Slay the Spire 2 Patch Addresses RNG Bug After Player's "8-Hour Descent into Madness"
Slay the Spire 2 has recently rolled out a major balance patch, and while it may require updates to guides like the Silent Ascension 10, it also brings a wealth of changes to the game. One of the most intriguing additions is a fix for a RNG bug that was uncovered through a player's exhaustive efforts. User tckmn on the subreddit shared a detailed account of their "eight-hour descent into madness," which helped the developers identify the issue. This discovery was crucial, as it demonstrated a flaw in the game's random number generation (RNG) system.
The bug in question revolved around Neow's Bones, a starting option that allows players to take on two starting relics in exchange for a curse. This curse could either be a minor inconvenience or a significant hindrance, such as the Debt curse, which can severely impact the economy of a run. Players noticed that starting in the Underdocks increased the likelihood of receiving the Debt curse to 54%. This discrepancy raised concerns about the predictability of the RNG system.
As the developers explained, most games, including Slay the Spire 2, use pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs). A PRNG is fed a seed value, and given the same seed value, a PRNG will always generate the same sequence of random numbers. However, the issue arose when different seeds were used for each PRNG, leading to unexpected correlations. Specifically, the decimals governing the Act 1 selection were found to correlate with the Neow's Bones curse roll. This meant that players could predict certain outcomes based on unrelated parts of the game, undermining the randomness of the experience.
The patch addresses this by implementing a new system for Mega Crit, which is now far less predictable. This change ensures that your suffering is truly random, adding a layer of unpredictability that enhances the game's challenge and replayability. Beyond this fix, the patch includes a range of other updates and balance adjustments. For instance, the Regent has been significantly impacted by these changes, with some cards receiving buffs and others being slightly nerfed. Cards like Monarch's Gaze have seen an increase in power, while others, such as Reflect, have been toned down slightly.
New Act 3 Boss: Aeonglass
The Doormaker, who was previously the Act 3 boss, has been replaced by the Aeonglass. As noted in the patch notes, the Doormaker had interesting micro decisions during the fight, but he exceeded the complexity threshold that the developers wanted for an Act 3 boss. Starting over fresh allows the team to focus on creating a boss that better fits the desired challenge level. The Aeonglass is a fearsome new addition, introducing a DPS race where the boss pumps Wither curses into your hand, dealing damage and ramping up quickly as the boss upgrades them. This new boss adds a fresh layer of strategy and challenge to the game.
You can view the full patch notes on Steam to get a detailed look at all the changes and updates included in this latest release. The patch not only fixes the RNG bug but also introduces a variety of new elements that enhance the overall gameplay experience. Whether you're looking for new challenges, improved balance, or a more unpredictable RNG system, Slay the Spire 2's latest update has something to offer.
