The evolution of deckbuilding games starts with Monster Train 2

GAMING NEWS Rugir - 26-May-2025, 3:13 pm

Monster Train 2 is a captivating roguelike deckbuilder that builds on its predecessor's legacy, delivering a devilishly addictive experience. Set on a train journey from a rekindled Hell to a corrupted Heaven, players command quirky clans to fend off Titans threatening their world. The game's vibrant, cartoonish art style, featuring greedy dragons, honorable mushrooms, and Frankenstein-esque monsters, adds charm to its strategic depth. An intriguing fact: the game introduces five entirely new clans, each with unique mechanics, like the Pyreborn's gold-hoarding and pyregel debuff, which amplifies enemy damage. Another fun tidbit is the inclusion of ''Celestial Alcoves'' random events that sometimes feature crossover characters from other roguelikes, adding delightful surprises.

Why is the deckbuilding genre so addictive?

The game's best features lie in its innovative mechanics and replayability. The three-tiered tower defense structure, where players place units across train floors to protect the Pyre, creates dynamic battles. New equipment and room cards enhance strategic options, allowing players to boost units or alter train functionality. The Pyre Heart system, a swappable core that offers run-altering boosts like extra energy or randomized starting cards, adds variety. The undo button and battle restart feature are quality-of-life gems, letting players experiment without fear of permanent missteps. With two clans per run, primary and secondary, players can explore countless synergies, such as combining the Lunar Coven’s moon-phase-dependent effects with the Banished’s valor buffs. The Dimensional Challenges, with curated mutators like doubling rewards or limiting upgrades, keep runs fresh and engaging.

Compared to Slay the Spire, Monster Train 2 stands out with its multi-floor combat and clan-based synergies, offering a more layered strategic experience while maintaining the same addictive deckbuilding core. The game's visual novel-style story, though light, adds personality through clan interactions, but it's the fast-paced deck transformation and rewarding experimentation that make Monster Train 2 a standout. With endless mode, daily challenges, and a logbook tracking achievements, it's a roguelike that keeps players hooked for hours, chasing that next perfect run. Find the best prices for Monster Train 2 using our price comparison tool.