Slay the Spire 2's "biggest" beta patch yet adds its first new early access and foolish character, two game modes, and more tweaks than you can shake a stick at

Mega Crit has released the largest beta patch for Slay the Spire 2 to date, emphasizing extensive testing requirements before content reaches the main branch. The update includes the debut of The Fool, the game’s first new Early Access character, described as a whimsical musician wielding a bow. While details on The Fool’s mechanics remain undisclosed, players are encouraged to explore its strategies and narrative role. The character’s integration will undergo further balance adjustments before wider availability.

Two new game modes accompany the beta update, starting with Blitz, a condensed deckbuilding-focused mode that removes traditional map navigation and gold mechanics. Players can access Blitz by completing an Ascension run on any difficulty, with five shared Ascension levels across all characters. The mode emphasizes rapid, chaotic gameplay centered on deck construction and combat efficiency.

The second new mode, Dread, introduces a punishing difficulty setting restricted to players who have reached Ascension 10 on every character, including The Fool. This mode activates all Ascension modifiers, strengthens bosses, and amplifies enemy buffs while stacking curses as players ascend the Spire. The developers warn that death is expected, framing Dread as a high-risk challenge for experienced players.

Beyond new content, the patch includes numerous balance tweaks and quality-of-life improvements. Rest sites now appear a floor earlier in each act, new events have been added to Underdocks and Acts 2 and 3, and the character select screen defaults to the last played character. Controller navigation at the Merchant has also been enhanced for smoother interactions.