5 minUpdated 2026-03-17retain slay the spire 2
Retain Mechanic Explained in Slay the Spire 2 (When to Hold, When to Spend)
How to use Retain cards to bank tempo, line up stronger multi-turn turns, and avoid dead-hand overholding.
Retain Fundamentals
- • Retain stores future tempo.
- • Retain is strongest with burst windows.
Deck Construction
- • Avoid over-retaining low-impact cards.
- • Use retain as setup, not as a full plan.
FAQ
Is Retain a beginner mechanic in Slay the Spire 2?
Yes, but only when paired with simple payoff timing.
How many turns should I hold Retain cards before spending?
Usually 1-2 turns. If you hold longer without a clear payoff window, hand quality often drops.