Slay the Spire 2 introduces The Fool, Blitz, and Dread

Slay the Spire 2 players have a good reason to return to the Spire. Mega Crit has released one of the game's biggest updates so far, introducing a brand-new playable character alongside two additional game modes. The update also brings plenty of balance adjustments, new events, card changes, and bug fixes.

Released on November 12, 2026, update 0.113.0 is currently available through the game's public beta branch on Steam. Back in April, Mega Crit discussed plans to expand the game with more characters and experimental modes. The latest update brings some of those plans to life, as detailed in its original announcement. While the new character and modes are the main attractions, the extensive patch notes suggest that Mega Crit has made several other improvements worth exploring. 

The Fool brings a new playstyle to the climb

The headline addition is The Fool, the game's sixth playable character. Mega Crit describes the newcomer as a musician who fights with a bow, giving the character a distinctive identity within the existing roster. However, the developer has not revealed many details about The Fool's abilities or combat mechanics. Players will need to experiment before knowing how the character changes deck-building strategies. 

Access comes with one important condition: The Fool is currently available through Steam's public beta branch. Players can opt in by opening the game's Properties menu in their Steam library and selecting Public-Beta under Game Versions and Betas.

Blitz and Dread offer very different challenges

The update also introduces two modes for players looking beyond standard runs.

Blitz is the more accessible option. It speeds up the deck-building experience by removing the map, changing the Merchant's stock, and making Gold irrelevant. It also features five shared Ascension levels across all characters. Players unlock Blitz after completing an Ascension run at any difficulty. Its streamlined structure could make individual runs feel more focused, although its balance and pacing will become clearer through actual gameplay.

Dread, meanwhile, targets experienced players. It requires Ascension 10 completion with every character, including The Fool. All Ascension modifiers remain active, bosses become stronger and empower enemies throughout their Act, and Curses accumulate as players climb. This makes Dread a serious challenge for players who have already mastered the game's toughest encounters. Unlike Blitz, it offers no shortcuts or easier progression.

Update 0.113.0 delivers plenty of additional changes

The patch introduces several new events, including Waterfall of Obvious Secrets, Wuppy in Trouble, Museum of Torture, Shrine of the Warlord, and Thermae Nonupeipe. Byrdpip also receives an evolution, alongside new event cards and relics.

Balance adjustments affect multiple existing characters. Ironclad's Expect a Fight has been reworked, while Silent receives changes to Expertise and Memento Mori. Other adjustments cover Regent, Defect, enemies, relics, and card damage. Rest sites can now appear one floor earlier in every Act, potentially giving players more flexibility when planning their routes.

The update also includes interface improvements, additional artwork and music, performance adjustments, and numerous bug fixes. Several multiplayer issues have been addressed, too, making this a broader gameplay update rather than simply a new character release.

For players who thought they had already seen everything Slay the Spire 2 had to offer, this update is a good excuse to rethink their next run. The Fool brings a fresh face to the roster, while Blitz and Dread give players new ways to test their skills.

Whether you prefer experimenting with a different character or pushing through tougher challenges, there is now another reason to head back into the Spire. If you're planning to purchase Slay the Spire 2, don't forget to check our comparison tools to find the best deals available.