Monster Train 2 Review: 7 Powerful Reasons This Roguelike Deckbuilder Is Seriously Addictive
Key Takeaways
- Monster Train 2 keeps the core gameplay fans love and smartly builds on it
- New clans, cards, and mechanics add depth without feeling confusing
- Runs feel faster, smoother, and more rewarding than before
- It’s still tough, but fair—and that “one more run” feeling is stronger than ever
- Perfect for both returning fans and first-time players
Monster Train 2 takes everything that made the first game addictive and turns it up a notch. With smarter combat, fresh clans, and more ways to break the game (in a good way), it delivers a roguelike deckbuilder that’s easy to learn, hard to master, and almost impossible to put down.
Monster Train 2 Review – Back on Board, No Regrets
I’ll be honest. When I first booted up Monster Train 2, I told myself, “Just one run.”
Two hours later, my coffee was cold, my brain was fried, and I was already planning my next build.
That’s Monster Train 2 in a nutshell. It grabs you politely… then refuses to let go.
If you played the first game, you’ll feel right at home. If you didn’t, don’t worry—I’ll break it down without any deckbuilder mumbo jumbo.
What Is Monster Train 2?
Monster Train 2 is a roguelike deckbuilding game where you defend a moving train from waves of enemies. The twist? Combat happens across multiple floors, and where you place your units matters just as much as which cards you play.
Each run is different. Sometimes you feel like a genius. Other times, you lose so hard you just sit there staring at the screen, whispering, “Okay… that one’s on me.”
What’s New in Monster Train 2?
This isn’t a lazy sequel. The devs clearly played the first game and asked, “How do we make this even better?”
New Clans and Playstyles
The new clans feel fresh and weird in the best way. Each one pushes you to think differently instead of repeating the same strategy every run.
Some focus on:
- Risk vs reward mechanics
- Building up power slowly over time
- Sacrificing units for big payoffs
I messed up my first few runs just learning how they worked—and I loved every minute of it.
Smarter Enemies
Enemies are sharper now. They punish bad placement and greedy plays.
That means:
- You can’t just spam strong cards
- Positioning matters more than ever
- Every floor of the train feels important
It’s tougher, but it also feels fair.
Gameplay Loop – Simple, Fast, Addictive
Here’s how a typical run goes:
- Pick your clan combo
- Fight battles while upgrading cards
- Make risky choices that may help or ruin you
- Lose a run
- Immediately start another run
The pacing feels faster than the first game. Animations are smoother, menus are cleaner, and there’s less downtime between fights.
Cards, Combos, and Beautiful Chaos
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This is where Monster Train 2 shines.
When a combo works, it really works.
I had one run where:
- One unit kept getting stronger every turn
- Another unit protected it with armor
- A spell doubled its attack
- The boss didn’t stand a chance
Moments like that make you feel like a tactical genius… even if the next run humbles you hard.
What Works Really Well
- Clear card descriptions
- Easy-to-read effects
- Tons of combo potential
You’re always learning something new.
Difficulty – Tough but Encouraging
Monster Train 2 is challenging, but it respects your time.
When you lose, you usually know why:
- Bad placement
- Greedy upgrades
- Ignoring a key mechanic
Instead of feeling frustrated, you feel motivated. Like, “Okay, I know what I’ll do differently next time.”
That’s great design.
Visuals and Sound – Clean and Punchy
The art style sticks close to the original, but everything feels sharper.
Highlights include:
- Clear unit animations
- Easy-to-track combat effects
- Satisfying sound effects when combos pop
Nothing flashy, but everything feels polished.
Monster Train 2: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Addictive gameplay loop
- Tons of replay value
- Smart improvements over the first game
- Easy to learn, hard to master
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming at first
- Some runs depend heavily on luck
- Still not a story-heavy game
Is Monster Train 2 Worth Playing?
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Short answer: yes.
Long answer: absolutely yes, especially if you enjoy games like Slay the Spire or the original Monster Train.
It respects your intelligence, rewards creativity, and keeps pulling you back with that classic “I can do better” feeling.
Final Summary
Monster Train 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it upgrades it, polishes it, and sends it flying down the tracks at full speed.
It’s smart, addictive, and packed with those “wow, that worked?” moments that keep roguelike fans coming back. Whether you’re a deckbuilding veteran or a curious newcomer, this sequel is absolutely worth your time.
FAQs
Yes. The tutorials are clear, and early runs ease you into the mechanics.
No. Playing the first helps, but Monster Train 2 stands on its own.
Most runs last between 30 to 60 minutes.
Very much so. Different clans, cards, and upgrades make every run feel unique.
It’s slightly tougher, but also more balanced and rewarding.
