A full roster visual fits the unlock page because players want to see what opens up over time.
Slay the Spire 2 has five playable characters. You start with Ironclad and unlock the rest by starting a run with each newly unlocked character.
The fastest method takes under a minute: you don't need to finish a run — just start one and immediately give up.
Verification note
Community-verified by multiple players and guide authors. The give-up method is the fastest known approach.
Fast takeaway
This guide is built around one practical question, so you can use it during a run instead of digging through a broad overview.
If the answer depends on a mechanic, a character system, or a recent patch, the related links show you what to open next.
Use this when you want a direct answer instead of a broad overview.
Follow the related links if this decision depends on a mechanic, character system, or co-op rule.
Check the update pages whenever balance changes might shift the recommendation.
Step-by-step unlock chain
1. Ironclad is available from the start. Start a run with Ironclad, then pause and select Give Up. This unlocks Silent.
2. Start a run with Silent, pause, and Give Up. This unlocks Regent.
3. Start a run with Regent, pause, and Give Up. This unlocks Necrobinder.
4. Start a run with Necrobinder, pause, and Give Up. This unlocks Defect.
That's it — four give-ups and you have the full roster. The whole process takes under a minute.
Unlocking through normal play
If you prefer to unlock characters naturally, the same chain applies — you just need to start a run with each character. You don't have to win or reach any specific point. Any run start with a character triggers the next unlock.
Co-op runs also count toward unlocks, so you can unlock characters while playing with a friend.
