Monster Train 2: Is This Roguelike Deckbuilder Worth the Hype? Game Pass Launch, New Features, and More!
The roguelike deckbuilder genre continues its relentless march, vying for every moment of our attention. With the release of Monster Train 2 on May 21, 2025, the question arises: does this sequel offer enough innovation to stand out, or is it just another cog in the machine? Arriving on Game Pass Ultimate, it promises a blend of familiar mechanics with fresh content. But does it deliver?
Monster Train 2, developed by Shiny Shoe and published by Big Fan Games, throws players into a battle to reclaim Heaven from Titans, pitting angels and demons against a common enemy. The core gameplay remains similar to its predecessor: defend your pyre atop a four-story train using cards and strategic unit placement, creating a tower defense experience within a deckbuilder.
But where does it differ? The most notable change is the introduction of new clans like the Pyreborn (gold-hoarding dragons) and the Banished (angels working with hell), offering immediately intriguing gameplay styles. The first game’s tutorial decks are gone, replaced with faster-paced mechanics for those who have already familiarized themselves with the gameplay. Players can also encounter fascinating storylets that offer boons, reminiscent of games like Balatro.
The combat system is still enthralling, requiring players to divide their cards and points strategically across multiple floors. "It may seem a rickety, unintuitive format on paper," one critic notes, "In practice, it's wonderful." Enemy waves come in deviously varied combinations, thwarting efforts to optimize any particular floor. Synergies between clans can lead to exhilarating moments where you feel like you've broken the game.
The arrival of new mechanics also cannot be dismissed. Room cards now allow you to specialize each floor of your pyre. For example, imagine introducing a planetarium to amplify any magic you weave within! The all-new Equipment cards also allow the player to apply unique buffs to friendly and enemy characters alike.
Beyond gameplay improvements, Monster Train 2 also features a host of challenging achievements. One requires winning a run without upgrading a single card, while another asks players to win without playing any unit cards at all.
Despite these positive aspects, the story elements are considered less engaging compared to the original. Some critics found the narrative interludes somewhat disruptive, preferring the original's method of world-building through incidental encounters. The game, ultimately, is more of an evolution rather than a revolution. For fans of the original -- that may be enough.
So, is Monster Train 2 worth the hype? If you crave a deep, strategic roguelike deckbuilder with countless hours of replayability, the answer is likely yes. Its blend of familiar mechanics and fresh content makes it a worthy contender in the genre, especially for those diving in via Game Pass. Will you answer the call?
What are your thoughts on Monster Train 2? Let us know in the comments below!
