So you learned solo deckbuilding and survived a few towers. Ready to bring friends and share the chaos? Slay the Spire 2 adds co-op without turning the game into a different beast. You still make your own choices, but now you do them as a team. Below is a simple guide to getting started and the main rules to keep in mind.

How to start a Slay the Spire 2 co-op game

Multiplayer runs use a Host system. One player creates the multiplayer save and up to three others can join from the main menu. The Host must be friends with everyone joining on the platform being used. There are no password lobbies, no matchmaking, and no local couch co-op at the moment.

Setting up a co-op save

  • Pick a save profile that already has the character you want unlocked.
  • From the main menu choose Multiplayer.
  • One player selects Host and creates the lobby; the rest select Join.
  • Each player picks a character. Yes, everyone can pick the same one if they want.

How Slay the Spire 2 co-op save files work

Co-op saves behave differently than singleplayer files in a few important ways. Read these so you do not accidentally lock yourself out of a run or lose progress.

Profiles and hosting basics

  • Each player has three profiles and each profile can host one multiplayer campaign at a time.
  • New profiles only start with the Ironclad and must unlock other characters separately.
  • The Host owns the save. The save is tied to the Host's profile.
  • To start a new multiplayer campaign with different players you must abandon the current save.
  • All players must join from the beginning. You cannot add players mid-campaign to replace someone who left.
  • Players can quit whenever they like, but everyone needs to be present to continue the campaign together.

How multiplayer runs play

Think of the party like a small RPG group moving together. You make shared path decisions but keep personal inventories and rewards. Here are the main mechanical differences to expect.

Battle mechanics: enemies, energy, and rewards

  • Enemy stats change depending on party size.
  • Enemy attacks target the entire party when they hit.
  • Energy is private. Each player has their own pool and spends it independently.
  • Players may spend their Energy at any point during the party turn.
  • All players must select End Turn before the match proceeds.
  • If a player dies they are revived after the battle, provided the party wins.
  • Loot such as relics, items, gold, and cards is not shared. Every player gets their own rewards.
  • Special multiplayer-only cards can appear in co-op runs.

Map mechanics: ancients, relics, and events

  • Every player maintains separate inventories for relics, cards, items, and gold.
  • Players vote on or select the path together, or let the game randomize if there is disagreement.
  • Ancients present individual choice screens so each player gets their own options.
  • Random events allow each player to make their own decision and receive their own result.
  • Campfires include a Mend option that restores 30 percent of one ally's HP.
  • The Shopkeeper shows different items and prices to each player.
  • Treasure chests provide one reward choice per player. If two players pick the same reward the game resolves the conflict with RNG.

How Ascension works in multiplayer

Ascension progress in multiplayer is separate from singleplayer. You do not carry over multiplayer Ascension unlocks to solo play or vice versa. To unlock Ascension in co-op you must complete all three acts as a team.

Multiplayer Ascension details

  • Singleplayer and multiplayer Ascension levels are independent.
  • Multiplayer Ascension can be unlocked with different groups of players.
  • Unlocks apply to all characters in multiplayer.
  • The game enforces the Ascension level of the lowest player in the party. To play at a higher Ascension level every party member must have that level unlocked.

That covers the essentials. Co-op keeps the core deckbuilding and strategic choices intact while adding party-wide consequences and separate personal economies. If you like theorycrafting with friends, multiplayer adds a fresh layer without stealing the solo game's identity.