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Current patch v0.103.0

Slay the Spire 2 builds hub

Plan your run with patched archetypes, clear build cards, and instant links into the starter, guides, cards, and relics resources.

Patch-aware builds for the current patch (patch 0.103.0) so you can spot the safe upgrade paths.
Each character tile highlights the archetype focus, patch impact, and where to go next for guides or cards.
Decision tiles funnel you into beginners, builds, patch details, and the reference resources you need right away.

Status tiers

Patch v0.103.0

Beginner

Beginner primer

Lean on builds that trade burst for guarded pacing so first runs survive patch 0.103.0.

Stable

Stable core

Repeatable Strength, Sly, and Forge threads now pay off more consistently than last patch’s spike plays.

Watchlist

Watchlist picks

These lines still have upside but demand tight pacing since nerf adjustments make missteps punitive.

Patch Signal

What patch v0.103.0 means for builds

The latest patch kept the Early Access metagame nimble: repeatable Strength, Sly, and Forge lines are rewarded while unpredictable spike builds are dialed down. These tiles highlight what to test in your current run.

Decision hygiene

  • Double-check patch log before updating card priorities.
  • Focus on reliable mechanics instead of chasing hypothetical synergies.
  • Use the cards/relics lookup if your next draft is missing a critical tool.

Character builds

Hero cards with patch notes

Each tile packs the archetype, patch impact, focus, and where to go next.

View all build guides →

The Relentless Warrior

Ironclad

Intermediate
Beginner tier

Draft guard-heavy draws, then layer Strength when the map calms before branching out.

Lean toward consistent guard and Strength cards before tilting into explosive finishers.

Patch focus

Patch 0.103.0 trimmed the snappier self-damage lines so Block-based Strength ramps are safer.

Card focus: Track guard + Strength card pairs in the first 4 elites.

Relic focus: Favor relics boosting Strength or Block in tandem, not one-shot damage spikes.

Strength
Exhaust
Self-Damage

The Deadly Assassin

Silent

Advanced
Stable tier

Prioritize clean sequencing, then layer Poison while keeping draw and discard consistent.

Build hand quality and sequencing before locking into high-variance Sly payoffs.

Patch focus

Patch 0.103.0 sharpened Sly triggers and made Poison timing more reliable for mid-game hooks.

Card focus: Emphasize card draw and discard smoothing to bait reliable Poisons.

Relic focus: Lean into relics that reward discard cycling rather than random burst boosts.

Sly
Poison
Shivs

Heir to the Throne of Stars

The Regent

Advanced
Stable tier

Stack Stars early, set up Forge triggers, and delay artifact burst until your map reading is reliable.

Prioritize Stars generation that feeds your Forge toolkit and only load artifact burst when the map is stable.

Patch focus

Forge tweaks from 0.103.0 reward clearer Stars-to-artifact paths and discourage overtaxed setups.

Card focus: Monitor Stars generation vs. artifact payoff so you know when to pull trigger.

Relic focus: Pick relics that smooth extra Stars or offset Forge cooldowns.

Stars
Forge
Minions

The Undead Summoner

Necrobinder

Advanced
Watchlist tier

Manage Soul stacks closely and only deploy Osty when the board is stable.

Stagger Osty usage, stack Souls, and keep Doom thresholds readable for patch 0.103.0.

Patch focus

Doom timing and Soul gains got calibration love, so early Osty plays need cleaner setup windows.

Card focus: Watch guard timing and Soul pacing to avoid Doom backfires.

Relic focus: Consider relics that smooth Soul generation or protect against delayed Doom.

Watchlist note: Still prone to variance if Doom windows misalign or if patch tweaks reduce Soul gains.

Doom
Osty
Souls

The Broken Automaton

Defect

Advanced
Stable tier

Layer control orbs early, then transition into scaling Focus stacks once you lock cadence.

Balance early control orbs with late-game investment orbs without going full random burst.

Patch focus

Orb stability from 0.103.0 means your Focus investments now unlock more reliable evocations.

Card focus: Highlight orbs that pair with Focus ramps instead of random burst draws.

Relic focus: Seek relics that tack on orb generation or steady Focus gains.

Orbs
Focus
Sequencing