Monster Train 2 returns with its sights set for heaven

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Over half a decade has elapsed since game developer Shiny Shoe embarked on a fanciful journey aboard the train to Hell. The original Monster Train, a collaboration of roguelike and deckbuilding card mechanics within the complex setting of a moving train, became a smash hit for the studio. A loyal fanbase that continues to play it today speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. It’s no surprise then that Shiny Shoe has come back with Monster Train 2, aiming even higher in terms of ambition, not just figuratively but also literally. We at Shacknews were fortunate enough to test it out during this year’s Game Developers Conference.

In contrast to the original Monster Train, where players traversed a train through the underworld, the sequel follows a new narrative: Heaven is being threatened by colossal Titans, and its forces are struggling to hold their ground against the attack. With no other choice, they reach out to Hell’s very own Monster Train, enlisting its demonic inhabitants as hired mercenaries to aid in the defense of the angelic realm.

As a seasoned gamer, diving into Monster Train 2 feels like returning to a beloved game from my past. The core gameplay remains remarkably familiar, but there are fresh twists that keep things engaging. My mission here is straightforward: stop hordes of enemies from reaching the train’s engine room and causing catastrophic damage.

To defend against these relentless Titan forces, I can choose from five brand-new playable factions, each with unique characteristics. In our quick playthrough, we gave the Pyreborne a spin. This clan is made up of dragon-like denizens of Hell and valiant Valkyries from Heaven – quite an intriguing combination!

As a gamer, I’ve found myself immersed in this strategy game where every battle requires a bit of tactical thinking. There’s a planning phase where I can deploy my units across the three different levels on the train. At first glance, it might seem straightforward, but once you start playing, the complexity begins to unfold.

Each clan has its own Champion, who leads the team and boasts impressive perks and stats. The question is, should I place the Champion on the lower level to trap incoming enemies or on the upper level as a final line of defense against foes that have penetrated through the initial defenders?

Moreover, some of the Pyreborne units can multiply themselves by creating copies or laying eggs that hatch into smaller dragons. However, each floor has its capacity, so I need to strategize carefully to avoid wasting my fighters.

Indeed, Monster Train 2 primarily revolves around card-based combat. Each turn offers a limited number of actions, making strategic unit management crucial. Players can strengthen their factions with upgrades acquired post-battle and from the Covenant Outpost hub. Following each victory, the train’s path splits, allowing players to choose between collecting upgrades, shopping, or delving into story instances that may alter the course of the journey. Different cards bring about diverse effects, including boosting or reducing stats, or aligning with specific clan characteristics. For instance, in the Pyreborne faction, my Champion often picked up cards to build up the Pyregel resource, dealing more damage to enemies over time. Additionally, a new feature in Monster Train 2 is Room Cards, which influence allies or enemies across entire floors, and Equipment Cards, which can be equipped on specific units for extra power.

Monster Train 2 plans to keep the addictive roguelike style that made the original game popular while introducing fresh gameplay modes. One of these new modes, called Endless Mode, answers a long-standing request from players since the early days of the first game by challenging players to navigate through increasingly tough difficulties. Additionally, Daily Challenges will provide exclusive runs with specific modifiers for an exciting twist on the gameplay experience.

In a short while, Monster Train 2 will depart from the platform. Expect it to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on May 21st. At this moment, you can even try out a free demo of it on Steam.

We got a sneak peek at this game during GDC 2025, right at Shiny Shoe headquarters. However, please keep in mind that what you see here may not be exactly how the final product looks.

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2025-04-05 02:27