Monster Train 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed deck-building roguelike, has been officially announced with a trailer that’s got fans excited. The game is set to release on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, expanding its reach beyond its predecessor. A demo is already available on Steam, giving players a taste of the new mechanics and gameplay enhancements.
The sequel introduces several exciting features that promise to shake up the formula. A new “deployment phase” replaces the old priority draw system for banner units, allowing players to deploy all units at the start of a turn. This change opens up fresh strategic possibilities, letting players plan their moves more carefully before diving into combat.
Equipment cards and room enhancement cards are joining the fray, adding extra layers of strategy to the deck-building experience. Units with activated abilities also make their debut, giving players more options to customize their playstyle. These additions aim to deepen the strategic elements while maintaining the core gameplay that made the original a hit.
Community reactions to the demo have been largely positive, with players praising the new mechanics for their potential to create interesting synergies and strategies. Some fans have drawn comparisons to other popular titles in the genre, like Slay the Spire, noting that Monster Train 2 seems to be carving out its own unique space.
The game’s art style has gotten some mixed reviews, with a few players describing it as generic. However, most agree that the robust gameplay more than makes up for any visual shortcomings. The addition of more story-driven cutscenes has also been noted, though some players hope these will be skippable for those focused purely on gameplay.
Monster Train 2 is being published by Big Fan Games, a subsidiary of Devolver Digital known for handling licensed IPs. This backing suggests that the sequel will receive solid support and potentially reach an even wider audience than its predecessor.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Monster Train combines deck-building mechanics with tower defense elements. Players manage cards to summon monsters and cast spells, all in an effort to protect their train from waves of enemies. The original game was praised for its engaging gameplay and innovative take on the genre, developing a dedicated fan base since its 2020 release.