Tiny Cage

Tiny Cage is an uncommon trinket that releases something at the start of every battle. Its SpawnOnBattleStart effect means you get a free ally or hazard in play before the first turn, which can disrupt enemy formations or provide an extra target to draw aggro. Works well in builds that want to flood the field with bodies or create immediate battlefield pressure.

Unlike active spawn trinkets that require a charge expenditure, Tiny Cage's SpawnOnBattleStart fires automatically and passively every single fight. This guarantees consistent value with no player action required. The spawned creature may be a caged animal, a weak ally, or a hazard depending on the item, but whatever it is, it appears on the field before enemies can act and claims space on the board from the very first turn.

Pairs naturally with Ball of Yarn, which has an identical SpawnOnBattleStart mechanic, allowing you to start fights with two free units before the first turn. Best used on cats in the middle of the formation who benefit from having the spawn act as a frontline shield. Summoner builds and cats with companion-buffing mutations get extra mileage from this item compared to solo strikers who prefer a cleaner board.