How Do Wax Relics (Toy Box) Work in Slay the Spire 2?
Wax Relics are a type of Relic in Slay the Spire 2 that can only be obtained from Tezcatara, one of the possible Ancients players will meet in Act 2. These work exactly the same as regular Relics, but with one caveat: Wax Relics will melt over time, rendering them completely useless. Now, the latter may sound bad on paper, but in reality, Wax Relics are pretty good if you play Slay the Spire 2 with the right mindset.
Roguelike Vs Roguelite: What’s the Difference?
Roguelikes and Roguelites are hugely popular genres, but what makes something a Roguelike instead of a Roguelite?
What Do Wax Relics Do in Slay the Spire 2?
When you select Tezcatara’s Toy Box Relic, you’ll be given four random temporary Relics that will help you for as long as they’re active. Each Relic will do exactly what they say they’ll do, but as you continue your trek through the second act (and even beyond that), they’ll disappear one by one. Any Slay the Spire 2 character can make use of Wax Relics, though this is still subject to the whims of fate.
What some players may have overlooked is that the order in which you pick your Wax Relics determines when they’ll melt. The first Relic you pick will melt first, while the last one you pick will melt last. This is important because Wax Relics last for three combat encounters each — if you can avoid fighting, your Wax Relics can make it all the way to Act 3.
Are Wax Relics Worth Taking?
Absolutely. The power of four Relics is nothing to scoff at, especially if you get ones that perfectly complement the cards you have in Slay the Spire 2. Relics are just as important as cards when it comes to overall buildcrafting, especially for decks that have high Energy requirements or those that rely a lot on building Block.
Of course, since Wax Relics will fade over time, you’ll end up with no major Ancient Relic from Act 2. When you enter the next Act, you’ll be slightly weaker than usual, but this may not be an issue depending on what other boons Tezcatara was offering you at the time. If you’re not particularly interested in other Ancient Relics, then Toy Box and the four Wax Relics it comes with might be the best option.
Ideally, players should take Relics that give permanent bonuses, if they get the chance. This way, even once the Relic has melted away, you still get to keep whatever positive effect it gave you. Some good options include:
- Frozen Egg: When you add a Power to your deck, upgrade it.
- Whetstone: Upgrade 2 random Attacks upon pickup.
- Amethyst Aubergine: Enemies drop more gold.
- Prayer Wheel: Normal enemies drop an additional card reward.
- Shovel: You can Dig at Rest Sites to get Relics.
- Ortery: Upon pickup, gain 5 card rewards.