Among the many relics found in Slay the Spire, the Necronomicon stands out as one of the most powerful, mysterious, and potentially game-changing items a player can obtain. This cursed book has fascinated players since its introduction, offering incredible benefits at a cost. Understanding how the Necronomicon works, when to seek it, and how to build around it can dramatically increase a player’s chances of success during a run. While not suitable for every deck, when properly paired with high-cost attacks and synergy cards, this relic can create devastating turn-one openings that melt enemies before they have a chance to act.
What is the Necronomicon?
The Necronomicon is a rare, cursed relic obtained from the special event called ‘The Library.’ This event can present the player with a chance to read from a dark tome. After accepting the risk of injury or curses, the player may obtain the Necronomicon alongside the unavoidableNecronomicursecard, a curse that becomes a permanent addition to the deck unless removed.
Relic Effect
The Necronomicon’s effect is deceptively simple but incredibly powerful: thefirst Attack card you play each turn that costs two or more energy is played twice. This means that powerful attacks such asBludgeon,Immolate,Phantasmal Killer(when used alongside another attack), orGlass Knifecan now deal double damage automatically.
Curse Penalty
However, it comes at a price. The Necronomicurse is an unplayable curse that clutters your hand and may interfere with card draw strategies. The downside is mitigable if you have curse removal options or if your deck already includes curse synergies likeBlue Candle.
How to Obtain the Necronomicon
The Necronomicon is not guaranteed in every run. It is obtained exclusively through a random event that occurs after Act 1. When entering the event ‘The Library,’ players may encounter a large, ominous tome. The event offers multiple choices:
- Read: Takes damage each time you read further.
- Keep Reading: Up to three times to reach the reward.
- Obtain Relic: After enough damage taken, you receive the Necronomicon and the Necronomicurse.
Be aware that reaching the end of this event requires sacrificing HP, so it’s best approached when you’re in good health and can afford the cost.
Deck Synergy and Strategy
The Necronomicon works best in decks that rely on powerful, high-cost attack cards. It significantly increases their output and provides momentum in early turns. Below are some strategic tips depending on your chosen character class:
Ironclad
The Ironclad has some of the best synergy with the Necronomicon:
- Bludgeon: Doubled for 64 damage without upgrades, making elites trivial.
- Whirlwind (with Strength): Becomes a nuke when combined with strength boosts and is duplicated by the relic.
- Limit Break: Although not an attack, synergizes with strength-heavy builds where heavy attacks shine even brighter.
The Silent
The Silent benefits in unique ways, although less straightforward:
- Glass Knife: Its initial burst is doubled, providing fast front-loaded damage.
- Dagger Spray: If upgraded and costing 2 through relic interactions, it can be duplicated.
- Die Die Die: Not normally 2-cost, but if modified, may trigger the effect.
The Defect
The Defect relies more on powers and orbs but still has ways to benefit:
- Hyperbeam: Deals huge AoE damage and gets doubled very strong versus multiple enemies.
- Thunder Strike: While expensive, the double play can turn it into a massive nuke after stacking orbs.
Watcher
Watcher is perhaps the most explosive when paired with Necronomicon:
- Judgment: Though conditional, playing this twice can instantly eliminate two low-HP enemies.
- Lesson Learned: Potentially upgrade two cards in a single turn.
- Tantrum into Signature Moves: High-damage attacks gain even more value when duplicated.
Managing the Necronomicurse
One of the few downsides of the Necronomicon is the curse it brings. Here are some ways to handle it effectively:
- Blue Candle: This relic allows you to exhaust a curse from your hand for 1 HP. Perfect counter.
- Orrery or Lantern: Start with extra draw or energy, helping you cycle past the curse.
- Remove the Curse: At merchants, prioritize curse removal if your deck is sensitive to hand clogging.
When Not to Take the Necronomicon
Although tempting, there are situations where skipping the Necronomicon is the correct choice:
- Your deck is built around low-cost cards and card draw, such as a shiv deck for Silent.
- You’re already at low HP and can’t afford the damage from reading the tome.
- Your build relies on powers or status effects rather than raw damage.
Best Cards to Pair with the Relic
If you obtain the Necronomicon early, consider drafting or upgrading the following types of cards:
- 2+ Cost Attacks: These will automatically benefit from the relic’s duplication.
- Strength Scaling: Cards likeInflameorDemon Formbecome more valuable.
- Energy Generators:Double Energy,Battle Trance, orEnergy Potionshelp you afford high-cost cards every turn.
The Necronomicon in Slay the Spire is a high-risk, high-reward relic that can single-handedly change the outcome of a run. Its ability to duplicate high-cost attacks makes it especially potent in aggressive builds that thrive on fast, explosive turns. However, like all relics in the game, it must be carefully considered in the context of your current deck, available HP, and energy economy. When used wisely, the Necronomicon doesn’t just improve your chances of victory it makes every encounter thrillingly powerful.
Let me know if you’d like a similar topic for a different _Slay the Spire_ relic or build!