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Monster Train 2

PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Mac • 2025

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Quick resume

Monster Train returns with all new clans, new enemy factions, new challenges, new modes and more! Defend your Pyre in the classic three-tiered, vertical gameplay that made the original roguelike deckbuilder a hit.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Indie, Strategy, Card & Board Game, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Pros

  • Deep and engaging strategic gameplay
  • Extensive content with many clans and combos
  • Quality of life improvements like undo and deployment phase
  • High replayability and meta-progression
  • Excellent soundtrack and satisfying combat

Cons

  • Story and lore are shallow and sometimes cringeworthy
  • Art style changes are divisive and sometimes cluttered
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Some clans feel unbalanced or less fun
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over deck building, unit placement, and strategic decisions including deployment phase and equipment choices."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with complex synergies, strategic planning, and challenging difficulty levels that reward mastery."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is primarily on personal runs and self-improvement rather than direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Highly addictive with long play sessions, meta progression, and extensive replayability encouraging habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player roguelike deckbuilder with no cooperative multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Extensive deckbuilding, clan combinations, equipment, room cards, and pyre customization enable creative strategies."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; gameplay is solo and self-directed."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a distraction and stress relief with immersive fantasy and engaging gameplay."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Strong emphasis on trying new clan combos, synergies, and strategies with many mechanics to explore."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of new card combinations, clan synergies, and strategic possibilities within runs."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of pyres, equipment, and decks allows some self-expression, though limited to gameplay elements."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy theme with imaginative clans, monsters, and a hellbound train setting."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community gameplay elements; focus is on solo play."

  • Growth
    5

    "Players learn complex mechanics, improve skills, and unlock new content over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and strategic thinking throughout runs; not suited for idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing in gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; entirely single-player experience."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong meta-progression with unlocking clans, cards, pyres, and difficulty levels."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find flow and satisfaction, but the game is challenging and can be tense."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable soundtrack, visual effects, and satisfying combat animations provide sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal and not publicly ranked."

  • Story
    2

    "Includes a story and lore, but it is secondary and not deeply immersive according to reviews."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around strategic deckbuilding, unit placement, and tactical decision-making."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Challenging encounters and risk-reward mechanics create moments of suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for content volume, replayability, and price, offering excellent value for money."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat and destruction of enemies are central, though stylized and fantasy-themed."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must manage resources and survive waves of enemies, emphasizing threat avoidance."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026