Slay the Spire+
The roguelike deckbuilder from Mega Crit, playable through an Apple Arcade subscription
by Humble Bundle, Inc. · listed Nov 14, 2026
Quick verdict
If you already pay for Apple Arcade, this is an easy install and one of the strongest strategy games in the catalogue. Android players get the same core game as a one-off purchase.
Best for Apple Arcade subscribers who enjoy turn-based strategy and want a deep card game they can play in short sessions
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 13, 2026. How we review
Slay the Spire+ review
Slay the Spire+ is the Apple Arcade edition of Mega Crit's roguelike deckbuilder. You pick one of four characters, start with a small deck of basic cards, and climb a tower whose map, enemies, rewards and bosses change on every attempt. Along the way you add cards, collect relics that bend the rules, and decide whether a risky path is worth it. It suits anyone who likes turn-based strategy, card games, or puzzles that reward careful planning more than reflexes.
A single run lasts about an hour and is easy to pause, so it works well in short sessions on a phone or tablet. Fights are calm and readable: you can see what each enemy plans to do next, then work out the best use of your cards. Losing is part of the loop. Each failed climb teaches you something about card combinations, and the higher difficulty levels give experienced players plenty to chase.
Why we picked it: It is one of the most respected games in its genre, with deep strategy built from simple rules and lots of variety between runs.
Watch out for: On iPhone and iPad it needs an active Apple Arcade subscription, and the Android version is a separate paid app.
What we like
- Every run has a different map, enemies, cards and relics
- Turn-based fights show enemy intentions, so planning beats luck
- Four characters with distinct play styles and card pools
- Short, pausable runs suit mobile play
- No ads or in-app purchases in the Arcade edition
What could be better
- Requires an Apple Arcade subscription on Apple devices
- Android players buy a separate version from a different publisher
- Steep learning curve, and early runs often end quickly
- Small screens can feel cramped when reading card text
Questions about Slay the Spire+
How much does Slay the Spire+ cost?
The App Store listing is free to download but the game is part of Apple Arcade, so you need an active Arcade subscription to play. On Google Play the game is sold as a one-time purchase of 9.99 USD with no in-app purchases.
Which platforms is it on?
Slay the Spire+ is on iPhone and iPad through Apple Arcade. Android has its own version, listed simply as Slay the Spire on Google Play.
Can I play it offline?
It is a single-player game, so a constant connection is not needed for normal play. Apple Arcade may occasionally need to go online to confirm your subscription.
Is it good for beginners to card games?
Yes, the rules are introduced gradually and you can see what enemies will do each turn. Expect to lose a lot at first, since learning through failed runs is part of the design.
Are there similar games?
Other popular deckbuilding roguelikes include Monster Train and Inscryption, but Slay the Spire is the game many of them are compared to.
From the developer: how Slay the Spire+ describes itself
Now on Arcade! Play the roguelike deckbuilder IGN named the Best Strategy Game of 2019.
Developed by Mega Crit, this team fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder they could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!
Choose between 4 different characters to begin your run. Enter the Spire and battle to defeat enemies by playing cards from your deck. No two runs are the same, battle your way to victory.
FEATURES:
- DARE TO ASCEND: 350+ fully implemented cards, 200+ different items, 50+ unique combat encounters, and 50+ mysterious events that can help or harm you!
- DYNAMIC DECK BUILDING: Choose your cards wisely! Discover hundreds of cards to add to your deck with each attempt at climbing the Spire. Select cards that work together to efficiently dispatch foes and reach the top
- AN EVER-CHANGING SPIRE: Whenever you embark on a journey up the Spire, the layout differs each time. Choose a risky or safe path, face different enemies, choose different cards, discover different relics, and even fight different bosses!
- POWERFUL RELICS TO DISCOVER: Powerful items known as relics can be found throughout the Spire. The effects of these relics can greatly enhance your deck through powerful interactions. But beware, obtaining a relic may cost you more than just gold…
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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