Lecture: The Watcher - Ascension 20 Run in Slay the Spire

Introduction

• Topic: Insights into playing The Watcher on Ascension 20 in Slay the Spire
• Goals: Explaining basics, deck development, making decisions

Key Takeaways

The Watcher Overview

• Fourth character in Slay the Spire; unlock after a run with other characters
• Mechanically Complex: Mainly due to stance change mechanics
• Starting Deck: Strikes, Defends, Eruption (double damage & taken), Vigilance (block & calm)
• Game Goal: Stack bonuses, multiply damage, evaluate cards contextually

Stance Mechanics

• Core Stances: Wrath (double damage dealt & taken), Calm (energy gain upon exit)
• Strategy: Enter Wrath to burst damage, Calm to manage energy
• Importance: Understanding stances is crucial to optimize damage & block cycles

Deck Building & Management

• Cycle Time: Initial deck has a quick cycle, see each card every two turns
• Improvement Strategy: Reduce cards in deck, add better cards, or improve card draw
• Starting Damage: High due to Eruption; build on this strength

Pathing Decisions

• Act Map: Assess beforehand; prioritize elite fights and rest sites
• Node Rewards: Combats (cards, gold, potions), Events (varied, some upgrades/removals), Rest Sites (heal or upgrade), Elite Fights (relics, higher card rarity)

Comparison Criteria for Cards

• Contextual Evaluation: No universally good/bad cards; evaluate based on synergy
• Starting Deck Goal: Improve the initial deck with high-value cards; balance block and attack density

Early Game Strategy

Key Decisions

• Evaluating Starting Bonuses: Transform/removal preferred
• First Cards: Prioritize damage, Wrath entry, and stance control

Practical Battle Strategies

Common Combat Tips

• Always Review Draw Pile: Plan next turns accordingly
• Balance Damage & Block: Focus on maximizing damage while taking minimal damage
• Specific Card Interactions: Use Eruption wisely, leverage strike multipliers
• Energy Management: Use Vigilance for block & future energy

Early Fights Breakdown

• Lice: Control and utilize energy early; potential for playing Wish (scaling card)
• Cultist: Prioritize damage while controlling future cycles
• JAW WORM: Manage damage; potentially use Miracle for efficient blocks

Mid-Game Execution

Shops and Cards

• Shops: Remove cards, buy impactful relics, and useful multi-turn cards
• Card Selection: Continue choosing cards that fit the evolving deck strategy, aim for balance

Key Relics & Elites

• Captain’s Wheel: Adds strategic block on crucial turns
• Gremlin Knob & Lagavulin: Fights requiring burst damage, use panache appropriately

Late Game Strategy

Boss Strategies

• Hexaghost: Balance early burst damage with sustaining through later turns
• Champ: Build strength gradually, prepare for bust phase strategy

Scaling with Relics and Cards

• Strength Multipliers: Key to dealing high damage in boss fights
• Omniscience & Wish: Leverage for health, strengths, strategy

Act 3 Planning

Final Boss- Preparation

• Act 3 Structure: Consider both immediate rewards and preparation for Act 4

Path Optimization

• Nodes Prioritization: Balance combat, elite, and resting for optimal run
• Powerful Combos: Use all acquired powerful card combos effectively

Endgame Strategy

Fighting The Heart

• Ultimate Goal: Survive four turns with damage per turn capped strategy
• Final Potions Use: Used as strategic tools for blocking/dealing damage
• Strength & Damage Multipliers: Leverage all existing relics for max damage

Conclusion

• Contextual Mastery: Constant evaluation, adapting based on draws and situation
• Strategic Use of Relics: Utilize all available tools for optimal outcomes

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• Overall Strategy: Building strength through deck optimization, leveraging relics & proper stance control is crucial for successful Watcher runs.