Slay The Spire 2: Retain Explained
Some cards in Slay the Spire 2 do not disappear from your hand at the end of the turn. This mechanic is called Retain, and it allows certain cards to stay available until you decide to play them. Understanding how Retain works can make a big difference when planning turns and setting up powerful combos.
How Retain Works In Slay The Spire 2
Retain means a card stays in your hand at the end of the turn instead of being discarded.
Normally, most cards are discarded when your turn ends. Retain changes that rule for specific cards. If a card has Retain, it remains in your hand until you play it or another effect removes it.
This gives you much more control over when you use certain cards. You can hold them until the exact turn where they are most useful.
Why Retain Is Strong
Retain is powerful because it allows players to save key cards instead of losing them every turn.
In many fights, you may draw an important card before the right moment to use it. Retain solves that problem by letting you keep the card in hand until the perfect opportunity appears.
For example, you might hold a strong attack card until the enemy becomes Vulnerable. You might also keep a defensive card for a big incoming attack.
Common Ways Retain Helps Your Strategy
Retain is especially useful when building decks that rely on timing and combos.
Saving high damage attacks for a critical turn
Holding defensive cards for large enemy attacks
Keeping combo pieces until your deck is ready
Avoiding wasted energy on weak turns
Because of this flexibility, Retain cards often become key parts of strong deck builds.
Things To Watch Out For With Retain
Retain can also fill your hand if you hold too many cards at once.
If several cards stay in your hand every turn, you may draw fewer new cards. This can slow down your deck and make it harder to find other important cards.
Managing your hand size becomes important when using Retain heavy builds.
Final Blurb
Retain is a simple mechanic, but it adds a lot of control to how you play your turns. Being able to hold important cards until the right moment can turn an average deck into a powerful one.
Once you start paying attention to Retain cards, you will notice how useful they are for setting up big plays and surviving tough fights in Slay the Spire 2.
FAQ
What does Retain do in Slay the Spire 2
Retain allows a card to stay in your hand at the end of your turn instead of being discarded.
Do Retain cards stay forever in your hand
Retain cards stay in your hand until you play them or another effect removes them.
Does Retain affect your hand size
Yes. If you keep too many Retain cards, your hand can fill up and reduce the number of new cards you draw.
Is Retain a strong mechanic in Slay the Spire 2
Yes. Retain allows you to hold powerful cards until the perfect moment, which can greatly improve your strategy.
