SLAY THE SPIRE / MECHANICS

Card Upgrade

Smithing or other upgrades improve an existing card for the rest of the run.

QUICK REFERENCESlay the Spire 1Reviewed 2026-10-28Reference / noindex

OVERVIEW

What is Card Upgrade?

Smithing or other upgrades improve an existing card for the rest of the run.

This reference covers gameplay decisions in the original Slay the Spire. Character-specific options and relic synergy can change how useful an item is, so consider your current deck, health, upcoming enemy and available resources before applying a strategy.

PRACTICAL STRATEGY

When and how to use it

Upgrade a high-use card that meaningfully changes damage, cost or consistency.

COMMON MISTAKES

What to avoid

Not all upgrades offer the same strategic return.

CONTINUE ON VOLPEDIA

Related topics and walkthroughs

RELICSFusion Hammer

Adds energy but stops smithing card upgrades at rests.

CARDSLesson Learned

Can permanently upgrade a card when it defeats an enemy.

EVENTSLiving Wall

Act I event that changes the starter deck through transform, remove or upgrade.

EVENTSShining Light

Act I event that upgrades cards for an HP cost.

TIPSUpgrade meaningful breakpoints

A card upgrade should change a fight through cost, debuff duration, damage or Block.

MECHANICSArtifact

Buff that blocks a future negative effect.

Temporary protection against ordinary attack damage, generally cleared between turns.

Back to Mechanics

Independent Volpedia editorial resource, not affiliated with Mega Crit. Original game (Slay the Spire 1), reviewed 2026-10-28. Slay the Spire 2 has separate rules, cards and characters and is not included here. Category graphics are original conceptual illustrations, not game screenshots or actual card artwork. Detailed numerical card costs, damage, upgrade effects and drop percentages are omitted where not individually checked. Editorial verification records are stored separately from public articles.