If you’ve reached the point where normal runs in The Spell Brigade feel too easy, Trial Covenants are where the real challenge begins. These modifiers completely change how you approach runs, forcing you to rethink builds, positioning, and even basic survival.
This guide breaks down every covenant, what it actually means in gameplay, and how to unlock it without confusion.
The Spell Brigade Trial Covenants Guide (V1.0)
Trial Covenants are difficulty modifiers you can stack onto your runs. Each one adds a handicap, but also makes the game more rewarding and challenging.
Some are manageable. Others will completely destroy careless runs.
Mana Drought
Effect
Enemies drop less mana when killed.
Why It’s Dangerous
This directly slows your scaling. Less mana means fewer upgrades, weaker builds, and slower progression mid-run.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Ludwig and Balthazar twice
- Beat Verdant Meadows on hardcore with at least 3 devotion
Purity
Effect
All activated enchantments are disabled.
Why It’s Brutal
Enchants are a huge part of power spikes. Removing them forces you to rely purely on base spells and raw mechanics.
How to Unlock
- Beat Pyrestorm Pit on hardcore with at least 7 devotion
Mortality
Effect
All monsters one-shot you (environment damage does not).
Reality Check
This is one of the hardest modifiers. Every mistake ends your run instantly. You’re basically playing a no-hit challenge.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Moon Mage twice
Abstinence
Effect
You can equip one less spell (stacks up to 3 times).
Impact
This limits your build flexibility heavily. Fewer spells = fewer combos = weaker scaling potential.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Reginald, Maggie, and Pipwick twice
Denial
Effect
You get one less upgrade choice on level up (stacks up to 2 times).
Why It Hurts
Build RNG becomes worse. You’re more likely to miss key upgrades and synergies.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Wizard King and Star Mage twice
Torment
Effect
Reduced healing from all sources (stacks up to 3 times).
Gameplay Impact
Sustain builds become unreliable. You can’t depend on healing to recover from mistakes.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Aldric and Bryony twice
- Beat Frozen Ancients on hardcore with at least 5 devotion
Onslaught
Effect
Extra waves of enemies spawn during encounters (stacks up to 3 times).
What Changes
You’ll constantly be overwhelmed. AoE builds become almost mandatory here.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Sun Mage, Hatti, and Knelly twice
Discipline
Effect
You take damage every time you level up (around 20 HP per level).
Why It’s Sneaky Hard
Leveling up is supposed to help you. Here, it becomes risky, especially during tight fights.
How to Unlock
- Ascend Kavin and Campanelli twice
- Beat Astral Rifts on hardcore with at least 9 devotion
How to Approach Covenants
Not all covenants are equal. If you’re starting out:
- Begin with Mana Drought or Denial
- Avoid Mortality until you’re very confident
- Combine covenants gradually instead of stacking everything at once
If you’re aiming for high difficulty runs:
- Pair Onslaught + Torment for chaos
- Add Discipline to punish mistakes
- Only attempt Mortality builds if your movement is near perfect
Trial Covenants are what turn The Spell Brigade from a fun roguelike into a real test of skill. They’re not just harder versions of the game. They change how you think, move, and build.
Once you start stacking them, you’ll realize very quickly which habits were holding you back.