Slay the Spire 2 has received a significant update that introduces Steam Workshop support for mods and a detailed monster bestiary within the Compendium. The patch also replaces the boss Aeonglass with the previously criticized Doormaker, alongside addressing player-reported issues with the game's randomization.
RNG Issues and Player Investigation
The most notable change in the update pertains to the random number generation (RNG) system, specifically concerning the Neow's Bones relic. This ancient relic grants players two other relics upon pickup, but also imposes a random curse. Players had voiced complaints that the curse Debt, which deducts 10 gold each turn a player holds the card, appeared with excessive frequency. One player, tckmn, compiled an eight-hour video to support their assertion that the chance of receiving Debt when picking up Neow's Bones was as high as 54%.
Mega Crit, the developer, acknowledged these concerns and has since reviewed its RNG systems. Programmer Ed Lu explained in the patch notes that Slay the Spire 2, like many games, utilizes pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs). Each game run is assigned a primary 'run seed,' but multiple PRNGs, each derived from this main seed, individually influence various game elements like deck draws, combat rewards, and event outcomes. The developer discovered that their strategy of feeding different seeds to each PRNG resulted in unintended correlations, allowing players to potentially predict outcomes based on unrelated game events.
Lu provided a comparison of the old and new PRNG implementations. The original system showed a correlation that could be detected by players, while the updated version is described as exhibiting "no human-detectable correlation," resembling white noise in graphical representations. The developer noted that even beyond balance implications, knowledge of such exploits could incentivize rote memorization, which they consider tedious and detracting from the game's enjoyment.
Additional Content and Features
Beyond the critical RNG fix, the update brings substantial new content. The inclusion of Steam Workshop support opens the door for extensive modding possibilities, allowing the community to create and share custom content. The monster bestiary offers players a comprehensive resource for in-game creatures, likely detailing their abilities, stats, and behaviors. The introduction of the new boss, Aeonglass, alongside the replacement of Doormaker, also provides fresh challenges for players.