How do you play Slay the Web?

Click cards to queue them for the turn, then press End Turn when you are finished. Between fights you pick the next node on the map and add or upgrade cards and relics.

What is the goal in Slay the Web?

Climb the branching map, build a deck strong enough to survive elite foes, and defeat the boss at the end of each act.

Is Slay the Web free to play?

Yes. Slay the Web is a free open-source deckbuilder, and a full climb runs in your browser tab at no cost.

Does Slay the Web save your progress?

Yes. Runs persist in your browser, so you can return later and continue a climb.

Is Slay the Web the same as Slay the Spire?

No. It is a fan-made homage that recreates the familiar core loop of map routes, enemy intents, card drafts, and relics rather than a complete copy of the original.

How do you build a good deck in Slay the Web?

Balance damage and defence turn by turn, watch enemy intents before committing, and choose cards that support one clear synergy instead of collecting everything.

Is Slay the Web multiplayer?

No. It is a single-player roguelike deck-builder.

Does Slay the Web include every feature from Slay the Spire?

It focuses on the core loop and is continually evolving. Expect regular updates as the community contributes.

Install the repo locally and run the dev server, or rely on your browser cache after loading a run.

Slay the Web

Draft new cards, gather relics, and outthink every enemy in this faithful web homage to Slay the Spire.

Gameplay overview

Deck-building roguelike

Slay the Web recreates the rhythm of Slay the Spire: navigate a branching map, take on battles, and gradually assemble a synergistic deck. Each fight reveals enemy intents, forcing you to balance damage and defence turn by turn. Between encounters you’ll draft cards, collect relics, and upgrade key abilities before facing elite foes and bosses.

Slay the Web quick reference — Learn the basic loop: plan your route, play cards efficiently, and prepare for the boss at the end of each act.

Your objective

What you are trying to achieve

Each run asks you to climb a branching map toward the boss at the end of the act. You build a deck from card rewards, relics, and upgrades, then use it to survive every battle the route throws at you.

Enemy intents are visible before you act, so the challenge is balancing damage and defence turn by turn while assembling one strong synergy.

Controls

Mouse-first interface

Click cards to queue them; press End Turn when finished.
Hover enemy icons to view intents and status effects.
Use the map button to choose your next node—combat, rest, shop, or event.

Keyboard shortcuts are minimal today, but the open-source project welcomes contributions that refine the UI or add accessibility options.

Beginner guide

Your first few minutes

Slay the Web follows the Slay the Spire formula closely, so a few early habits will keep your first climb alive.

Play your cards by clicking them, then press End Turn when you have nothing useful left to do.
Hover enemy icons before committing so you know how much damage is coming and whether to block.
Pick card rewards that support the deck you already have instead of grabbing every shiny option.
Use campfires and shops to upgrade key cards or heal when your health is low.
Choose your next map node deliberately, weighing fights against rest, shop, and event rooms.

Progression & features

Open source foundation

Multiple hero classes with unique starter decks.
Events, merchants, and campfires where you can upgrade or heal.
Runs persist in your browser—return later to continue a climb.
Extendable codebase documented for modders and new card designers.

Our take

Why Slay the Web is exciting for deckbuilder fans

Slay the Web is interesting not just because it echoes Slay the Spire’s structure, but because it does so in a fully open-source, browser-native way. You can feel the familiar cadence of planning routes, building synergies, and reacting to enemy intents—while also knowing the engine and cards are all inspectable and mod-friendly.

The project focuses on the core loop rather than flashy extras, which makes it a great playground for players who enjoy tinkering with deck balance or imagining new archetypes. It also runs directly in a tab, so quick lunchtime climbs are easy.

Who will enjoy it?

If you love roguelike deckbuilders and are curious about how they are put together under the hood, Slay the Web is a great fit. It is especially appealing to technically minded players who might want to propose cards, relics, or even fork the engine for their own projects.

Frequently asked questions

Need a quick answer?

How do you play Slay the Web?: Click cards to queue them for the turn, then press End Turn when you are finished. Between fights you pick the next node on the map and add or upgrade cards and relics.
What is the goal in Slay the Web?: Climb the branching map, build a deck strong enough to survive elite foes, and defeat the boss at the end of each act.
Is Slay the Web free to play?: Yes. Slay the Web is a free open-source deckbuilder, and a full climb runs in your browser tab at no cost.
Does Slay the Web save your progress?: Yes. Runs persist in your browser, so you can return later and continue a climb.
Is Slay the Web the same as Slay the Spire?: No. It is a fan-made homage that recreates the familiar core loop of map routes, enemy intents, card drafts, and relics rather than a complete copy of the original.
How do you build a good deck in Slay the Web?: Balance damage and defence turn by turn, watch enemy intents before committing, and choose cards that support one clear synergy instead of collecting everything.
Is Slay the Web multiplayer?: No. It is a single-player roguelike deck-builder.
Does Slay the Web include every feature from Slay the Spire?: It focuses on the core loop and is continually evolving. Expect regular updates as the community contributes.
Can I play offline?: Install the repo locally and run the dev server, or rely on your browser cache after loading a run.