Slay the Spire 2's Largest Beta Patch Introduces The Fool and Two New Modes

Slay the Spire 2 has received its most substantial beta patch since launching in early access earlier this year. The update adds the game's first post-launch character, a playful musician named The Fool, and introduces two fresh ways to play with the Blitz and Dread modes.

Meet The Fool

The Fool wields a bow and brings a lighthearted energy to the spire. MegaCrit describes this addition as a work in progress, warning that numerous balance and content adjustments are expected before the character reaches the main branch. This is the first new playable character since the sequel debuted in March to strong sales and critical praise, including over five million copies sold in its first month.

Two New Modes

Blitz offers a condensed, chaotic deckbuilding experience. It unlocks after completing an Ascension run of any difficulty and features five Ascension levels shared across all characters. The mode removes the map and makes gold irrelevant, while the merchant's inventory feels deliberately unusual. For those seeking a sterner test, Dread is a brutally difficult option available only after reaching Ascension 10 with every character, including The Fool. All Ascension modifiers are active, bosses are tougher and strengthen enemies throughout their act, and curses accumulate as you climb.

Beyond these highlights, rest sites now appear one floor earlier in each act, and the patch includes the usual mix of UI refinements, art updates, nerfs, and balance tweaks. Players can access the beta by right-clicking Slay the Spire 2 in their Steam library, navigating to Properties > Game Versions & Betas, and selecting 'public-beta' from the dropdown. The main branch has also been updated with all content from the previous beta.

This update signals MegaCrit's commitment to expanding the game during early access, offering both fresh variety and harder challenges for dedicated fans. Which new mode are you most excited to try, and how do you think The Fool will change your strategies?