Slay the Spire Tier List 2026: Best Characters and Cards

The Slay the Spire tier list ranks the best characters, cards and relics for Slay the Spire 2, so you can start every climb with a plan. We sorted the five playable characters from S to B, then added the top Ironclad cards and the best universal relics based on the strongest 2026 guides.

Slay the Spire 2 released in March 2026, and Ironclad is the most dependable pick in the current ranking. Regent, Silent, Necrobinder and Defect follow, with the order shifting depending on how a guide weighs consistency against skill ceiling. Treat this page as a starting point and adapt it to the cards you are offered.

How We Rank Slay the Spire Characters

• Consistency: how reliably a character performs across random card rewards and relic pickups.
• Mechanical depth: how much skill the character rewards, and how big the payoff is when a plan comes together.
• Run-shaping potential: whether the character can build a clear engine instead of relying on luck.

Slay the Spire Tier List: Best Characters

This Slay the Spire tier list for characters comes from a March 2026 ranking of the five playable heroes in Slay the Spire 2. Guides disagree on Regent and Necrobinder, so we placed them using the more cautious ratings.

Why Each Slay the Spire Character Ranks Where It Does

• Ironclad: strong offense, sustain and Strength scaling make him the most dependable pick.
• Regent: Stars-based scaling enables high damage, but the payoff takes planning.
• Silent: Poison, Shiv combos and discard synergies reward setup with big payoff turns.
• Necrobinder: Summons and Doom thresholds give a unique playstyle with a high skill cap.
• Defect: Orb-based passive setup is consistent, but it depends on drawing cards and having enough Focus.

Slay the Spire Tier List: Best Ironclad Cards

Ironclad is the easiest place to start, so these card rankings help new players the most. They are built around Strength scaling and Exhaust synergies.

For a deeper breakdown, see our full Ironclad card tier list.

Slay the Spire Tier List: Best Universal Relics

Relics that help every character are the safest picks when you are unsure. The top of the relic list looks like this:

How to Use the Slay the Spire Tier List

• Start with Ironclad to learn the game, then move on to higher skill-cap characters.
• Do not pick a card only because it is S tier. Take the cards that fit your current deck and plan.
• Pick relics that help your energy and draw first, because they improve every future turn.
• Keep your deck small. A tight deck draws your best cards more often.
• Remember that the sequel is still evolving. New cards and balance changes can move rankings.

For card text, relic effects and enemy details, the Slay the Spire Wiki on Fandom is a handy reference.

Slay the Spire Tier List FAQ

Who is the best character in Slay the Spire?

In the current ranking for Slay the Spire 2, Ironclad is the most dependable S tier pick. The original game has four characters: Ironclad, Silent, Defect and Watcher.

Is the Slay the Spire tier list the same for the sequel?

No. This guide is for Slay the Spire 2, which adds new characters such as Regent and Necrobinder. Original game card rankings differ.

What is the best relic in Slay the Spire?

Ice Cream, Gambling Chip, Paper Phrog, Tungsten Rod and Bag of Preparation are among the top universal relics.

Final Thoughts

Use this Slay the Spire tier list to guide your first runs and your deck choices. If you enjoy deck builders and roguelikes, check out our Balatro tier list, the Hades 2 weapons tier list and the Vampire Survivors tier list.