Slay the Spire 2 Beta Update: 10 Key Changes You Need to Know About Patch 0.105.0

Another week (or two) brings another Slay the Spire 2 patch! Mega Crit has just rolled out beta version 0.105.0, and it’s shaking up the spire in a big way. The most talked-about change? Goodbye, Doormaker – a boss that many players loved to hate. But don’t worry, a brand-new adversary has stepped in to take his place. Beyond that, the patch introduces a shift to bi-weekly updates, which means more time for polish and community feedback between releases. Let’s dive into the ten most important things you need to know about this update.

1. Mega Crit Switches to Bi-Weekly Patches

As outlined in their Early Access Disclaimer, Mega Crit is moving from weekly to bi-weekly patching. This change, effective with version 0.105.0, gives the team more breathing room to test changes, gather feedback, and deliver higher-quality updates. Players on the beta branch will now see a new version every two weeks instead of every seven days. This doesn’t mean development slows down – it means the updates you get will be more refined and less prone to hotfixes.

2. Farewell to the Doormaker Boss

Doormaker, the controversial boss that could lock players out of key strategies, has been removed from Slay the Spire 2. Many players found his mechanics frustrating, especially his door-based attacks that limited positioning and forced defensive play. Mega Crit listened to the community and decided to cut him entirely. While some will miss his unique challenge, most agree it’s a positive step for the game’s health.

3. A Brand-New Boss Takes the Stage

In Doormaker’s place, a fresh boss has been introduced. While details are still emerging, early feedback suggests this new foe brings a more dynamic and interactive battle. The design philosophy emphasizes fair difficulty and player agency, avoiding the “cheap” feel that plagued Doormaker. Expect the new boss to appear on Act 2 as a potential encounter, bringing new attack patterns and a unique mechanic that rewards adaptability.

4. Community Reaction to Doormaker’s Removal

The Slay the Spire community has been vocal about Doormaker since his reveal. Forums and subreddits were split – some saw him as a clever puzzle, others as a momentum killer. The removal has been met with widespread approval, with many praising Mega Crit’s responsiveness. However, a small group of “Doormaker defenders” mourn his departure, arguing that his difficulty taught valuable lessons. Overall, the consensus is that the change shows the developers are willing to make tough cuts for the better good.

5. What Made Doormaker So Divisive?

Doormaker’s central mechanic involved summoning doors that blocked pathways and forced the player into narrow corridors. Characters with mobility or area-of-effect attacks had an advantage, while slower builds struggled. The randomness of door placement could make or break a run, leading to frustration. Many players felt the boss lacked the fair, learnable patterns that define Slay the Spire’s best encounters. His removal signals that Mega Crit prioritizes fun and consistency over quirky but punishing design.

6. Design Philosophy Behind the New Boss

Mega Crit hasn’t released full details, but insider hints point to a boss that encourages aggressive play and rewards risk-taking. Expect telegraphed attacks with clear visual cues, allowing players to react rather than rely on luck. The new boss also appears to have multiple phases, each introducing new twists without overwhelming players. This aligns with the developer’s stated goal of making Slay the Spire 2 more approachable while retaining depth.

7. Impact on Game Balance

Removing Doormaker has ripple effects across the entire game. Certain relics and cards that were strong against him are now less valuable, while others that struggled against him gain viability. The new boss introduces its own weaknesses and strengths, shifting the meta. Players will need to adapt their strategies, especially those who relied on Doormaker-specific builds. Early playtests suggest the change has made Act 2 more consistent and less swingy.

8. Other Notable Changes in Patch 0.105.0

Beyond the boss swap, the patch includes bug fixes, minor balance adjustments, and quality-of-life improvements. A few cards have been reworked to be more intuitive, and the AI of some enemies has been tweaked to avoid frustrating loops. Mega Crit also improved the visual feedback for status effects, making it easier to track buffs and debuffs mid-combat. The full patch notes are available on Steam for those eager to dive into details.

9. How to Access the Beta Branch

If you want to try these changes early, you’ll need to opt into the beta branch on Steam. Right-click Slay the Spire 2 in your library, go to Properties > Betas, and select the beta branch. Remember, saves from the main branch may not be compatible, so back them up if needed. Once in, you can test the new boss and provide feedback directly to Mega Crit. The beta is open to all players who own the game.

10. What’s Next for Slay the Spire 2 Development?

With the bi-weekly schedule now in effect, Mega Crit is doubling down on community feedback. Expect more frequent balance patches and new content drops as they work toward a full release. The removal of Doormaker shows they aren’t afraid to scrap ideas that don’t work. Upcoming patches will likely focus on polishing existing characters, adding new relics, and expanding the endgame. Keep an eye on the official channels for roadmaps and teasers.

Patch 0.105.0 proves that Mega Crit is committed to making Slay the Spire 2 the best it can be – even if it means saying goodbye to a fan (or hater) favorite. The new boss breathes fresh life into Act 2, and the shift to bi-weekly updates promises a more polished experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to hop onto the beta branch and see what awaits. The spire is evolving, and it’s only going to get better.