Monster Train 2

Monster Train has sold over 1.5 million copies and is widely regarded as one of the finest roguelike deck-building games available. The second instalment is now ready to leave the station, building on the strengths of its predecessor and featuring lots of new content, including an endless mode.

Monster Train 2 is a full-scale sequel that builds on the original's vertical, three-floor battle system. Set on a vertically constructed train with multiple levels, enemies invade from below and climb one level higher with each turn until they reach the heart of the train (the Pyre Heart) and can attack. The player's goal is to defend each level with cards (units, spells and upgrades) by strategically placing units and casting spells. Each round, players draw cards from their deck and have limited energy and capacity per level with which to play units and spells. Battles take place automatically, with order and positioning playing a major tactical role. After each battle, players receive rewards and can improve their strategy. And with each run, the entire arsenal of cards available for building decks grows bigger and bigger.

In the first game, players had to defend against invading enemies from the heavens. Now, the goal is to stop the Titans from destroying the world by forming an unthinkable alliance between the forces of Heaven and Hell. Thus begins a journey into the homeworld of the Titans: the Abyss. Monster Train 2 contains a host of new features, including five new playable clans (Banished, Pyreborne, Lazarus League, Luna Coven and Underlegion), each with their own strategic advantages that empower alternative battle styles. There are also hundreds of new and familiar cards, including additional game-changing card types. New additions include Room Cards, which provide boosts to a single floor of the train. Equipment Cards stack new powers onto individual units, while clan-agnostic Neutral Cards offer opportunities that can turn the tide. New unit abilities have also been added, enabling players to activate a chosen ability that gives them a strategic advantage when used at opportune moments. The gameplay is easy to learn but difficult to master, and thrives on experimentation, tactical card synergies, and combination play.

Compared to its predecessor, there is now a greater focus on multi-floor gameplay and the use of different units/cards. Some enemies can also withstand more hits. Another new feature is the deployment phase. This replaces the old system from the first game, where banner units had to be drawn at random. In the deployment phase, players can place units before the battle begins. This makes the setup more predictable and allows for better unit placement on different levels. It also reduces the dependence on luck at the start.

After each run, players go to the Covenant Outpost to advance the story through character interactions. Among Monster Train 2's new features are a train customisation system with unlockable parts that grant buffs, different Pyre Hearts that offer unique gameplay functionality, handcrafted dimensional challenges with new mutators and unique cosmetic rewards, daily challenges with leaderboards and lots of new events. However, one of the most notable new features is Endless Mode, where the difficulty level continually increases. It is also possible to compare progress with friends here. There are also collaborations with Richard Garfield (Magic: The Gathering), Balatro, Inscryption, Cult of the Lamb and Inkbound.

"So I know what you’re thinking. 'Wow! Between the new gameplay possibilities to master, modes to explore, and the state of gestures around everything else happening in the world, it only makes sense that Monster Train 2 would be more expensive! A copy of Monster Train 2 must cost a million, nay, a bajillion dollars!' No way. We're happy to share that Monster Train 2 launches on May 21 for $24.99. The same price as the original Monster Train when it launched exactly five years ago to the day. And for you OG Monster Train owners out there (if you’re reading this that’s almost certainly you) things get even better. During launch we’ll be running a Monster Train + Monster Train 2 bundle offering a sweet discount to those picking up both games at once. But since you already own the game you’ll simply be getting the discount no questions asked. Why? Hell, why not?" - Shiny Shoe & Big Fan Games on Steam

Monster Train 2 is being developed by Shiny Shoe, which is based in San Francisco, USA. This independent studio was founded in 2011 and is best known for Monster Train and the online co-op roguelike RPG Inkbound. Monster Train 2 is published by Big Fan, a Devolver Digital subsidiary. The first game was distributed by Good Shepherd Entertainment, a Dutch publisher originally founded as Gambitious Digital Entertainment. Since 2021, Good Shepherd Entertainment has been a subsidiary of Devolver Digital. "We're a small but passionate team of industry veterans with a single focus: helping independent game developers breathe new life into their favorite movies, comics, TV shows, and cult heroes through the power of video games. Like you, we’re really into games. But when it comes to 'licensed games', we think there’s room for a new Approach," this is how the publisher describes itself. Its games include Tron: Catalyst, Reigns: Game of Thrones, Hellboy Web of Wyrd and John Wick Hex.

Monster Train 2 is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, and Xbox Series X|S on 21 May 2025.

Conclusion

Monster Train 2 takes things a step further than its predecessor. It features many useful new additions and more tactical options, as well as an endless mode. It is a worthy successor to the excellent roguelike deck-builder.

Features

• A full-scope sequel with more of everything
• Tactical depth meets long-term progression
• Endless mode