You unlock new princesses by completing the game's branching story paths and making different choices
Slay the Princess is a narrative game where you meet the same character in different versions depending on the choices you make. Each playthrough branches differently based on what you do and say, and completing certain story paths unlocks new princess variants you can encounter in future runs. There is no shop, no currency, and no grinding — you straightforward play through the story, make choices that feel right to you, and the game remembers what you have done.
The game tracks your decisions across playthroughs. When you finish a run, the story ends and you start fresh, but the princess you encounter changes based on what you unlocked. Some versions only appear after you have seen others, and some require you to make specific choices or reach certain story outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- New princess variants unlock automatically when you complete story paths and make different narrative choices across multiple playthroughs.
- The game does not tell you which choices unlock which princesses, so experimenting with different dialogue options and actions is part of the intended experience.
- Some princesses only appear after you have encountered other versions first, so playthroughs build on each other in a specific order.
- Restarting and making opposite choices from your previous run is the main way to see new content and unlock variants you have not met yet.
How the unlocking system works across playthroughs
Each time you start a new game, the princess you encounter depends on what you have already seen and done. The game does not show you a menu of unlocked characters or a progress bar. Instead, it quietly tracks your story history and presents you with a different version of the princess based on that history.
When you finish a playthrough, you see an ending screen. From there, you can start a new game when ready. The next time you meet the princess, she may look different, speak differently, or react to your choices in new ways. This is the game telling you that you have unlocked a new path.
Making different choices to see new princesses
The most direct way to unlock new variants is to replay the game and make opposite choices from what you did before. If you were kind to the princess in your first run, try being hostile in your second. If you avoided a certain area, explore it next time. If you refused to fight, try fighting instead.
The game presents you with dialogue options and actions throughout each encounter. These choices matter, and the princess reacts to them. Some choices lead to story branches that only appear if you have made them before, so you may not see all content in a single playthrough.
Replaying to unlock story branches and variants
Slay the Princess is designed to be replayed. Each run takes roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on how much you read and explore. The game expects you to play multiple times and discover new dialogue, new princess versions, and new story outcomes with each attempt.
There is no penalty for restarting or for making "wrong" choices. The game has no fail state in the traditional sense — you can lose encounters, but losing is part of the story, and it unlocks content just as winning does. This means you can experiment freely without worrying about locking yourself out of content.
What happens when you reach different endings
The game has multiple endings, and reaching different ones unlocks different princess variants. Some endings only become available after you have seen others, so the order in which you encounter them matters. Finishing the game with one outcome may unlock a new princess version that appears in your next playthrough.
Pay attention to the story beats and the princess's reactions to your choices. The game is subtle about what unlocks what, but the narrative itself often hints at what you have changed or discovered. If the princess says something new or acts surprised by your knowledge, you have likely unlocked a new branch.
Tracking your progress without a menu
Unlike many games, Slay the Princess does not show you a completion percentage or a list of unlocked characters. This is intentional — the game wants you to discover new content by playing, not by checking off boxes. You will know you have unlocked something new when you see it in a playthrough.
If you want to keep track yourself, you can write down which princess versions you have met and what choices led to them. Some players keep notes on dialogue options or story outcomes to help them remember what they have already tried. This is entirely optional and not required to enjoy the game.
Why the game does not tell you what unlocks what
The mystery is part of the design. Slay the Princess wants you to be curious and to replay it because you want to see what happens next, not because a checklist tells you what you are missing. The princess herself is a mystery, and discovering her different forms is meant to feel like uncovering a secret.
This approach can feel frustrating if you prefer clear progression markers, but it also means there is always something new to discover if you keep playing. The game trusts you to find your own reasons to replay it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to play in a specific order to unlock all the princesses?
The game has a suggested progression — some princesses only appear after you have encountered others — but you do not need to follow a guide. Playing naturally and making different choices each time will eventually unlock everything. The game is designed so that almost any playthrough order works.
Can I miss a princess permanently if I make the wrong choice?
No. You can always start a new playthrough and make different choices. There is no permanent lock-out. If you want to see a princess you missed, just play again and try something different.
How many different princesses are there?
The game has multiple distinct princess variants, but the exact number depends on how you count them and what the latest version includes. Rather than giving you a number to chase, the game wants you to discover them by playing. You will know when you have found something new.
Does the game get easier or harder as I unlock new princesses?
The difficulty and tone shift based on which princess you encounter, but there is no difficulty setting. Some versions are more forgiving than others, and some tell darker or lighter stories. This is part of what makes replaying interesting.
What if I want to see all the content as fast as possible?
You can look up a guide online that lists the choices and outcomes, but the game is more rewarding if you discover things yourself. If you do use a guide, you will still need to play through each path to actually see the story unfold.