Ali Ikhwan
By Laurence Wall
Published: May 12, 2026, 3:30 PM EDT
The highly anticipated sequel, Slay the Spire II, has burst onto the gaming scene, bringing with it a revolutionary twist on its beloved roguelike deck-building formula. Gone are the days of mere post-boss relic choices; Slay the Spire II introduces a vibrant cast of "Ancients," powerful entities who offer crucial support from the sidelines in your relentless battle against the enigmatic Architect. These celestial patrons, each with their unique motivations and offerings, can dramatically shape the trajectory of your runs, often proving to be the deciding factor between a triumphant ascension and an ignominious defeat.
As players delve deeper into the treacherous spire, the strategic importance of selecting the right boon from these Ancients becomes increasingly apparent. While the efficacy of any given offering is undeniably influenced by your current deck composition and existing relics, some Ancients demonstrably possess a more benevolent disposition, consistently guiding players toward success. Others, however, operate on a more transactional basis, demanding a greater sacrifice for their aid, or presenting choices that carry significant, often detrimental, drawbacks.
This comprehensive guide aims to dissect the influence of these pivotal figures, ranking them from the least impactful to the most game-altering. By understanding their unique mechanics and the nuances of their offerings, players can make more informed decisions, ultimately increasing their chances of conquering the spire and achieving true mastery.
The Architects of Fortune: Ranking the Ancients in Slay the Spire II
Slay the Spire II introduces a dynamic layer of strategic decision-making through its roster of Ancients. These entities, each with distinct personalities and offering pools, can either propel a player towards victory or inadvertently lead to their downfall. This ranking evaluates each Ancient based on the overall power, consistency, and risk associated with their offerings, aiming to provide a clear hierarchy of their impact on a player’s run.
8. Neow: The Humble Beginning
From Death, You are Born Anew!
Neow, the first Ancient encountered at the very dawn of each run, occupies the lowest rung of this particular hierarchy. While essential for initiating the player’s journey, Neow’s offerings are by design, intentionally modest. Her purpose is not to provide run-defining power spikes but rather to offer subtle nudges in the right direction, providing a small, yet consistent, advantage without fundamentally altering the player’s strategic approach.
The relics bestowed by Neow are intentionally balanced, designed to avoid completely breaking a nascent deck or, conversely, to render it unplayable. Whether the player requires a slight trimming of their starting deck, a chance at a rare card, a modest HP boost, or a small influx of starting gold, Neow’s repertoire caters to these early-game needs. However, the key here is "modest." Players would be ill-advised to expect game-breaking boons from this benevolent entity. Furthermore, a degree of caution is warranted; a greedy selection, such as accepting an extra curse, can swiftly undermine the initial advantage Neow provides. Ultimately, Neow serves as a gentle introduction to the game’s mechanics, a foundational support rather than a strategic linchpin.
7. Tezcatara: The Flickering Flame
Go Forth, by the Flame of Candlelight
Transitioning to the mid-game Ancients, Tezcatara presents a more complex proposition. While not inherently weak, Tezcatara’s offerings often fall into a category of being highly situational. The Ancient provides a range of buffs that can sustain a deck under specific circumstances, but the critical issue lies in the transient nature of many of these advantages.
For instance, relics like "Toy Box" and "Pumpkin Candle" offer potent, albeit temporary, boosts. While valuable in the immediate turn or two, their fleeting nature means they do not contribute to long-term strategic growth. Worse still, Tezcatara occasionally presents relics with significant drawbacks that can actively hinder a run. "Toasty Mittens" and "Biiig Hug" are prime examples, capable of actively sabotaging a player’s deck. The buffs offered by Tezcatara are often too dependent on the player’s current deck and strategic goals, making them a gamble. Despite the allure of certain strong relics, such as "Brightest Flame," the potential for detrimental choices and the lack of permanent, universally beneficial effects often leave players with a sense of dread when encountering this Ancient, preferring to bypass their potentially volatile aid.
6. Vakuu: The Costly Bargain
There is No Victory Without Sacrifice
Vakuu embodies the classic "deal with the devil" archetype, and this is precisely why the Ancient ranks so low on this list. Vakuu’s core mechanic revolves around offering powerful benefits at a steep price, often in the form of devastating curses, significant Max HP reductions, or detrimental effects that disrupt a player’s turn. This inherent risk-reward structure frequently leads to Vakuu acting as a run-breaker rather than a run-enhancer.
The pitfalls are numerous. Relics like "Fiddle" can cripple deck cycling, directly impeding a player’s ability to draw and play their cards effectively. "Lord’s Parasol," while seemingly intriguing, can bloat a deck with numerous unplayable cards, diluting the player’s core strategy. While Vakuu does offer some undeniably strong relics, such as the "Jewelled Mask" and "Sere Talon," their benefits are frequently overshadowed by the severe negative consequences they impose. The fundamental principle of Vakuu’s offerings is that the sacrifices demanded often outweigh the rewards, making this Ancient a risky, and often ill-advised, choice for players seeking consistent progression.
5. Darv: The Echo of the Past
Some May Call this Junk, but I Call Them Treasures!
Darv presents a unique and often perplexing challenge. This Ancient specializes in bestowing boss relics reminiscent of the original Slay the Spire, relics that are notorious for their potent effects coupled with significant drawbacks. The primary issue with Darv’s offerings lies in their inherent volatility. Whether a Darv-granted relic truly benefits a player’s deck can often feel like a coin toss.
While the promise of free energy, such as that provided by certain relics, is always enticing, the accompanying drawbacks – such as the inability to acquire gold or potions – can be equally brutal, creating a substantial strategic deficit. Furthermore, relics like "Snecko Eye" possess the potential to completely dismantle a carefully constructed deck, while others, like "Empty Cage," simply do not feel impactful enough to warrant the "Ancient" status.
However, Darv is not without his merits. The special cards obtained from "Dusty Tome," a relic offered by Darv, can indeed be run-defining. The Silent’s "Wraith Form," the Regent’s "Sealed Throne," and the Ironclad’s "Corruption" are powerful examples of cards that can single-handedly carry a player through difficult encounters. This duality, the potential for both catastrophic missteps and game-winning boons, places Darv in a precarious middle ground, demanding careful consideration and a deep understanding of deck synergy.
4. Pael: The Subtle Sustainer
Dine Upon the Flesh of the Melting Dragon
Initially, Pael may have been a source of frustration for many players, particularly those striving for higher Ascension levels. However, a closer examination reveals that Pael’s strength lies in his understated consistency. While the effects of his relics may not always be earth-shattering, they are characterized by a remarkable lack of significant downsides, a rarity among the Ancients.
When choosing a relic from Pael, players can almost invariably expect to receive something that will provide consistent, albeit incremental, benefits throughout their run. This is a stark contrast to many other Ancients, whose powerful effects often come with substantial trade-offs. Pael’s offerings tend to be straightforward, contributing to a player’s overall strategic advantage without introducing new vulnerabilities.
The true power of Pael lies in the reliability of his boons. While some might offer a slight increase in energy or an additional card draw, others can fundamentally alter the course of a run. The "cloning" mechanic, for instance, is notoriously powerful and can single-handedly break the game in the player’s favor. More often, however, players will find themselves benefiting from increased energy generation, enhanced defensive capabilities, or a more robust hand of cards. The lack of complex decision-making and the consistent positive outcomes make Pael a reliable and valuable ally.
3. Orobas: The Joyful Catalyst
Ignorance is Bliss
The appearance of Orobas, the "jolly rainbow-worm-thing," is always a welcome sight, and for good reason. Similar to Pael, Orobas shines due to the near absence of detrimental choices. Whether you seek increased energy through "Prismatic Gem" or "Luminesce," or a boost in potion capacity with "Alchemical Coffer," Orobas provides consistently beneficial options.
Furthermore, Orobas offers the unique ability to upgrade your starting relic or class-specific starting card, imbuing them with enhanced power. This allows for a tailored approach to bolstering your initial build. The Ancient excels at amplifying your existing strengths, pushing your current strategy to its zenith.
The true game-changing potential of Orobas lies in relics like "Electric Shrymp," which grants a free skill play at the start of every combat. When paired with expensive but potent skills such as "Decisions Decisions" or "End of Days," this relic can effectively secure victory for the remainder of the run. Orobas offers a wealth of options that are both powerful and synergistic, making him an indispensable asset for any player aiming to optimize their run. The sheer variety of impactful choices ensures that a visit to Orobas is rarely, if ever, a wasted opportunity.
2. Tanx: The Balanced Benefactor
Glory to the Big High War God
A recurring theme among the top-tier Ancients is their ability to offer substantial benefits with minimal drawbacks, and Tanx is a prime example of this principle. While Tanx often specializes in bolstering aggressive, combat-focused decks, his offerings surprisingly extend to defensive and utility-based benefits, making him a versatile ally for a wide range of playstyles.
Tanx provides potent offensive choices like "Crossbow," "Claws," and "Tri-Boomerang," which are instrumental in accelerating combat and overwhelming opponents. However, the Ancient also presents defensive relics such as "Spiked Gauntlets," "Throwing Axe," and "Whistle." These relics, unlike many others, offer benefits that are universally applicable, enhancing any deck regardless of its core strategy. The simplicity of Tanx’s offerings is their strength; they provide significant upsides with virtually no discernible downsides.
This broad applicability and the lack of negative trade-offs make Tanx a consistently valuable Ancient. He offers a little something for everyone, ensuring that players can always find a beneficial choice to further their ascent. The "Big High War God" is not as imposing as his title might suggest, but rather a benevolent force that aids all who seek his counsel.
1. Nonupeipe: The Stylish Game-Changer
Who Said Ancients Couldn’t be Stylish?
At the pinnacle of this ranking stands Nonupeipe, the undisputed champion of the Ancients. What elevates Nonupeipe above all others is not solely the raw power of her rewards, but the sheer fun and versatility they introduce. Fun, after all, is a crucial component of any successful gaming experience.
Nonupeipe’s unique strength lies in her ability to offer relics that don’t directly alter a player’s deck composition. This is invaluable for players who have already established a solid strategic framework. Instead of forcing a change in card synergy, Nonupeipe provides external buffs that significantly enhance a player’s capabilities outside of their deck.
Consider the options: a staggering 999 gold for lavish shop purchases, "Looming Fruit" or "Diamond Diadem" to bolster defenses, or even the possibility of obtaining unlimited potions if Orobas or Neow have already granted extra potion slots. Nonupeipe can effectively grant a "free win" in certain scenarios. Furthermore, if a player’s card draw is looking bleak, "Apotheosis" can revitalize a struggling deck, while "Glitter" offers further potent enhancements.
The most remarkable aspect of Nonupeipe is the absence of "dud" relics. Unlike many other Ancients, every offering from Nonupeipe is at least decent, and often exceptionally powerful, in virtually any deck. This unparalleled consistency and the sheer breadth of impactful choices make Nonupeipe the most desirable Ancient to encounter. The player can never go wrong with her offerings, a fact that solidifies her position as the ultimate boon-granter in Slay the Spire II. One can only hope that such a powerful and enjoyable Ancient remains unnerfed.
Conclusion: Mastering the Ancients
The introduction of Ancients in Slay the Spire II injects a new layer of strategic depth and replayability into an already beloved formula. While some Ancients offer foundational support, others present high-risk, high-reward scenarios, and a select few consistently provide game-changing boons. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each Ancient, players can navigate the treacherous ascent of the spire with greater confidence and tactical acumen. The journey to the top is arduous, but with the right celestial guidance, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome. The key lies in recognizing which allies offer the most reliable path to victory, and which might just lead you astray.
Evan Lee Salim
Rifan Muazin
