Slay the Spire 2 received a beta patch adding the Fool, the game's sixth playable character. The Fool's main mechanic centers on an Arrow that fires specific cards to inflict Impaled on enemies. Enemies remain Impaled until hit three times or killed, at which point the Arrow returns. Cards requiring an Arrow don't function until retrieval.
The patch also introduced Blitz Mode and Dread Mode. Blitz Mode removes gold and the map, replacing the Merchant's shop with free buffs and card rewards. Dread Mode functions as a harder version of Ascension 10, featuring stronger bosses, new enemy buffs, and random curses earned while climbing.
The Fool can generate Tarot Cards depicting other Slay the Spire characters, including the Hermit and the Watcher. Mega Crit describes the Fool as the "first new character for Early Access" in the patch notes, suggesting more characters may come.
The patch also includes new relics, card balance changes, and new events. One addition is a Byrdpip evolution, though details on its effects remain unclear.