Why did Slay the Spire 2 get nerf backlash?

What happened with Slay the Spire 2’s nerf and backlash

Mega Crit released a major update for Slay the Spire 2 that included nerfs and buffs. That change set sparked significant player outrage—enough that some users turned to Steam review bombing to express their frustration.

How Mega Crit responded

After the negative reaction, the developer moved to adjust course. In subsequent updates, Mega Crit walked back parts of the contested balancing, including changes tied to cards and class balance issues. The company also continued tuning following additional community feedback.

A key detail is that Mega Crit attributed its internal iteration process to tools in the game itself, describing the in-game feedback mechanism as important in guiding what was altered next. That framing matters because it suggests the studio was using direct player input channels, not just external sentiment.

Why it matters for players

For players, the practical effect is clear: the studio iterated on the balancing that caused review bombing. That can restore trust in the game’s long-term support model—especially for deckbuilder fans who care deeply about how specific cards and mechanics shape runs.

It also highlights a broader industry tension: when balancing changes land, communities can react quickly and publicly on storefront review systems. Slay the Spire 2 is an example of a studio responding with follow-up patches rather than leaving contentious changes in place.