The Colossal Flower Slay the Spire 2 shows up as a random event in Act 2 or actually Hive. You find it growing on a mountain of bones deep in the insect filled tunnels. It never appears in Act 1 or Act 3, so you only get one shot per run. Most players hit it mid Act 2, right when gold starts to matter for shops and upgrades.
Below is the fast answer:
| Stage | Safe Choice (Gold) | Risky Choice (Deeper) | Cumulative Cost if Continuing |
| Stage 1 | +35 Gold (end event) | Lose 5 HP | 5 HP |
| Stage 2 | +75 Gold (end event) | Lose 6 HP | 11 HP |
| Stage 3 | +135 Gold (end event) | Lose 7 HP + Pollinous Core relic | 18 HP total (no gold) |
You want more details? Follow the text and I’ll make choices easier.
You Will Read:
How the Colossal Flower Event Works
You step up to a giant glowing flower. The event plays out in three clear stages. At every stage you pick one of two options. Take the gold and walk away, or push deeper at the cost of HP. There is no way to back out once you start, and you cannot grab gold from earlier stages if you keep going.
Here is the exact flow:
- Stage 1: Extract nectar for 35 gold and end the event. Or reach deeper and lose 5 HP.
- Stage 2 (if you went deeper): Extract nectar for 75 gold and end. Or reach deeper and lose 6 HP.
- Stage 3 (final stage): Extract nectar for 135 gold and end. Or enter the center, lose 7 HP, and claim the Pollinous Core relic instead of any gold.
And here is a nice wrap up for you: The total cost to reach the center is exactly 18 HP (5 + 6 + 7). The flower closes once you decide.
Want a full overview of the game? See this: Slay the Spire 2 Guide: All You Need to Know
Complete Reward Breakdown
You either leave with gold or the special relic, never both and that’s fun, I like hard choices (Yeah, I’m sick)
- Stop at Stage 1: 35 gold
- Stop at Stage 2: 75 gold
- Stop at Stage 3: 135 gold
- Reach the center: Pollinous Core relic + 18 HP lost (no gold)
So What is this Pollinous Core? It is actually a solid uncommon relic you get only from this event. Every four turns in combat, it automatically draws 2 extra cards. Turn 4, 8, 12, and so on.
No activation is needed. It works in every deck type because extra draw fixes bad starting hands and helps cycle through powers or poisons faster.
Note: There are more Articles on Tpose that cover other important events in the game. You can Also read about Divine in Crystal Sphere and The Trial.
Should You Take Gold or Go for Pollinous Core
Most runs benefit more from the Pollinous Core than from 135 gold. The relic pays off across dozens of fights, while gold only helps until you spend it. However, your decision should depend on your situation.
Take the gold if:
- Your HP is already low (below 40-50 total)
- You face a tough boss soon and need to buy healing potions or key cards right now
- You are on a slow deck that does not need extra draw
Push for the center if:
- You have a solid HP buffer (60+ HP and some healing sources)
- Your deck loves draw (like Silent poison, Defect orbs, Ironclad strength ramps)
- You still have several floors left in Act 2 and Act 3
Trust me my friend, 18 HP is a fair price for consistent card advantage. It helps a lot in the run.
Colossal Flower Slay the Spire 2: Pro Tips
Still unsure which option is best for you? No problem, I’m here with much more help:
- Check your current HP and upcoming path before you even touch the first choice. If an elite or boss sits right after the event, play safe.
- Pair the relic with draw engines like Prepared, Acrobatics, or any orb generation. The extra cards turn good decks into great ones.
- In higher Ascensions, be stricter with HP. The extra draw still helps, but 18 damage hurts more when enemies hit harder.
- Save a healing potion or two before the event if you plan to go deep.
- Thin your deck before Act 2 so the extra draws actually give you useful cards instead of junk.
What’s Your Choice?
The Colossal Flower Sts2 gives you one of the cleanest risk and reward choices. Gold feels safe and immediate, but the Pollinous Core often becomes the quiet hero of your run. Weigh your health and your deck needs. When in doubt and your HP allows it, reach the center. That extra draw every four turns can turn a close fight into an easy win.
What will be your choice, why? Share it in the comment section.
You may probably like: Slay the Spire 2 Bosses and How to Beat Them
FAQs
Can I get both gold and the relic?
No. Once you choose to go deeper you skip that stage’s gold forever
Is the Pollinous Core rare?
It only comes from this event, so it feels special. You will not see it anywhere else.
Does the relic work on turn 1 or only after turn 4?
It starts counting from turn 1 of combat and triggers on turn 4, 8, etc.
What if I have very low HP but need gold badly?
Stop at Stage 3 for 135 gold. It is still one of the best gold payouts in Act 2.
Is it worth it in Ascension runs?
Yes if you have healing or a strong block plan. The draw advantage often outweighs the 18 HP once you know the bosses.
When can stage 2 be the best choice?
Stage 2 is often the best compromise when you need shop money but don’t want to risk 18 HP before an elite or boss.
