Foul Slime + gem

Learn how to best utilize the Abandoned Stave artifact in Monster Train. We cover its benefits, drawbacks, and how it interacts with other events and mechanics.

Hey there! So, you've stumbled upon the Abandoned Stave in the Concealed Caverns, huh? Let's break down if this artifact is a good pick-up for your run.

The Abandoned Stave is an artifact that gives you a big Ember boost right away. It's a bit of a gamble because it adds two Vengeful Shards to your deck, which can clog up your draws. However, the immediate +2 Ember can be huge, especially if you're running at higher Covenant Ranks where your starting deck already has Deadweight cards. Think of it as an acceleration tool – you get more resources faster, which can help you play your key cards earlier.

Now, why is this better than the other option, Calcified Embers? Well, Calcified Embers take time to become Excavated Embers, and their power comes much later. The Abandoned Stave gives you immediate value. If your deck is already strong and just needs that extra push, or if you're aiming for quick Incant triggers, the Stave can be amazing.

But, and this is a big 'but,' it's not always the right choice. If your deck is super sensitive to consistency, those Vengeful Shards can really mess up your draws and might even cost you the run. If you don't desperately need the extra Ember, or if you're worried about having bad turns, it might be smarter to skip it.

Here's a cool synergy: if you've also picked up the Mysterious Figure event, you can get an additional +1 Ember from Dante's Candles. Just be aware that this means even more Blight cards in your deck, so make sure you can handle the density!

Remember, this extra Ember boost from the Abandoned Stave doesn't count for Blights that get shuffled into your deck during combat, like those from Dante the Deceptive's Essence or during the Seraph the Diligent fight. It's all about that initial Ember gain.

So, weigh the immediate power against the potential consistency hit. Sometimes, the faster start is exactly what you need to snowball your way to victory!