Slay the Spire: The Board Game’s killer feature is cooperative play

Slay the Spire: The Board Game’s killer feature is cooperative play

As a huge fan of Slay the Spire, the video game has been a staple in my gaming rotation for years. I’ve spent countless hours crafting the perfect deck and strategically navigating through the treacherous Spire. So when I heard about the release of Slay the Spire: The Board Game, I was beyond excited to give it a try.


In our recent episode of Overboard, we had the pleasure of trying out “Slay the Spire: The Board Game,” an intriguing adaptation of the iconic video game. This captivating title pioneered the roguelike deck-building subgenre by seamlessly blending tabletop strategy with unpredictable relics and simplifying complex calculations for a digital platform. The result? A wave of imitators inspired by its innovative gameplay.

It’s reasonable to inquire as to the reason: Why make a flawless video game more complex by introducing shuffling and mathematical problems? Instead, consider the allure of Slay the Spire: The Board Game. It offers you the thrill of conquering the spire alongside your companions.

It’s amazing yet logical how a game like Slay the Spire could be adapted into a tabletop experience. The transition is seamless, with simpler numbers and adjusted combat mechanics designed specifically for collaborative play. For instance, player turns can be taken in any order, enabling you to plan your moves against the monsters on the game board more effectively. Additionally, you’re no longer confined to attacking the monster directly in front of you; you can choose to target any monster present, offering opportunities to protect a teammate by focusing on an aggressive enemy or making a monster weak for another player to deliver a powerful blow.

Simone de Rochefort expressed surprise and excitement: “I hadn’t considered how great a cooperative mode for Slay the Spire could be until trying it out. The intriguing dynamics between the various decks left me eager to keep playing this version indefinitely.”

In contrast to numerous cooperative board games where one person often dominates, “Slay the Spire: The Board Game” seldom leaves anyone feeling sidelined. This is due to the unique decks each player constructs throughout the game, ensuring everyone’s involvement and contribution matter.

As a huge fan of Slay the Spire, I can’t help but feel excited when I think about how many of us have longed for a cooperative mode to experience the game with friends. And let me tell you, the board game version has exceeded my expectations in this aspect!

The game captures its atmosphere authentically, without making the “dungeon rounds” overly burdensome. For me, this was what caused my instant dislike of Gloomhaven, despite being drawn to its idea. Running through the rounds wasn’t enjoyable.

The board game version of Slay the Spire retains the addictive elements that make the original game hard to put down. Discovering new relics is an enjoyable experience, enhancing cards by upgrading them adds a sense of accomplishment (simply turn them over within the provided card sleeves), and introducing a new card into your strategy feels rewarding.

Gill was surprised and delighted to find a board game adaptation of a video game, most of which is centered around activities that he enjoys.

Recommending “Slay the Spire: The Board Game” presents a challenge due to its price. During our gameplay, we used the $170 collector’s edition, featuring metal coins and additional mats. However, the standard version goes for approximately $100. It’s worth questioning whether such an investment is justified for a tabletop game that can be purchased for as little as $25 based on its video game counterpart. Nonetheless, if you’re a dedicated group of “Slay the Spire” enthusiasts, the answer might not be so difficult.

In the video at the beginning of this post, you have the opportunity to observe us playing through Act 2 of our campaign. If you find this content engaging, don’t forget to explore more of Overboard on our YouTube channel!

Slay the Spire: The Board Game’s killer feature is cooperative play

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

  • $115

Prices taken at time of publishing.

  • $115

    at Zulus Games

  • $100

    at Game Nerdz

  • $105

    at Knight & Day Games

Read More

2024-07-24 21:19

Previous post Billy Ray Cyrus, 62, ADMITS to shock tirade against wife Firerose, 37, as he offers furious explanation to expletive-filled rant caught on audio: ‘I was at my wit’s end’
Next post Barry Keoghan’s new movie confirms UK release date