Tabletop Together
Why this might be one of the most exciting tabletop collaborations in years.
There are very few games that I can honestly say I've lost hundreds of hours to, but Slay the Spire is one of them.
I've logged well over 400 hours between countless runs, experimenting with different builds, chasing the perfect relic combinations, and somehow convincing myself that "one more run" would only take twenty minutes. (Spoiler: it never does.)
It's one of my all-time favorite strategy games because no two runs are ever the same. Every card choice matters. Every relic changes your strategy. Every elite fight makes you question every decision you've made up to that point. It's one of those rare games that rewards planning, adaptability, and just enough risk-taking to keep you coming back for more.
On the tabletop side, Unmatched has become one of my favorite games to play with my wife. We love the strategic back-and-forth, trying to outthink each other, anticipating the next move, and finding clever ways to turn the tide of a match. It's easy to learn, incredibly replayable, and every character feels unique.
So when I heard that Slay the Spire was coming to Unmatched...
I didn't just think it sounded cool.
I immediately thought,
"This might be one of the smartest collaborations tabletop gaming has ever seen."
Two Games Built Around Smart Decisions
If you've never played Slay the Spire, it's one of the greatest deck-building roguelikes ever created.
Every card matters.
Every relic changes your strategy.
Every encounter forces you to adapt.
It's the kind of game where one bad decision can cost you an entire run—and that's exactly what makes every victory so satisfying.
Then there's Unmatched.
My wife and I have spent countless evenings battling it out across the table. One night we'll be playing Robin Hood versus Bigfoot. The next we're debating whether Medusa can outplay Sherlock Holmes.
No matter who wins, every game feels like its own story.
That's what keeps us coming back.
Why This Collaboration Makes So Much Sense
At first glance, these games seem completely different.
One is a digital roguelike.
The other is a tactical miniature skirmish game.
But underneath, they're built on many of the same ideas.
Both reward planning over luck.
Both encourage creative problem-solving.
Both make every decision meaningful.
Both give players those unforgettable moments where one perfectly timed move completely changes the outcome.
That's why this crossover feels natural instead of forced.
It isn't just a popular video game getting a board game skin.
It's two strategy games that already share the same DNA.
The Characters Are Perfect for Unmatched
One of the biggest reasons I'm excited is because every hero in Slay the Spire already has such a distinct identity.
Imagine seeing that translated into Unmatched.
The Ironclad — Heavy damage, healing, and relentless pressure.
The Silent — Poison, agility, and precision.
The Defect — Orb manipulation and combo-heavy gameplay.
The Watcher — High-risk, high-reward stance switching with explosive turns.
If Restoration Games captures what made these characters special in the video game, this could easily become one of the most unique and replayable Unmatched sets yet.
Why I'm Excited
There are plenty of gaming crossovers these days.
Some feel like marketing opportunities.
This one feels like it was destined to happen.
I've spent more than 400 hours climbing the Spire, learning every relic, memorizing enemy patterns, celebrating incredible runs, and suffering heartbreaking defeats.
I've also spent dozens of evenings sitting across the table from my wife playing Unmatched, trying to outmaneuver each other one card at a time.
Seeing those two worlds collide honestly feels like a dream announcement.
This is already a day-one purchase for me.
What This Means for Tabletop Gaming
One of my favorite things about the tabletop industry is seeing communities overlap.
Someone discovers a digital game...
Then finds the board game.
Someone buys the board game...
Then discovers the original video game.
Everyone wins.
Collaborations like this don't just sell games.
They introduce people to entirely new hobbies and communities.
Why It Matters to Us
That's something we think about a lot at PAG Games.
Some of the best memories are created around a table with friends, family, and even complete strangers who quickly become friends.
That's also one of the reasons we're building Tabletop Together.
Our goal is simple:
Help tabletop gamers find players, discover local events, connect with game stores, and build thriving communities.
Because whether you're introducing someone to their very first board game or searching for a group to tackle your next campaign, finding the right people shouldn't be the hardest part of the experience.
Final Thoughts
As someone who's spent 400+ hours climbing the Spire and countless evenings enjoying Unmatched with my wife, I honestly can't wait to see this set hit the table.
It combines two of my favorite strategy games into one experience, and if it delivers on its promise, I think it has the potential to become one of the best crossover sets Unmatched has ever released.
Now I just have one question...
Who's your first pick?
The Ironclad?
The Silent?
The Defect?
The Watcher?
Let us know—we'll see you around the table