Developer Mega Crit has been diligently feeding the anticipation for Slay the Spire 2, despite the game’s delay. Their latest blog post unveils intriguing details about the Ancients, formidable entities poised to significantly influence gameplay. Among these, Neow, Mother of Resurrection, remains a familiar figure, welcoming players at the start of each run with a selection of buffs. In the sequel, players can expect to encounter a variety of Ancients, each offering unique blessings.
Exploring the Ancients
“The Spire is brimming with species of all shapes and sizes which have evolved alongside their environments over the ages,” Mega Crit notes in their recent newsletter. “However, there are some beings that have persisted since the Spire’s inception, accumulating wisdom and power as they witness the death and birth of countless generations.” These Ancients will appear at the entrance of each act, presenting players with a choice of boons or other effects.
Neow will continue her role as the guiding force, overseeing resurrection as players embark on their adventures. The second and third acts will introduce distinct pools of Ancients, although details on how these alternate zones might influence encounters remain sparse. However, players can look forward to meeting Tezcatara, known as ‘It Which Feeds The Fire,’ in Act Two.
Described as “a warm, shining light in the darkness of the Spire,” Tezcatara’s blessings are characterized by their brilliance, albeit with a tendency to extinguish rapidly. Among the initial choices presented are:
- A transformation of the upcoming act’s map into a singular “golden path.”
- The granting of four Wax Relics, which will gradually melt away after every three combat encounters.
- An enchantment for all Strikes in the player’s deck with ‘Tezcatara’s Ember,’ reducing their cost while making them irremovable.
“These oldest of the Spire’s beings all have their own specialties, therefore their offerings will differ greatly from one another,” Mega Crit explains. This new system is designed to enhance the variability of each run, making them feel distinctly unique. The boons provided by the Ancients will replace the old boss relics from the original game.
While the reasons behind the Ancients’ involvement remain shrouded in mystery, hints suggest that players may uncover more about their motivations as they progress. However, caution is advised, as “some of their blessings may come with significant tradeoffs.” Nevertheless, players are likely to welcome any allies in their ascent.
In addition to the Ancients, Mega Crit has revealed a new enemy type following their regular ‘Spire Spotting’ contest. This new design appears to be an automaton construct, humorously dubbed a “Punch Construct.” Players can expect to see this foe alongside a teaser for next month’s entry, which hints at a light emanating from its head.
With the early-access release of Slay the Spire 2 slated for March 2026, fans can anticipate further revelations leading up to the launch. For those eager to delve deeper, Mega Crit’s full newsletter offers opportunities to guess the hidden enemy, engage in an StS-themed connections game, or ponder the curious question of why “ironclads keep their masks on by biting.”