Aeonglass is the star of Slay the Spire 2’s July 2026 Neowsletter, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the floating hourglass boss replaced the Doormaker. The update also includes new merchandise, a fresh Connections puzzle, map art, and community creations. Mega Crit shared the details in its official Steam Neowsletter.
From Doormaker to Aeonglass
Aeonglass was not the first idea considered for the Doormaker’s replacement. Mega Crit’s animation team tested a multi-faceted pillar that could rotate its sections and reveal different abilities. The concept was described as a sort of “Swiss Army rock,” and an early test used 2D software to imitate a three-dimensional rotation.
After the team settled on Aeonglass, the next challenge was figuring out how its rings would move. Early attack ideas included locking the rings into an atom-like shape before firing a blast. The final direction used a horizontal disk silhouette instead, which made the attack easier to read and suggested a sweeping motion.
The boss also uses a separate animation timeline for its rotating rings. That lets Aeonglass keep the rings moving smoothly while standing still, being knocked back, or applying the Wither debuff.
The material inside the hourglass was another tricky detail. Art Director Marlowe wanted it to move like lava-lamp goo rather than ordinary sand, so the team used a shader. The effect borrowed the same smoke shader used for the Living Smog. During animation work, the goo appears as a striped placeholder, but the game replaces it with flowing “time globs” in the engine.
New Slay the Spire merchandise
The Merchant is getting a collection of physical goods through the Makeship Slay the Spire collection. The lineup includes a Courier plush keychain, pins based on the Merchant’s wares, and plush versions of the Merchant and his rug. The limited products are available for pre-order until August 1 at 5:00 AM PST, according to the Neowsletter.
The Necrobinder and Regent also received Youtooz figures. Those vinyl figures are available through the Slay the Spire collection.
There is even a crossover appearance for the Ironclad. The warrior can be played in Heave Ho 2, where he has been reimagined in a much floppier form.
A new Connections puzzle and community art
The July issue includes another Slay the Spire Connections puzzle, with groups built around items and references from the series. Players can try the latest Connections board for themselves.
The community map showcase features the Defect admiring its orbs, the Regent playing with a ball, the Ironclad carrying the Regent, and the Defect asking for its favorite treats. The featured artists are DogOnPluto, thugzmcdubbz, rattraps, and Lumin.
This month’s cover art came from pp, with valarts receiving a runner-up mention for a 3D-modeled submission. The next theme is Slay the Summer – Festival Edition. Fan art submissions must be 800×450 pixels, contain no text, leave room for a title, and arrive by Friday, August 7. Submissions can be sent to [email protected].
The issue closes with more fan work, including an animated version of the Ironclad’s Evil Eye card, a Silent cosplay, and a desk setup featuring Slay the Spire artwork.
Which Aeonglass detail caught your attention, and do you plan to pick up any of the new merchandise? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
Slay the Spire II
Developed by Mega Crit Games
