In the popular deck-building roguelike gameSlay the Spire, players encounter many relics that can shape their strategy and determine their fate. Among these relics, Brimstone stands out as one of the most powerful yet dangerous items in the entire game. It offers tremendous offensive potential but at a steep cost. Players who take Brimstone must carefully balance their newfound power with the increased risk it brings. Understanding how Brimstone works, when to take it, and how to build around it is essential for anyone looking to master this complex relic and reach victory at the top of the Spire.
What Is Brimstone in Slay the Spire?
Brimstone is a rare relic that provides both the player and enemies with additional Strength every turn. Specifically, it grants the player +2 Strength at the start of their turn but also gives enemies +1 Strength each turn. This means that battles become more intense as time goes on your attacks become stronger, but so do the attacks of your opponents. The longer the fight lasts, the more dangerous it becomes.
This dual effect makes Brimstone a high-risk, high-reward relic. If your deck is built for quick, aggressive strategies that can end fights before the enemy’s Strength boost becomes overwhelming, Brimstone can be one of the strongest items in the game. However, in slower or more defensive decks, it can lead to disaster, as enemies can grow too powerful to handle over time.
How to Obtain Brimstone
Brimstone is not a common relic that you’ll find in every run. It usually appears in the shop and is purchasable with gold. Because of its powerful effect, it has a high price tag compared to other relics. It cannot be obtained through normal boss rewards or random drops in most runs. Players who spot Brimstone in a merchant’s inventory must make a critical decision whether to invest heavily in it or skip it for a safer option.
The Power of Strength Scaling
To understand Brimstone’s true potential, it’s important to recognize the value of Strength inSlay the Spire. Strength increases the damage of all attacks, making each point of Strength incredibly valuable for decks that rely on dealing physical damage. Gaining +2 Strength per turn means that even basic attacks like Strike cards can deal massive amounts of damage after just a few turns. When combined with multi-hit attacks, the damage output can skyrocket.
- Ironclad synergyBrimstone works exceptionally well with the Ironclad character, whose cards often benefit directly from Strength bonuses. Cards like Whirlwind, Heavy Blade, and Limit Break can turn Brimstone into a tool of destruction.
- Silent and Watcher considerationsFor characters like the Silent or the Watcher, Brimstone is riskier. Their decks often rely on defense, poison, or stance mechanics rather than raw attack power, making the Strength boost less valuable while the enemy’s power-up becomes more threatening.
- Defect limitationsThe Defect rarely benefits from Strength, as most of its damage comes from Orbs. For this character, Brimstone is usually a poor choice.
In short, Brimstone is best suited for characters or deck builds that can take advantage of rapid offense and end fights quickly before enemies can use their own Strength gain effectively.
The Risk of Brimstone
While the power of Brimstone is undeniable, its downside cannot be ignored. The fact that enemies also gain +1 Strength each turn means that their attacks will become more deadly the longer the fight drags on. Against elite enemies or bosses with multi-hit attacks, this can quickly spiral out of control.
For example, enemies like the Book of Stabbing or the Giant Head can deal enormous damage when empowered by Brimstone’s effect. Defensive decks that rely on blocking each turn will struggle, as their block values may not keep up with the rising enemy Strength. In these cases, the relic can turn from a blessing into a curse.
Managing the Drawbacks
To make Brimstone work, players need to adjust their strategy. The key is to end fights as fast as possible. That means focusing on aggressive cards, upgrading attack-based cards, and prioritizing relics that enhance damage output. Cards that multiply or double Strength, like Limit Break for the Ironclad, pair perfectly with Brimstone. Additionally, relics that increase card draw or energy generation can help ensure that you maintain constant pressure on enemies.
Players should also be cautious when facing multi-enemy fights. Since every enemy gains Strength, fights against groups can become especially dangerous. Area-of-effect attacks like Cleave or Bludgeon can help clear out smaller enemies quickly before they grow too powerful.
Strategic Tips for Using Brimstone
Because Brimstone fundamentally changes the flow of combat, successful players must think differently when it’s part of their build. Here are some practical strategies for using it effectively
- Focus on short battles your main goal is to deal lethal damage before the enemy’s Strength bonus becomes overwhelming.
- Upgrade cards that scale with Strength, such as Heavy Blade or Pummel, to maximize damage output.
- Combine Brimstone with Strength-doubling cards or relics for exponential results.
- Avoid long defensive fights, as your block cards may become useless against high-damage enemies.
- Prioritize relics and cards that improve energy efficiency and card draw for faster turns.
When used properly, Brimstone can create some of the most explosive and satisfying battles inSlay the Spire. Few relics can match the sheer thrill of seeing your attack numbers climb higher and higher as the battle progresses.
When to Skip Brimstone
Despite its allure, Brimstone isn’t always the right choice. There are situations where its downside outweighs its benefits. For example, if your deck relies heavily on blocking or passive damage (like poison or Orbs), Brimstone will likely cause more harm than good. It’s also a poor pick late in the game if you expect to face bosses that take many turns to defeat, such as the Awakened One or Time Eater, both of whom can grow extremely dangerous with added Strength.
Players who are unsure about their deck’s offensive potential should think carefully before purchasing Brimstone. Sometimes it’s better to choose relics that offer consistent advantages without such a heavy risk factor.
Alternative Relics for Aggressive Decks
If you want an aggressive relic without the shared Strength effect, consider options like
- Champion BeltAdds vulnerability to enemies when you apply Weak, increasing your damage safely.
- ShurikenGrants Strength when you play multiple attacks in a single turn, with no drawbacks.
- Du-Vu DollIncreases Strength for every curse in your deck, rewarding risk without empowering enemies.
These relics can help build around Strength or offensive strategies without the dangerous consequences that come with Brimstone.
Brimstone inSlay the Spirerepresents one of the game’s most exciting and risky mechanics. It embodies the essence of high-risk, high-reward gameplay, offering the potential for unmatched power if used correctly. In the hands of an experienced player who knows how to balance aggression and speed, Brimstone can turn an ordinary deck into a destructive force capable of melting bosses in just a few turns. However, it can also spell doom for those unprepared to handle its dangerous side effects. Whether it leads you to glorious victory or painful defeat, Brimstone remains one of the most memorable relics inSlay the Spirea fiery reminder that in the pursuit of power, every decision has its price.