Slay the Spire 2 Beta Patch Adds The Fool, Blitz Mode, Dread Mode, and Major Card Changes
Mega Crit has rolled out Slay the Spire 2 beta patch v0.113.0, and it is one of the biggest updates the sequel has received so far. The new patch introduces The Fool, the game’s sixth playable character, while also revealing two experimental modes: Blitz and Dread.
The update is now available through the public beta branch on Steam. For players who have been waiting for a fresh way to climb the Spire, this patch adds new mechanics, new challenges, new events, and several balance changes across existing characters.
The Fool joins Slay the Spire 2 as a new playable character
The highlight of Slay the Spire 2 patch v0.113.0 is The Fool, a strange new character described as “a silly musician who wields a bow.” That short description is intentionally mysterious, leaving players to discover how the character truly works through experimentation.
The Fool begins each run with 77 HP and a unique starter card called Foolish Shot. This 1-energy card fires an arrow that deals 15 damage. The character also starts with the Song Bow relic, which grants 6 aims at the beginning of every combat.
The Fool’s playstyle is built around arrows, aim, and card interactions. When an arrow is fired, the enemy becomes impaled. Certain cards tied to that arrow remain locked until the player either hits the affected enemy three times or defeats it. This creates a rhythm-based combat loop where timing, targeting, and follow-up attacks matter.
The Fool’s card pool includes Wah, Ki, and Cho Melody cards, along with Sadness and Joy cards. One of the most eye-catching additions is Mythic Form, a rare power card that adds a random Tarot card to the player’s hand every turn. This gives The Fool a chaotic and unpredictable edge, making the character feel very different from the rest of the roster.
Mega Crit has made it clear that The Fool is still being tested. Players should expect card changes, balance updates, and possible mechanical adjustments before the character moves from the beta branch to the main version of Slay the Spire 2.
Blitz mode offers a faster deck-building experience
Patch v0.113.0 also introduces Blitz, a new experimental mode designed for players who want a shorter and more focused Slay the Spire 2 experience.
Blitz removes the traditional map system and shifts attention toward deck-building decisions. Gold no longer plays the same role, and the Merchant’s offerings have been changed to match the faster structure of the mode.
This mode features five Ascension levels shared across all characters. To unlock Blitz, players must complete an Ascension run on any difficulty. That requirement makes it accessible to experienced players without demanding mastery of every character.
Blitz could become a popular option for players who enjoy the core card strategy of Slay the Spire 2 but want a more compact run that skips some of the usual route-planning decisions.
Dread mode raises the difficulty for veteran players
For players looking for a brutal challenge, Dread mode is the update’s most demanding addition.
Dread is locked behind a much tougher requirement: players must reach Ascension 10 with every character, including The Fool. Once unlocked, Dread activates every Ascension modifier at once, creating a high-pressure version of the game built for dedicated players.
Bosses are also much stronger in Dread. Each boss can empower enemies throughout its Act, making every fight more dangerous. As the climb continues, Curses are added into the mix, forcing players to adapt as their decks become harder to manage.
Dread appears designed for players who already understand Slay the Spire 2’s systems and want a mode that tests long-term planning, deck control, and survival under extreme conditions.
New events arrive across multiple Acts
The beta patch also expands the event pool with five new events spread across the game.
In the Underdocks, players can now encounter Waterfall of Obvious Secrets and Wuppy in Trouble. Act 2 adds Museum of Torture, while Act 3 introduces Shrine of the Warlord and Thermae Nonupeipe.
These new events should add more variety to runs and give players additional decisions to weigh as they progress through the Spire. Since event outcomes can dramatically shape a deck or run strategy, these additions may have a noticeable impact on long-term replayability.
Rest sites can also now appear one floor earlier in every Act. This change could give players more flexibility when deciding between healing and upgrading cards, especially during difficult runs.
The patch also adds a Byrdpip evolution and a new Colorless card called My Shinies.
Major character balance changes in patch v0.113.0
Alongside new content, Slay the Spire 2 beta patch v0.113.0 includes several important balance changes for existing characters.
Ironclad’s Expect a Fight has been reworked. It now grants 15 block, or 20 block when upgraded, and makes attacks in hand cost 1 less energy until played. This gives the card stronger defensive value while also encouraging aggressive follow-up turns.
Silent’s Expertise has also changed. It now retains the entire hand for the turn, giving players more control over card timing and combo setup.
Memento Mori has been adjusted into a 3-cost Sly attack that deals 19 damage to the enemy with the lowest HP, or 23 damage when upgraded. This makes it a more targeted finishing tool, especially in fights with multiple enemies.
Not every card received a boost. Salvo, Phantom Blades, and Charge!! have all been nerfed, which may affect several popular strategies and force players to rethink certain deck builds.
Slay the Spire 2 beta patch v0.113.0 is only available on the public beta branch for now. Mega Crit has stated that the main branch will first be updated to version v0.111.0 before these newer beta changes make their way to the broader player base.
With The Fool, Blitz mode, Dread mode, new events, and a wave of balance changes, this update gives Slay the Spire 2 players plenty to explore. Whether you are testing The Fool’s unusual arrow mechanics, racing through Blitz, or preparing for the punishing climb of Dread, patch v0.113.0 adds a fresh layer of strategy to the evolving roguelike deck-builder.
