Buffer

DefectPowerRare
Prevent the next time you would lose HP.
  • A 2-cost Power with a counter: the next time you would lose HP from any source, the loss becomes 0 and the counter drops by 1. Upgraded it starts at 2.
  • Checked after Block: a hit that Block fully absorbs does not spend a charge, but a 1-damage hit that gets through does.
  • Self-inflicted losses and end-of-turn Burn damage count too.
  • Charges from repeated casts add up.
Character
Type
Power
Rarity
Rare
Cost
2 Energy
Target
Yourself

When to take Buffer

Take it for a boss whose single big hits you cannot fully block, or for Act 3 in general. Upgrade it before playing it if you can, since that doubles its value.

Cards that synergize with Buffer

Echo Form
Power
3
Ethereal.
The first card you play each turn is played an extra time.
Echo Form plays it twice for two charges.Ethereal.
The first card you play each turn is played an extra time.
Signal Boost
Skill
1
The next Power you play is played an additional time.
Exhaust.
Signal Boost does the same once.The next Power you play is played an additional time.
Exhaust.
Storm
Power
1
Whenever you play a Power, Channel 1 Lightning.
Storm triggers on Powers played, and Buffer is oneWhenever you play a Power, Channel 1 Lightning.
Subroutine
Power
1
Whenever you play a Power, gain .
Subroutine triggers on Powers played, and Buffer is oneWhenever you play a Power, gain .
Synthesis
Attack
2
Deal 14 damage.
The next Power you play costs 0 .
Synthesis triggers on Powers played, and Buffer is oneDeal 14 damage.
The next Power you play costs 0 .

Relics that synergize with Buffer

Frozen Egg
Frozen Egg upgrades it on pickup.Whenever you add a Power into your Deck, Upgrade it.
Permafrost
Permafrost gives 7 Block for the first Power you play.The first time you play a Power each combat, gain 7 Block.
Mummified Hand
Mummified Hand makes a random card free when you play it.Whenever you play a Power, a random card in your Hand is free to play that turn.
Game Piece
Game Piece draws a card.Whenever you play a Power, draw 1 card.
Lost Wisp
Lost Wisp triggers on Powers played, and Buffer is oneWhenever you play a Power, deal 8 damage to ALL enemies.
Intimidating Helmet
Intimidating Helmet triggers on cards that cost 2 or more, and Buffer is oneWhenever you play a card that costs or more, gain 4 Block.

Changes by version

  1. Fixed an issue with Buffer+ card's description when playing in Portuguese
  2. 21 Aug 2025TextInternal playtest
    Updated wording

Internal playtest notes are from before the Early Access release. Names and numbers in them can differ from the game today.

Purchase today
If you haven't bought Slay The Spire 2 yet, it's time. Support the devs, they made an amazing game.Get it on Steam