Should I upgrade Dark Embrace in Slay the Spire 2?

Compare the upgraded text: Cost changes from 2 to 1. If the upgrade lowers cost, adds damage/block, or enables a combo piece, it is usually high priority.

What builds use Dark Embrace?

Dark Embrace appears in 1 tracked build: Ashen Reaper of the Pyre (A-tier, hero card).

What character uses Dark Embrace?

Dark Embrace is tagged as a Ironclad card. See the Ironclad build hub for archetypes that care about it.

Updated for Data 2026-03-17Early Access — numbers may shift with patches.

Dark Embrace

Ironclad · Power · Rare · 2 cost

Base

Upgraded

Card text

Whenever a card is Exhausted, draw 1 card.

Dark Embrace+

Cost changes from 2 to 1

Builds that use Dark Embrace

Archetypes that draft this card in real runs, with the role it plays.

AAshen Reaper of the PyreIronclad · Hero card

Keywords

Exhaust

Build context

See the Ironclad build hub for archetypes that feature this card in real runs.

Related cards

Dark Embrace FAQ

Should I upgrade Dark Embrace in Slay the Spire 2?: Compare the upgraded text: Cost changes from 2 to 1. If the upgrade lowers cost, adds damage/block, or enables a combo piece, it is usually high priority.
What builds use Dark Embrace?: Dark Embrace appears in 1 tracked build: Ashen Reaper of the Pyre (A-tier, hero card).
What character uses Dark Embrace?: Dark Embrace is tagged as a Ironclad card. See the Ironclad build hub for archetypes that care about it.

Patch history

SpireForge snapshots card text from Untapped exports dated 2026-03-17. When Mega Crit ships a balance patch, we re-run the scraper and refresh every affected URL—see /patches for the editorial log.