Slay the Spire 2 continues the roguelike deck-building formula that made Slay the Spire so popular. In this sequel, relics remain one of the most important elements that can shape a run. A single strong relic can carry an average deck through difficult fights, while the wrong relic can completely ruin an otherwise solid build.
In the current Early Access version, the game includes more than 250 relics across multiple rarity types such as Starter, Common, Uncommon, Rare, Shop, Ancient, and Event relics. Also check out our Slay the Spire 2 Characters Guide for more rewards!
Because of that, understanding which relics are worth picking—and which ones you should avoid—can make a huge difference during a run. This guide breaks down the best relics in the game, important new mechanics that affect relic value, and the overall shop relic tier list so you know what is worth buying.
New Mechanics That Affect Relic Value
Several new systems introduced in Slay the Spire 2 change how relics work compared to the first game. These mechanics should always be considered before deciding whether a relic is strong or weak.
Durability
Some relics now include a Durability limit. This means the relic can only trigger a certain number of times in a single combat before it stops working for the rest of that fight. Relics with only 1 or 2 durability may seem strong during normal fights but can lose much of their value against bosses that last longer.
Wax Relics
Wax Relics are temporary relics obtained from Tezcatara’s Toy Box in Act 2. They function normally at first but slowly disappear. Every three combats, the leftmost Wax Relic melts and disappears permanently. Because of this, players should avoid building long-term strategies around them.
Corrosion
Enemies with the Corrosion effect reduce your maximum HP every turn, and the damage cannot be blocked. This makes relics that increase damage or energy more valuable because the best strategy is often to end fights quickly instead of relying on heavy defense.
Pierce
Pierce attacks completely ignore Block and deal damage directly to your HP. Against enemies with Pierce, relics that focus only on Block become less effective. Instead, relics that apply Weak, Intangible, or extra damage scaling become much more useful.
Best Universal Relics in Slay the Spire 2
These relics are considered strong for almost every character and deck type.
Ice Cream (Rare)
Energy that you do not spend during a turn will carry over to the next one. This allows huge combo turns and helps fix awkward hands.
Mummified Hand (Rare)
Whenever you play a Power card, a random card in your hand becomes free that turn. This relic is extremely strong in power-focused decks.
Anchor (Common)
Start each combat with 10 Block. It may look simple, but it provides a reliable defensive start in every fight.
Bag of Preparation (Common)
Draw two extra cards at the beginning of each combat. More opening cards means better consistency across all deck types.
Ornamental Fan (Uncommon)
After playing three attack cards in one turn, gain Block. Attack-focused decks trigger this frequently.
Membership Card (Shop)
All shop items become 50% cheaper. Buying this early can save a large amount of gold during the rest of the run.
Gambling Chip (Rare)
At the start of combat, you can discard any number of cards and redraw the same amount. This effectively gives you a free mulligan every fight.
Relics That Can Ruin a Run
Some relics look powerful but often create problems for most builds.
Velvet Choker
Limits you to six card plays per turn. This can completely break combo decks that rely on playing many cards.
Brimstone
You gain Strength each turn, but enemies also gain Strength. If fights last too long, enemy damage can become overwhelming.
Calling Bell
Grants three relics but also gives a Curse. Unless your deck specifically benefits from curses, this trade is usually not worth it.
Starting Relics for Each Character
Every character begins a run with a unique relic that defines their early strategy.
The Ironclad – Burning Blood
Heals 6 HP after every combat, allowing more aggressive play early in the run.
The Silent – Ring of the Snake
Draw two extra cards at the start of combat, helping thin decks perform better.
The Defect – Cracked Core
Channels a Lightning Orb at the start of combat, giving immediate damage potential.
The Regent – Divine Right
Start each fight with 3 Stars, which fuel powerful abilities later in combat.
The Necrobinder – Bound Phylactery
Summons a unit at the start of every turn, helping maintain early board presence despite having the lowest HP in the roster.
Best Shop Relics Tier List
Shop relics require spending gold, so their value depends not only on power but also on cost efficiency.
S Tier (Must Buy)
These relics are almost always worth purchasing.
- Membership Card
- Orrery
- Ringing Triangle
- Runic Capacitor
These relics either provide long-term value across the run or offer extremely strong immediate benefits.
A Tier (Very Strong)
Strong relics that usually provide great value.
- Chemical X
- Miniature Tent
- Dolly’s Mirror
- Dragon Fruit
- Gnarled Hammer
- Lava Lamp
- The Abacus
- Brimstone
These relics can significantly improve a run, especially if they match your deck’s strategy.
B Tier (Situational)
Useful only for certain builds.
- Burning Sticks
- Kifuda
- Royal Stamp
- Lee’s Waffle
- Cauldron
- Ghost Seed
- Sling of Courage
- Ninja Scroll
- Wing Charm
- Punch Dagger
- Mystic Lighter
These relics can be strong, but only when they match the direction of your current deck.
C Tier (Niche or Risky)
Relics in this tier are rarely worth buying.
- Bread
- Belt Buckle
- Screaming Flagon
- Dingy Rug
- Toolbox
- Undying Sigil
- Vitruvian Minion
Most of these relics have very specific requirements or downsides that make them unreliable.
Relics remain one of the most important parts of building a successful run in Slay the Spire 2. With more than 250 relics currently available, understanding which ones are worth taking can greatly increase your chances of reaching the final acts. In general, relics that improve energy management, card draw, or scaling damage tend to perform best across most builds.
Meanwhile, relics with strict limitations or risky drawbacks should be approached carefully. As the Early Access version continues to evolve, relic balance may change, but learning how to evaluate relics based on mechanics like Durability, Wax Relics, Corrosion, and Pierce will help you make smarter decisions in every run.