How to unlock characters in Slay the Spire 2

To unlock characters in Slay the Spire 2 (STS2), you simply need to start runs with the heroes you already have. Each new run advances the unlock chain and makes the next character available on the main menu.

Character unlock order

  1. Ironclad – available from the first time you launch the game.
  2. Silent – unlocked after you start a run with Ironclad.
  3. Regent – unlocked after you start a run with Silent.
  4. Necrobinder – unlocked after you start a run with Regent.
  5. Defect – unlocked after you start a run with Necrobinder.

Do I need to win runs to unlock characters?

No. Based on current Early Access information, you only need to start runs with the required character; you do not have to win or reach a specific act. This makes it easy to quickly unlock the full roster if you just want to experiment.

Where to learn more about each STS2 character

After unlocking a hero, you can use the wiki to understand their mechanics and card pool: