All Ascension levels in Slay the Spire 2

What are all the Ascension levels in Slay the Spire 2? Upon completing the game for the first time, you unlock Ascension levels - difficulty modifiers that introduce challenging mechanics. Each Ascension level offers a new way to hinder you, and the effects stack as you progress through the levels.

The number of Ascension levels varies depending on how far you've managed to progress as each of the Slay the Spire 2 characters. For example, if you've completed the card game several times as The Regent, your unlocked Ascension levels are tied to that specific character, meaning you'll need to complete the same feat across all the heroes.

Every Ascension level in Slay the Spire 2

In the early access build of Slay the Spire 2, there are currently ten Ascension levels for each character. Just like in the original game, the Ascension levels are the same across all the characters; however, the difficulty spikes hit considerably harder this time around.

Here's what every Ascension level does in Slay the Spire 2:

• Ascension 1: Swarming Elites - Elites spawn more often.
• Ascension 2: Weary Traveler - Ancients only heal 80% of your missing HP.
• Ascension 3: Poverty - Enemies and treasure chests drop 25% less gold.
• Ascension 4: Tight Belt - Start each run with one less potion slot.
• Ascension 5: Ascender's Bane - Start each run cursed.
• Ascension 6: Gloom - Less rest sites.
• Ascension 7: Scarcity - Rare and upgraded cards appear less often.
• Ascension 8: Tough Enemies - All enemies are harder to kill.
• Ascension 9: Deadly Enemies - All enemies have deadlier attacks.
• Ascension 10: Double Boss - Fight two bosses at the end of Act 3.

Ascension levels can also be unlocked in the co-op mode, though it works slightly differently when playing with other people. Any Ascension levels you've earned during your single-player adventures don't carry over to the co-op mode, meaning you'll need to ascend the Spire with your friends to play the game at a higher difficulty level.

Unlike in the single-player mode, Ascension levels aren't tied to specific characters in co-op. You're free to play with any team combination and as many players as you want - as long as you clear the game, you will unlock the next Ascension level for all five characters.

That's what all the Ascension levels do in Slay the Spire 2. While you're here, you should read our guides on the Colossal Flower relic, the Lantern Key event, and the Byrodonis Egg to find out if these special events are worth the potential hassle.