Slay the Spire 2 Beta Patch Introduces The Fool, Blitz Mode, and Dread Difficulty

Mega Crit has released what they call the largest beta patch yet for Slay the Spire 2, packing in a new character, two fresh game modes, and a host of balance adjustments. This update is only available on the beta branch for now, as the developers stress that these impactful additions need thorough testing before reaching the main game.

New Character: The Fool

The headliner is The Fool, the first new character introduced during early access. Described as a lighthearted musician wielding a bow, this bard brings a whimsical presence to the Spire. Mega Crit notes that The Fool will undergo many content and balance changes based on player feedback, so early adopters can help shape the character's final form. Discovering the strategies and story behind this gentle performer is part of the fun.

Two New Modes

The beta also adds Blitz and Dread, two modes that shake up the core experience. Blitz is a condensed, chaotic deckbuilding mode where the map is removed, gold becomes irrelevant, and the merchant's inventory feels unusual. It offers five shared Ascension levels across all characters and unlocks after completing any Ascension run. Dread, on the other hand, is a brutal difficulty mode available only after reaching Ascension 10 with every character, including The Fool. It activates all ascension modifiers, makes bosses stronger and able to buff all enemies in their act, and gradually piles on curses as you climb. Death is almost guaranteed.

Balance and Quality of Life

Beyond the big additions, the patch brings numerous tweaks. Rest sites can now appear one floor earlier in each act, and new events have been added to the Underdocks and Acts 2 and 3. Quality-of-life improvements include the character select screen defaulting to your last played hero and smoother controller navigation at the merchant. These changes aim to refine the overall flow and accessibility.

This beta patch gives players an early look at significant content that will evolve with community input. It's a chance to experiment with a new playstyle, test extreme challenges, and influence development. Which new addition are you most excited to try—The Fool, Blitz, or Dread?