Overwhelmingly Positive(95%)
Clan synergies
Build variety
Replayability
Undo and restart
Soundtrack
Learning curve
Game balance
Sequel novelty
Art direction
Difficulty spikes
RNG dependence
Cluttered UI
Weak story
Reviews are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many players calling Monster Train 2 one of the strongest roguelike deckbuilders and praising deep clan combinations and satisfying build synergies, extensive replayability and quality-of-life features, and its generous expansion of the original. The most consistent reservations concern punishing difficulty spikes and RNG-dependent runs, alongside cluttered presentation and forgettable story writing. Many players see the sequel as a substantial improvement, while others feel its greater complexity and familiar core formula may not suit newcomers or anyone seeking a more radical follow-up.
Positive Points
Players praise the deep run-to-run variety created by pairing two distinct clans, choosing champions and upgrades, and combining units, spells, equipment, rooms, and Pyre options. Discovering powerful or unexpected synergies is a major source of satisfaction.Many consider this an excellent sequel that preserves Monster Train’s fast, multi-floor defense and deckbuilding while adding new clans, mechanics, modes, challenges, and returning clans from the original.The game offers substantial replay value, with many players reporting dozens or hundreds of hours across clan combinations, difficulty ranks, achievements, daily runs, and special challenges.Quality-of-life additions such as turn undo, battle restarts, deployment planning, damage previews, and adjustable animation speed make it easier to experiment, learn, and recover from mistakes.The strategic combat loop is frequently described as addictive and rewarding: players enjoy planning unit placement, building a scaling engine, adapting to enemy waves, and eventually unleashing powerful builds.Many reviews highlight the soundtrack, polished presentation, strong value for the amount of content, and smooth play on devices such as Steam Deck and Mac.Negative Points
Some players find later Covenant ranks, optional modes, or particular bosses excessively punishing. Reports describe abrupt difficulty spikes, hard counters, and runs that can feel doomed if the right answers or upgrades do not appear.A recurring criticism is that RNG can constrain builds: players may reroll starts, miss key cards or shop upgrades, or feel forced into narrow strategies to handle specific encounters.New players can be overwhelmed by the number of clans, keywords, status effects, and interacting systems. Some find the interface crowded or difficult to read, while others say the learning curve takes time to overcome.The story and dialogue divide players; many consider them generic, awkward, or skippable, and some also criticize the art direction, animations, or UI as cluttered or mobile-like.Some reviewers feel the sequel is too similar to the original, describing it as an expansion or a larger version of the same formula rather than a substantial reinvention.A smaller group reports repetitive runs, limited enemy or boss variety, grindy unlocks, overly long sessions, or balance issues involving specific clans, champions, cards, and enemy abilities.Mixed Points
The expanded mechanics and larger clan roster create considerable strategic depth and replayability, but can make the game feel intimidating, complicated, or overloaded, especially at the beginning.Difficulty is a matter of taste: some players find the main campaign approachable and the challenge adjustable, while others find higher ranks or certain encounters unfairly punishing.The sequel’s additions are a major draw for fans who want more Monster Train, but players hoping for a radically different game may find the core gameplay and structure too familiar.Randomness encourages adaptation and makes runs feel varied for many players, but can also frustrate those who feel that key cards, artifacts, or upgrades are too luck-dependent.The art, music, and story receive sharply different reactions: some players enjoy the distinctive style and memorable soundtrack, while others find the presentation cluttered, repetitive, or lacking charm.Common Themes
The most frequent theme is the sheer number of possible builds: players choose two clans and combine their cards, champions, upgrades, and other run modifiers to create distinct strategies.Reviews repeatedly compare Monster Train 2 with the first game and with Slay the Spire, often praising its distinctive multi-floor, unit-focused defense and its expanded sequel content.Finding synergies and building a powerful engine is central to the appeal, with many players describing the satisfaction of turning a run around or creating an exceptionally strong combination.The game is widely described as highly replayable and easy to keep playing for another fight or another run; some players also warn that its pull can make sessions much longer than intended.Players often note a learning period: understanding the clans, mechanics, and enemy encounters can take time, but many say the game becomes more rewarding as its systems click.Opinions vary most around balance and presentation: difficulty, RNG, complexity, art direction, and story are praised by some reviewers and criticized by others.Updated 11/11/2026, 12:01:54 AM UTC
