibrant hand-drawn art, a captivating soundtrack, and a unique blend of whimsical and intense themes. Players appreciate how the visuals and music enhance the overall experience, creating a world that feels both engaging and mysterious. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in art style and sound design, suggesting that while the atmosphere is strong, it may not resonate with everyone.

    • “The art style is vibrant and charming, perfectly complementing the game's whimsical yet intense atmosphere.”
    • “The soundtrack is both atmospheric and motivating, perfectly capturing the essence of a high-stakes adventure.”
    • “The atmosphere and mood of the game is excellently done.”
    • “Good game balance but really piss-poor art style, atmosphere, music.”
    • “It's not a bad game, but for me the whole thing is very flat: no atmosphere, shallow gameplay for it being too simple and straightforward, weak and 'not fitting' music, no monster effects and weak sound effects... so I find the whole thing boring.”
    • “As a PC game I have to sit down to play, it's visually uninteresting, there's simply not that much dynamism to combat, the music and sound effects are lackluster, and the overall atmosphere is that of a grind with some strategy but no other frills of the kind that immerse me.”
  • monetization162 mentions

    The game is praised for its complete lack of microtransactions, which stands out in an industry often criticized for aggressive monetization strategies. Players appreciate the absence of in-game purchases, loot boxes, and pay-to-win mechanics, highlighting that the game offers a full experience for a reasonable price without the usual financial pitfalls associated with modern gaming. Overall, the monetization model is seen as refreshing and generous, contributing to a more enjoyable gaming experience.

    • “Worth whatever you spend on it because there are no microtransactions whatsoever, which is a whole lot more than 90% of AAA games can say nowadays.”
    • “It is more than just an excellent card game without microtransactions; it is an excellent innovative roguelike that has held my attention more reliably than most AAA games out today.”
    • “In a world where most deckbuilder games are blatant ploys to extract your money through microtransactions and a constantly increasing pay-to-win sliding scale of card power, it's really refreshing to find a game like Slay the Spire.”
    • “Pop up ads, in a paid game.”
    • “And for the price, Mega Crit, in an age where all AAA game studios are trying to milk their player base for every red cent, what with the 70-80 dollar games with 100 deluxe editions and microtransactions out the nose... they've released an absolute unit of the game at a reasonable cost.”
    • “I used to be a Hearthstone player before it became the cash grabbing black hole it is today.”
  • optimization142 mentions

    The game is highly praised for its optimization, running smoothly on a variety of devices, including low-end hardware, with no significant performance issues reported. Players appreciate the balance between strategic depth and accessibility, allowing for both casual play and in-depth optimization strategies. While the mobile version has some optimization concerns, overall, the game is considered well-optimized and enjoyable for those who appreciate roguelike mechanics and deck-building.

    • “The game is lightweight, very well optimized and the user interface is neat.”
    • “This focus on optimization creates a sense of satisfaction when you're able to execute a flawless strategy and make it through a tough fight unscathed.”
    • “If you enjoy problem solving / optimization and having a sense of progress, you should definitely get this game, but you should also stay away, because you definitely won't be able to stay away.”
    • “A few too many runs feel like dead ends and quick restarts/poor performance is punished by hobbling the following run as well.”
    • “The more the difficulty ramps up, the more optimized and regimented your approach needs to be, and thus the more un-fun it probably becomes unless you’re someone who really thrives on getting deep into the weeds and pondering every little nuance of this system.”
    • “On higher difficulties (there are 20 'ascensions' of increasing player nerfs or enemy buffs) some decisions feel rather nonviable, but that's an inevitable consequence of highly optimized play.”
  • stability136 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and minimal bugs, others have encountered significant issues, particularly on certain platforms like iOS and Android. The PC version is generally praised for its reliability, though some users note occasional glitches and crashes, especially when using mods. As it stands, the game shows promise but may still require further polishing to address the reported inconsistencies.

    • “It's well done, polished, bug free, has a nice art style, sound design is nice... everything we should expect from games.”
    • “Smooth and bug free enough that you will likely never encounter a bug outside of a heavy load of mods.”
    • “Granted, some features are still unavailable (the only one I've run into is the third player class being unavailable at the moment), but the game is so beautiful, polished, bug free (I haven't experienced even one) that it is so much easier to enjoy the amazing design.”
    • “Buggy game, probably needs to be labeled early access.”
    • “But it's unacceptable that this game can call itself a full release and be riddled with graphical flickering glitches and takes 10+ minutes to even start up/launch on high-end hardware.”
    • “It's maddening having to restart a fight many times or when you just defeated a boss and trying to choose a relic and the game just totally freezes up.”
  • emotional78 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from heart-wrenching moments and mental breakdowns to feelings of satisfaction and wholesome enjoyment. Many players report experiencing intense emotional highs and lows, often leading to tears and a sense of attachment, while others find the gameplay both challenging and rewarding. Overall, the game is described as an emotional rollercoaster that can leave players feeling both damaged and compelled to return for more.

    • “It took exactly 42.5 hours for this game to break me mentally and emotionally. 10/10 will cry for this game again.”
    • “I cried when I beat Act 4.”
    • “This is a fun, but heart-breaking game.”
  • character development58 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed feedback, with many praising the unique and memorable character designs and their varied gameplay styles. However, several reviewers expressed a desire for deeper story elements and character progression, noting that the game could benefit from more substantial character development and narrative depth. Overall, while the character designs are celebrated, the lack of romance and character growth is seen as a missed opportunity.

    • “The character designs are unique and memorable, and the animations during battles are both stunning and intuitive.”
    • “Great character designs, all of the characters feel unique and play in different ways.”
    • “The animations and character designs are done beautifully, and each of the spire climbers play differently enough that there's a good amount of variety to the game.”
    • “I really wish this game had a better story and character development and more music variety.”
    • “But there's no romance, or character development for that sake.”
    • “Also, the artist in charge of character design needs to be fired; it's very poor quality, and I speak as someone with a degree in animation and several art studies.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

88% average critic score

Buy Slay the Spire

Play time

75hMedian play time
191hAverage play time
12hMain story
206hCompletionist
20-262hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1,038 analyzed playthroughs

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