If you’re just starting Slots & Daggers, the first few runs can feel brutal and random. You’ll lose quickly, struggle with damage, and probably wonder if luck is all that matters.
It isn’t.
The early game is actually about building momentum, managing your slot pool, and making smart upgrade choices — not just rolling fast and hoping for good numbers.
This guide explains how experienced players approach the early game so you can start reaching the first boss consistently and unlock your second wheel faster.
This is the most important mindset shift.
Your early runs are not about winning — they’re about unlocking better slot options and gathering upgrade chips.
Each run expands your possible rolls, meaning the game gradually becomes more controllable rather than purely luck-based.
So don’t panic when your first attempts end quickly. That’s normal progression.
Slot Choices
Your starting slot pool determines how strong your entire run can become.
A weak early setup forces you into slow damage and poor income, while a strong start snowballs into faster upgrades and easier fights.
Poison Damage
Poison is widely considered the strongest early-game mechanic because:
It bypasses enemy shields completely.
It deals damage over multiple turns.
Stacking rolls increases its total damage.
This allows you to win fights even when your direct damage rolls are weak.
If you see poison options early, prioritize them.
Slot Pool
Many new players don’t realize you can remove unwanted slot options.
Inside the shop, after purchasing a slot, you can press the remove button to delete it from your pool and gain a small amount of money.
This is extremely valuable early on.
A smaller, focused slot pool means:
Higher chances of rolling strong effects
Less clutter from weak options
More consistent combat performance
For example, once you obtain stronger money-generating slots, removing basic coin slots prevents low-value rolls.
Big Sword
The Big Sword is a unique early weapon that gives very high damage but with slower timing.
Its biggest advantage is control.
You can intentionally roll low damage to extend fights and farm more coins, or aim for high damage to finish enemies quickly.
This makes it useful for farming bosses that reward money based on fight length.
Its main downside is the lack of critical hit potential and slower roll speed.
Chips
Upgrade chips are meant to be used immediately.
Many beginners save them too long, which slows progression.
Best Early Chip Upgrades
Two upgrades provide the biggest early impact:
Money gain increase — speeds up all future purchases.
Physical damage resistance — essential for surviving early bosses.
These upgrades make reaching the first world boss far more consistent.
How to Beat the First Boss
The first major difficulty spike is the Queen of Snakes.
Her damage ramps up quickly, and without preparation she can end runs suddenly.
To survive:
Enter with upgraded resistances
Bring healing or lifesteal effects
Use poison or steady damage strategies
If you can reach her regularly, you’ll accumulate enough chips to unlock your second wheel faster.
Why the Second Wheel Changes Everything
Unlocking an additional wheel is the biggest early milestone.
More wheels mean:
Higher chances for critical rolls
More simultaneous effects
Greater overall damage and survivability
Once unlocked, runs become significantly more stable and less dependent on luck.
Upgrade chips can be refunded at any time.
This means you should:
Spend chips early for short-term strength
Refund later to purchase major upgrades like extra wheels
Using this strategy allows faster progression than saving chips passively.
Slots & Daggers is not about perfect luck — it’s about shaping probability in your favor.
By managing your slot pool, prioritizing poison damage, and investing chips early, you’ll quickly move from struggling to consistently clearing the first world.
Once you unlock additional wheels, the game shifts from survival mode into true strategic play.