Block

Block is the primary defensive mechanic in Slay the Spire. When you gain Block, it is added to a temporary shield that absorbs incoming damage before your HP is affected. Unlike HP, Block does not carry over between turns — all remaining Block is removed at the start of your next turn, regardless of how much was gained.

Block is generated mainly by Skill cards (shown with a blue border), though some Attack cards and Powers also provide it. The Dexterity buff increases the amount of Block gained from all cards. Frail debuff reduces Block gained by 25%. High-Block strategies are especially central to The Defect (Frost orbs) and The Ironclad (Barricade relic/card, which allows Block to persist between turns).