In the vast and challenging world of Slay the Spire, players are constantly seeking new strategies to push their decks to the limit and conquer the increasingly difficult ascension levels. Among the most game-breaking combinations in the game, the synergy between the relicUnceasing Topand certain card builds stands out for its potential to create infinite loops, devastating damage turns, and endless energy chains. This unique relic has become a favorite for experienced players who know how to exploit its potential, especially when building around cycling decks, energy generators, and zero-cost cards.
Understanding the Unceasing Top Relic
The Unceasing Top is a colorless relic that becomes available during your run, typically as a random relic or a merchant offering. Its effect is simple yet powerful:Whenever you have no cards in hand during your turn, draw a card.While this may seem minor at first glance, it opens the door to potentially infinite turns if the deck is built accordingly.
Strategic Implications
This relic is ideal for decks that can consistently empty their hand. When you finish playing all your cards and have nothing left, Unceasing Top automatically gives you another chance by drawing a card. If that drawn card is playable especially if it’s free or generates energy the cycle continues. This mechanic becomes particularly deadly when combined with a well-tuned deck that has:
- Low-cost or zero-cost cards
- Energy-generating cards or relics
- Draw-engine support
- Thin decks that cycle quickly
Deck Archetypes that Benefit from Unceasing Top
While Unceasing Top can technically work with any character, it truly shines with certain archetypes and playstyles. Let’s take a closer look at how it synergizes with the core characters in Slay the Spire.
The Silent: Shivs and Zero-Cost Cards
The Silent has access to a range of zero-cost cards likeShiv-generating cards,Prepared,Slice, andBackflip. When paired with relics likeNinja ScrollorKunai, and boosted withAccuracy, the Silent can keep playing cards without stopping, provided they continue drawing and generating energy through cards likeAdrenalineorCalculated Gamble.
The Ironclad: Exhaust Synergy
The Ironclad benefits when building around exhaust mechanics. Cards likeOffering,Battle Trance,Seeing Red, andWild Strikecan help thin the deck while maintaining energy. When combined with relics likeCorruptionorFeel No Pain, the deck becomes capable of playing a large number of cards per turn, keeping the hand empty and activating Unceasing Top again and again.
The Defect: Power and Claw Builds
The Defect’sClaw-based decks andzero-cost cardslikeZaporFissionare ideal for enabling Top synergy. Pairing Unceasing Top with relics likeData Diskor cards likeScrapeandAll For Onecan create explosive turns. If energy can be managed effectively say, viaCapacitororEnergy Potionsupport the Defect can string together huge loops of damage and orbs.
Watcher: Wrath Form and Energy Combos
The Watcher, with her stance-changing abilities, benefits from a low-cost combo deck. Using cards likeFlurry of Blows,Fasting, andRushdown, Watcher players can empty their hand, enter and exit Wrath, and use the Top to draw and continue the cycle. Cards likeDeva FormorTalk to the Handcan make her even more self-sufficient in this style.
How to Build for Unceasing Top Synergy
To maximize Unceasing Top, players need to think carefully about deck composition. Simply having the relic isn’t enough the entire deck must work to support its strengths. Here are some essential build tips:
- Thin Your Deck: Remove unneeded cards. The fewer cards you have, the more likely you are to keep the combo going.
- Add Zero-Cost Cards: Cards likeFlash of Steel,Slice, orClawwork beautifully here.
- Use Energy Relics: Lantern,Happy Flower, orEnergy Potioncan help maintain momentum.
- Include Card Draw: Any card that draws others especially when cheap or zero-cost fuels the engine.
Best Card Examples
Some standout cards to include in an Unceasing Top deck are:
- Silent: Prepared, Acrobatics, Adrenaline
- Ironclad: Offering, Battle Trance, Shrug It Off
- Defect: Claw, Scrape, All For One
- Watcher: Flurry of Blows, Rushdown, Foresight
Infinite Combo Potential
One of the biggest appeals of Unceasing Top is the possibility of executing infinite combos. This often requires specific setups, such as:
- Energy regeneration every turn (via relics or skills)
- Infinite draw via looped cards like All For One
- Card duplication through relics likeOrange PelletsorEcho Form
While not every run will allow this, experienced players who draft carefully and plan ahead can potentially create loops that never end especially useful for boss fights or surviving on high Ascension levels.
Drawbacks and Risks
While the Unceasing Top can create powerful loops, it also comes with risks:
- Decks can stall: If a card in your hand can’t be played due to energy or enemy condition, the draw loop stops.
- Overreliance: Depending too heavily on the Top may lead to problems if key draw cards aren’t available.
- Dead draws: Getting a costly or unplayable card in a loop ruins the chain.
To avoid these risks, players should always have backup plans, and not remove every expensive card unless absolutely necessary.
Synergy with Other Relics
To truly unlock the Top’s potential, pairing it with other supportive relics is key. Some top options include:
- Runic Pyramid: While seemingly opposite in function, it allows you to plan around what stays in hand.
- Ice Cream: Save unused energy to unleash massive Top loops later.
- Bag of Preparation: Start with more cards, improving your odds of activating the loop early.
- Clockwork Souvenir: Keep Artifact active to prevent debuffs that could break the loop.
Unceasing Top is not just another relic in Slay the Spire it’s a powerful tool for combo-focused players who love calculated risks and endless card chains. With the right cards, energy management, and strategic deck thinning, it transforms your run from a standard climb to a puzzle-solving masterpiece. Whether you’re chasing that perfect infinite loop or simply looking for a creative way to outsmart bosses, building around Unceasing Top can lead to some of the most satisfying moments the game has to offer.