The Timeline is how you unlock new cards, relics, potions, characters, and Ancients in Slay the Spire 2. Unlike the original game, rewards must be manually claimed.
The map node layout from Neowsletter #16 showing how run progression is structured.
The Timeline is Slay the Spire 2's meta-progression system, replacing STS1's automatic unlock mechanism. Every new card, relic, potion, character, and Ancient must be claimed through the Timeline screen.
The single most important thing to know: Epoch rewards do not apply automatically. You must visit the Timeline screen from the main menu and manually activate unlocked content. If you skip this step, you are playing with a smaller card pool and fewer relics than you have earned.
Verification note
Cross-referenced across TheGameSlayer, Sportskeeda, GamerBlurb, Destructoid, TechnoSports, and Steam community discussions. Timeline freeze bug fix confirmed in official v0.98.2 patch notes.
Fast takeaway
This guide is built around one practical question, so you can use it during a run instead of digging through a broad overview.
If the answer depends on a mechanic, a character system, or a recent patch, the related links show you what to open next.
Use this when you want a direct answer instead of a broad overview.
Follow the related links if this decision depends on a mechanic, character system, or co-op rule.
Check the update pages whenever balance changes might shift the recommendation.
Epochs unlock through two methods. First, normal play progression — completing runs (win or lose) accumulates Epoch progress automatically. Second, character-specific milestones — clearing specific acts, defeating a set number of bosses, and reaching higher Ascension levels.
Co-op runs count toward Epoch progression. You do not need to grind solo to unlock content.
Each Epoch unlocks a mix of content: new cards added to the card pool, new relics that appear in chests and shops, new potions, playable characters (some characters are locked behind Epoch progress), and Ancients — the NPCs that replaced Boss Relics with act-start blessings.
This is the biggest difference from STS1. In the original game, beating a run or reaching a milestone instantly added new cards and relics to your pool. In STS2, you must go to the Timeline screen from the main menu, check for newly unlocked Epochs, and manually activate each reward.
If you have been running games without checking the Timeline, you have likely missed significant unlocks. Check it after every few runs.
Before v0.98.2, a bug could freeze the Timeline screen, preventing players from unlocking or claiming Epochs. This was fixed in the v0.98.2 hotfix on March 6, 2026. If you still experience Timeline freezing after updating, the Steam community discussions have workarounds.
No. You must visit the Timeline screen from the main menu and manually claim unlocked rewards. If you skip this step, new cards, relics, and characters will not appear in your runs.
How do I unlock new Epochs?
Complete runs and hit character-specific milestones like clearing acts, defeating bosses, and reaching higher Ascension levels. The game tracks your progress automatically.
My Timeline is frozen and I cannot unlock anything. What do I do?
This was a known bug fixed in v0.98.2. Update your game. If the issue persists, check the Steam community discussions for workarounds.
Can I unlock Epochs in co-op?
Yes. Progress earned in co-op runs counts toward Epoch progression and character unlocks.
