Should I Play Slay the Spire 1 Before 2?
Short Answer: No
You do not need to play Slay the Spire 1 before playing Slay the Spire 2. STS2 is a standalone game with no story connection, and it's designed to be accessible to new players.
Why You Don't Need STS1
✓ No Story Connection
Slay the Spire has no narrative. Both games are pure roguelike deckbuilders with no plot to follow.
✓ Standalone Mechanics
STS2 introduces new mechanics (Doom, Sly, Enchantments) that don't exist in STS1. Learning STS1 won't teach you these.
✓ Better Tutorial
STS2 has improved onboarding and tooltips that explain mechanics clearly for new players.
✓ Modern Features
STS2 has co-op multiplayer, better UI, and quality-of-life improvements that make it easier to learn.
When You SHOULD Play STS1 First
There are a few situations where playing STS1 first makes sense:
You Want to Learn Core Concepts
STS1 is simpler and has fewer mechanics. If you're completely new to deckbuilders, STS1 teaches the fundamentals without overwhelming you.
You're on a Budget
STS1 is cheaper and frequently on sale. If you're unsure about the genre, STS1 is a lower-risk purchase.
You Want More Content
STS1 has 4 characters and years of polish. STS2 is in Early Access with 5 characters but less content overall (for now).
Key Differences Between STS1 and STS2
| Feature | STS1 | STS2 |
|---|---|---|
| Characters | 4 (Ironclad, Silent, Defect, Watcher) | 5 (+ Regent, Necrobinder) |
| Multiplayer | Solo only | Up to 4-player co-op |
| New Mechanics | - | Doom, Sly, Enchantments, Act Boons |
| Status | Fully released (2019) | Early Access (2026) |
| Price | $24.99 (often on sale) | $29.99 |
Our Recommendation
Start with STS2 if:
- ✓ You want the latest features and mechanics
- ✓ You plan to play co-op with friends
- ✓ You're okay with Early Access bugs
- ✓ You want to learn the "current" meta
Start with STS1 if:
- ✓ You're new to deckbuilders
- ✓ You want a cheaper entry point
- ✓ You prefer fully polished games
- ✓ You want more content right now
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