Slay the Spire 2 Enters Early Access with Three New Characters
Mega Crit's highly anticipated sequel to the deckbuilding roguelike launches in Early Access with new mechanics and a revamped visual style.
The moment deckbuilding roguelike fans have been waiting for is here. Slay the Spire 2 launched into Steam Early Access today, bringing three new playable characters, an overhauled visual style, and mechanical refinements to the formula that defined a genre.
What’s New
The original Slay the Spire essentially invented the deckbuilding roguelike genre when it launched in 2019. The sequel doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, it doubles down on what made the first game compelling while adding enough new systems to feel fresh.
The three launch characters each bring distinct playstyles. Early impressions suggest the card interactions are deeper than the original, with more cross-character synergies for players who enjoy theorycrafting optimal builds.
Visually, the game has moved from 2D sprites to a 3D presentation that retains the original’s hand-drawn charm. It’s a tasteful upgrade that improves readability without losing personality.
The Roguelike Renaissance Continues
Slay the Spire 2 arrives during what many are calling a golden age for indie games. The roguelike genre in particular has seen explosive growth, with games like Balatro, Hades II, and dozens of others proving there’s massive demand for well-crafted run-based games.
If you’re a fan of the genre, our best indie roguelike games list has plenty more to explore.
Early Access Details
The game is available on Steam for $24.99. Mega Crit has outlined a roadmap that includes additional characters, events, and relics throughout the Early Access period, with a full release expected within 12-18 months.
Given the original’s track record of millions of copies sold and a community that’s still active years later, Slay the Spire 2 is poised to be one of 2026’s biggest indie releases.
