"I ain't no b**ch": Slay the Spire 2 pushes multiple indies to delay their games, but one brave roguelike deckbuilder stands firm
755
Scott McCrae
2026-02-23
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As other indies run from the release of Slay the Spire 2, the developer behind deckbuilder Grimslair is standing firm to face the behemoth head-on.
Just like Silksong last year, Slay the Spire 2 is one of the most anticipated indie sequels of all time, so naturally, some people are trying to avoid the fight. Omelet You Cook was released over a month early to avoid its then-vague "March" release date. Handmancers developer 58BLADES, meanwhile, delayed the deckbuilder following the announcement of Slay the Spire 2's March 5 release date.
A solo developer who goes by ThunderRam Studios posted an image with the logo to their game Grimslair, another deckbuilder releasing a day after Slay the Spire 2. The post looks like any other delay post, admitting "let's be honest – you'll be playing it, I'll be playing it, everyone will be playing it." They also admit "I'm a huge fan and insanely excited," and that "launching a deckbuilder the same week as Slay the Spire 2? Yeah… I'd get absolutely crushed."
Slay the Spire 2's impending release scares another roguelike deckbuilder into a delay: "Everyone will be playing it"
Slay the Spire 2 scares devs into early release after fearing losing fans to "an absolute juggernaut in our own genre"
Slay the Spire 2 Steam early access release date set for March 5 as the king of roguelike deckbuilders returns
It was inevitable... sorry folks... #grimslair #slaythespire2 #delayed pic.twitter.com/0M5bsiEmaOFebruary 22, 2026
It was inevitable... sorry folks... #grimslair #slaythespire2 #delayed pic.twitter.com/0M5bsiEmaOFebruary 22, 2026
It was inevitable... sorry folks... #grimslair #slaythespire2 #delayed pic.twitter.com/0M5bsiEmaOFebruary 22, 2026
"So here's the deal: I'm not moving the release date. I ain't no bitch and I'm still launching March 6." The developer explains, "I'd rather launch Grimslair with my whole chest than spend 6 months asking the calendar for permission".
However, there's no sour grapes towards Slay the Spire either, as they say, "go enjoy that other game. I definitely will." It's definitely going to be a tough road ahead for Grimslair, but then again, the likes of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, Baby Steps, and Blippo+ released between Silksong and Hades 2 and still popped off, so you never know.
In the meantime, check out our picks of the best roguelikes you can play right now.
mysteryMuffin
Feb 23, 10:12 PM
✔️
tinyError
Feb 23, 08:52 PM
That's about it. Good accessibility. i wrote it.
veganRobot
Feb 23, 05:32 PM
;) .nah This is complex. Not streamer friendly.
pinkThunder
Feb 23, 04:32 PM
cool beans This is dark. I lost it. yo
unknownVariable
Feb 23, 04:02 PM
Could be better. yeah %hello
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