Welcome to another Slay the Spire 2 update recap! In the latest beta patch (v0.105.0), developer Mega Crit has delivered a bombshell for fans: the infamous Doormaker boss has been removed and replaced with a brand-new encounter. Simultaneously, the studio is shifting to a bi-weekly patch cycle, signaling a more measured approach to early access development. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, here are six essential things you need to know about this game-changing update.
- 1. The End of an Era: Why Doormaker Was Removed
- 2. Meet the New Boss: What We Know So Far
- 3. Bi-Weekly Patches: A New Rhythm for Development
- 4. Community Reaction: Cheers and Concerns
- 5. Impact on Early Access Gameplay
- 6. What's Next for Slay the Spire 2?
1. The End of an Era: Why Doormaker Was Removed
Doormaker, the towering, door-shaped boss introduced in Slay the Spire 2's initial Early Access release, has long been a polarizing figure. Many players found his mechanics—summoning endless minions and locking players into long, attrition-based fights—tedious and unfair. Community feedback was loud and consistent: Doormaker felt like a fun-killing roadblock rather than a satisfying challenge. Mega Crit listened. In v0.105.0, the boss has been completely excised, making way for a fresh encounter that better aligns with the game's strategic depth. This removal is more than just a balance tweak; it's a testament to the developer's commitment to player experience, even if it means saying goodbye to a concept they initially championed.
2. Meet the New Boss: What We Know So Far
Taking Doormaker's place is an enigmatic new boss tentatively referred to as the "Echoing Colossus." While Mega Crit has been tight-lipped about its full move set, early beta testers report a fight focused on pattern recognition and resource management. The Colossus cycles through phase-based attacks, each requiring a different defensive or offensive strategy. One phase forces players to deal with mirrored duplicates, while another introduces a volatile energy burst that can either buff the boss or grant the player a powerful boon if timed correctly. This design encourages adaptability and rewards mastery, echoing the original Slay the Spire's best bosses. More details are expected in the coming weeks as the community dissects the encounter.
3. Bi-Weekly Patches: A New Rhythm for Development
Alongside the boss swap, Mega Crit announced a change in their patch schedule: from weekly updates to a bi-weekly cadence. In their own words, "we're moving to patch every 2 weeks rather than weekly as outlined in our Early Access Disclaimer." This shift aims to give developers more time to test changes, gather quality feedback, and implement larger overhauls without constant pressure. For players, it means fewer, more substantial updates—but also more stability between releases. The team believes this will lead to higher-quality builds and reduce the risk of game-breaking bugs. It's a strategic pivot that many early access veterans appreciate, as it shows a mature approach to iterative development.
4. Community Reaction: Cheers and Concerns
Unsurprisingly, the removal of Doormaker has been met with widespread approval on forums and social media. Reddit threads and Steam discussions are filled with relief, with one user exclaiming, "Finally, I can enjoy Act 2 without dread!" However, some veterans worry that the new boss might be too easy or lack the punishing edge that Doormaker provided. A small vocal minority misses the strategic puzzle of optimizing against endless minion waves. Mega Crit has acknowledged this feedback, noting that they'll monitor the new boss's win rates and adjust as needed. The community's overall mood is optimistic but cautious—exactly the kind of engaged player base the developers need for a successful early access.
5. Impact on Early Access Gameplay
For current beta testers, v0.105.0 instantly changes the mid-game experience. Running into the new boss requires different deck-building choices—players will want to prioritize area-of-effect damage or crowd control less, and instead focus on single-target burst and defensive scaling. The shift to bi-weekly patches also means that meta shakeups will come less frequently, allowing strategies to settle. This could be a double-edged sword: more time to refine strategies, but also slower evolution of the competitive scene (if any). Speedrunners and content creators are already experimenting with the new boss, and early runs suggest a faster average Act 2 clear time compared to the Doormaker era.
6. What's Next for Slay the Spire 2?
With Doormaker gone and a new boss in place, Mega Crit is far from done. The bi-weekly schedule suggests more significant additions are in the pipeline—new relics, cards, events, and possibly another boss replacement. The team has hinted at a future character expansion, though details remain scarce. For now, players are encouraged to dive into the beta branch to test the Echoing Colossus and provide feedback. The removal of a controversial boss reaffirms that Slay the Spire 2 will be shaped by its community, one patch at a time. If you've been on the fence about joining early access, now might be the perfect moment—before the next big shakeup arrives.
Conclusion: The latest patch for Slay the Spire 2 marks a turning point. By removing the divisive Doormaker and introducing a more dynamic boss, Mega Crit is proving they listen to player feedback. Paired with a smarter patch schedule, the game's future looks brighter than ever. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning veteran, there's never been a better time to step into the Spire.