Monster train 2 review 2025: The perfect roguelike deckbuilder sequel

Monster Train 2 isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and that’s exactly why it works. Shiny Shoe knew they already had one of the strongest deckbuilding roguelikes on the market, and instead of chasing radical changes, they focused on refinement.

Released five years after the original, Monster Train 2 delivers more clans, more cards, and more strategic depth while keeping the core formula intact. At the same $24.99 price point, it feels like one of the best value roguelikes available in 2025.

The real question isn’t whether Monster Train 2 is good. It’s whether it still has something to offer if you already spent hundreds of hours mastering the original. Let’s break it down.

Gameplay & core mechanics

The core loop remains unchanged and just as effective. You defend the Pyre Heart across three train floors while waves of enemies climb upward, forcing constant tactical decisions. It’s a mix of tower defense positioning and deckbuilding optimization, and the synergy between the two systems is still the game’s greatest strength.

Before each run, you select two clans, one primary and one allied, along with a champion for each. This alone creates an enormous number of strategic combinations. Unit placement matters as much as card drafting, especially with the floor capacity system that limits how many units each level can hold.

Monster Train 2 shines in how interconnected every decision feels. Drafting a single card can shape your entire run, and misplacing a unit early can snowball into failure later. The sequel also introduces swappable Pyre Hearts, which are more than cosmetic changes. Each one grants unique effects, like generating gold when damaged or permanently increasing floor capacity after battles, adding another layer of long-term planning.

New clans & combinations

Monster Train 2 introduces five brand-new clans, each built around distinct mechanics.

The Banished focus on Valor stacking and Shift effects, making them relatively approachable for new players. Pyreborne revolve around the Pyregel mechanic and Dragon Hoards, encouraging risk-reward playstyles. Luna Coven lean heavily into spell synergies, while Underlegion favor aggressive, dark-themed unit strategies. Lazarus League stands out with its Mix mechanic and high skill ceiling, rewarding precise sequencing and planning.

On top of that, all five classic clans from the original game are unlockable. With ten clans total, the game offers 180 possible clan combinations, which translates directly into long-term replayability.

Quality of life improvements

Some of the most important changes are the simplest ones. Monster Train 2 finally adds an undo turn option, allowing you to experiment with unit placement and card sequencing without immediately locking yourself into a mistake. The ability to restart battles is equally valuable, especially when testing new builds or learning boss mechanics.

The UI has been refined with clearer icons and a smoother shop interface, and the game runs flawlessly on Steam Deck. These improvements make experimentation less punishing and encourage deeper understanding of synergies, particularly during high-stakes boss fights.

Monster train 2 best builds guide

New game modes

Endless Mode unlocks after completing a successful run and lets you push your deck far beyond normal limits. Enemies scale continuously while you choose modifiers that introduce both benefits and drawbacks, turning the mode into a true stress test for optimized builds.

Dimensional Portal offers 21 preset challenges with fixed clans, Pyre Hearts, and mutators. It’s designed for experienced players who want to prove mastery over every archetype without relying on luck.

Covenant Ranks return as well, gradually increasing difficulty through fixed modifiers. Mutators allow further customization, making each run feel tailored to your preferred challenge level.

Monster train 2 endless mode guide  how to survive

Visuals & performance

Visually, the sequel leans into a darker and more refined aesthetic. The world map now ascends vertically, reinforcing the feeling of climbing toward the final battle. There are also subtle Easter eggs referencing other indie hits like Inscryption and Balatro.

Performance is consistently smooth across all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, which makes portable play a viable option without noticeable compromises.

Where it falls short

Despite the improvements, some issues from the original remain. Difficulty spikes near the end of runs can feel abrupt, especially when transitioning into the final boss. Enemy variety is still somewhat limited, and certain clan combinations clearly outperform others.

The learning curve is also steep. While Monster Train 2 is more accessible than before, players completely new to deckbuilding roguelikes may feel overwhelmed without external guides. Finally, players hoping for a revolutionary sequel may find the experience a bit too safe.

Monster train 2 boss guide how to beat every boss

Pros & cons

Pros

• Ten clans with 180 possible combinations

• Undo turns and battle restarts improve experimentation

• Excellent value at $24.99

• Endless Mode adds massive replayability

• Swappable Pyre Hearts deepen strategy

• Accessible yet deep for long-term play

Cons

• Noticeable difficulty spikes near the endgame

• Core gameplay largely unchanged from the original

• Some UI elements still lack clarity

• Can feel overwhelming for genre newcomers

Final verdict

Rating: 9/10

Monster train 2 is exactly what a sequel should be. It respects the original while expanding it in smart, meaningful ways. The new clans dramatically increase experimentation, and the quality of life improvements show that shiny shoe listened closely to its community.

For newcomers, this is the best entry point into one of the strongest deckbuilding roguelikes ever made. For veterans, it offers enough new systems and depth to justify another long-term commitment.

At $24.99, Monster Train 2 isn’t just worth it. It’s one of the best roguelike deckbuilders you can play in 2025.