SLAY THE SPIRE / PROGRESSION

Card Unlocks

Character progress awards additional cards and relics in later runs.

QUICK REFERENCESlay the Spire 1Reviewed 2026-10-28Reference / noindex
Original schematic Volpedia category artwork
OVERVIEW

What is Card Unlocks?

Character progress awards additional cards and relics in later runs.

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

Learn newly available tools rather than assuming every option is universally strong.

COMMON MISTAKES

What to avoid

More unlocked cards do not mean every reward improves a deck.

CONTINUE ON VOLPEDIA

Related topics and walkthroughs

PROGRESSIONCharacter Unlocks

Progress opens additional original-game characters and their card/relic options.

PROGRESSIONAct IV Unlock

Requires prior achievements with the core original characters before key collection becomes available.

PROGRESSIONAscension Ladder

Rising difficulty levels increase challenges one step after another.

PROGRESSIONCorrupt Heart Victory

Optional endgame objective for capable decks that collect the three keys.

PROGRESSIONEmerald Key

A special key earned by defeating a Burning Elite.

PROGRESSIONFirst Victory

Defeating the Act III boss ends a standard successful run before optional Act IV.

PROGRESSIONRuby Key

A special key acquired at a Rest Site by selecting Recall.

Back to Progression

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.