9 Titles to Explore After Slay the Spire 2

I’ve somehow racked up nearly 300 hours in Slay the Spire 2. It’s a bit mind-boggling, especially since the game has only been out for three months, but the consistent balance updates from Mega Crit have definitely kept me hooked. And let’s be real—the game is just that good.

But it might be too good. I’m a huge fan of deckbuilding games, yet Slay the Spire 2 has set such a high bar that it’s hard to find anything else that compares—aside from the original Slay the Spire, of course. There are several deckbuilding roguelikes that come close, and if Slay the Spire 2 is your introduction to the genre, you might be eager for something similar. Fortunately, I’ve spent way too much time exploring these games, so I’ve got you covered.

Before anyone gets upset in the comments, I want to clarify that I’m skipping over some of the more obvious choices like Balatro, Vampire Crawlers, and Monster Train 2. They’re fantastic games, but I assume most of you are already aware of them. Instead, I’ll highlight some lesser-known gems. Plus, a few amazing titles launched right after Slay the Spire 2, and you might have missed them while diving deep into your current obsession. Trust me, I get it.

First up is the latest addition to this list: Rune Dice, released by Smart Raven Studio on May 19. I still find myself playing Slay the Spire 2 almost daily, so I nearly overlooked this one until Steam’s algorithm nudged me toward it earlier this month.

Rune Dice is a unique twist on deckbuilding; instead of cards, you’re assembling a deck of dice. The goal is to combine your dice by launching them at each other, dealing damage to enemies and potentially triggering bonus effects. While the gameplay diverges from Slay the Spire 2, the roguelike map progression is quite similar, requiring you to weigh your options as you choose your path and the enemies or rewards you want to tackle. Plus, there’s a satisfying rush every time you manage to roll a six into another six.

Next is Black Jacket, which came out just a week earlier on May 12. To be upfront, Black Jacket shares more in common with Balatro and Inscryption than with Slay the Spire 2, but I’ve been eager to discuss it for a while.

Like Balatro, Black Jacket is a blackjack-themed deckbuilding roguelike. However, don’t let that simple comparison deter you; the game’s narrative sets it apart from others in the genre. It’s a bit unusual to say this about a deckbuilding game, but I recommend diving in without any prior knowledge. Black Jacket features a surprisingly engaging and well-crafted story that justifies its $15 price tag.

Klei Entertainment is one of the most underrated developers out there, consistently delivering hits over the past two decades. Titles like Mark of the Ninja, Oxygen Not Included, Rotwood, Invisible Inc, and Don’t Starve showcase their talent. Yet, I rarely hear anyone mention what might be my favorite Klei game: Griftlands.

There’s a reason for that—Griftlands isn’t as deep or mentally demanding as other deckbuilders, and you can complete its campaign in under 30 hours. However, it’s a solid 30 hours, with enough replayability to warrant multiple playthroughs. The best part? Combat and conversations are resolved through card battles, creating a delightfully quirky experience that’s also tightly paced. I hope Klei revisits this title for a sequel because it truly deserves another look.

Now, while some might raise eyebrows at including a AAA title based on a well-known IP in a list of indie games, there’s a strong counterargument: Marvel’s Midnight Suns didn’t get the attention it deserved. According to the development team and even Take-Two’s CEO, the game was a commercial failure—and that’s a shame because it’s genuinely fantastic.

This game blends turn-based tactics from Firaxis Games’ XCOM series with traditional deckbuilding mechanics, though it lacks roguelike elements. Instead, it incorporates light RPG morality and dialogue systems reminiscent of Mass Effect, resulting in a unique deckbuilding experience that hasn’t been replicated since. Given its poor sales, it’s understandable why others haven’t tried.

Sad Socket’s 9 Kings is undoubtedly the quirkiest game on this list. It’s a deck-building roguelike that also incorporates real-time strategy and autobattler elements, all wrapped in a charming isometric pixel art style. While it’s simpler to play than to explain, the gameplay revolves around placing buildings from your hand of cards and letting your troops battle the enemy.

The only critique I have for 9 Kings is its ease; it’s quite accessible. However, that’s also a compliment, as the developers designed it this way intentionally. It’s incredibly easy to create an overpowered deck, almost as if the game encourages it. I played 9 Kings at launch over a year ago and loved it, and since then, it has received over 20 patches while still being in early access. With a recent multiplayer update, now is the perfect time to dive in.

Thanks to several DLC expansions over the past four years, I find myself revisiting Fights In Tight Spaces from time to time. Each time, I get sucked in for a solid week because something about it is just so satisfying.

What makes this game stand out is a combination of factors: tight card balancing, crisp animations, and a combat system reminiscent of Into the Breach that adds a puzzle-like layer to the gameplay. I haven’t tried the newly released sequel, 2 Fights in 2 Tight Spaces, but it does introduce multiplayer support for those looking to team up. Unfortunately, the sequel doesn’t let you control a dog in combat, which automatically makes it a lesser experience.

It’s been a couple of years since I first played Chrono Ark, and I remember not enjoying it at first. The game throws you into the action with little explanation, leading to some aimless wandering and a few early defeats. Then, a hundred hours flew by.

Once you get the hang of it, Chrono Ark becomes a serious time sink. The lack of hand-holding is what ultimately hooked me. Its beautiful early 2000s 2D JRPG-inspired art and somber story are captivating, and the blend of deckbuilding elements with RPG Maker-style gameplay creates an oddly engaging experience. The difficulty feels just right, and your party’s progression is well-balanced, ensuring you never feel overpowered or weak. Given that Chrono Ark was the developer’s debut title, I’m excited to see what Al Fine creates next.

If you’ve ever wanted to reach through your screen and strangle your co-op buddy for making a terrible decision during a round of Slay the Spire 2’s multiplayer, Across the Obelisk might be your answer. It’s like playing Slay the Spire 2, but instead of letting your friends make questionable moves, you can take control of them!

Across the Obelisk is perhaps the most comparable game to Slay the Spire 2, with similar deck synergies and enemies. However, it distinguishes itself by allowing you to build multiple decks simultaneously. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you grasp the mechanics, mastering the combat will make you feel like a genius. A small caveat: I haven’t explored any of the DLC, as there’s just too much of it, and purchasing it all would cost around $120. Still, I got plenty of enjoyment from the base game, which feels like a steal at just $20.

I know I mentioned avoiding some obvious recommendations, but I had to include Inscryption just in case someone reading this hasn’t played it. And while I said no deckbuilding roguelike matches Slay the Spire 2, Inscryption might be the exception. Apologies to the diehard Monster Train 2 fans out there.

In many ways, Inscryption is the polar opposite of Slay the Spire 2. It’s story-driven, focusing more on buffing individual cards than creating large synergistic decks, and it has a darker, less whimsical tone. It’s also relatively short for a roguelike; you’ll likely feel satisfied after about 30 hours.

But what a 30 hours it is. Inscryption prioritizes delivering a fully realized story with a satisfying conclusion over infinite replayability, and every moment of that playthrough is enhanced by its brilliant writing and the surprising ways it mixes up mechanics and gameplay throughout each act. Inscryption undoubtedly deserves its place among the greats of deckbuilders, sitting proudly alongside Balatro and Slay the Spire.