New Badges for Unique Runs
In its latest beta patch, Slay the Spire 2 adds a feature aimed at enhancing player experience during runs: end-of-run badges. Developer Mega Crit describes these badges as collectibles that highlight unique achievements from each playthrough. They can note significant events, such as defeating a boss without losing HP, beating the game quickly, or even forgetting to spend gold.
These badges won't just serve as trophies; they aim to provide a better understanding of what made each run special. "They're meant as little reminders to let you know what was unique about each adventure," the studio explained in its patch notes. Currently, badges will only display at the end of a run, but there are plans to incorporate them into the run history and stats screen in the future, solidifying their role in tracking player progress.
Additional Changes in the Update
The badges are the highlight of this patch, but many other changes also contribute to the game's evolution. Adjustments to map generation through Ascension, alongside tweaks to cards such as Blade of Ink and Borrowed Time, have been made. Moreover, balance changes extend to various enemies and encounters, aiming to refine gameplay further.
The response to this update has been generally positive, especially compared to the backlash from a previous beta balance patch. Back then, players expressed their frustrations through a wave of reviews, resulting in almost 9,800 negative submissions in a single day. This time around, however, the number of negative reviews has not reached such extremes—801 negative reviews were reported, against 817 positive ones.
Future Developments
Mega Crit continues to evolve the game based on player feedback. Co-founder Casey Yano acknowledged that despite some criticisms, he sees players using reviews as a way to communicate their feelings about the game's direction. The introduction of badges stands as a promising step towards making runs feel distinct and rewarding.
As part of this beta update, players will find new visual effects (VFX) for various afflictions and additional art for several cards and enemies. These changes not only refresh the game visually but also enhance the overall user experience. The update is accessible through the public beta branch on Steam, inviting players to witness these developments first-hand.
How to Access the Beta
To partake in this beta patch, players can right-click on Slay the Spire 2 in their Steam library, select "Game version and betas," and opt for the public beta branch. With the introduction of badges and a host of other adjustments, players have much to look forward to as they continue their strategic battles.
The game’s evolving nature ensures that players remain engaged and invested. Each update not only refines gameplay but also reinforces the community's involvement in shaping the experience.
