Monster Train 2 is mind-bogglingly awesome deck-building shenanigans

Courtesy of Shiny Shoes

Monster Train 2 is the game I didn't know I needed in the deck-building genre.

Shiny Shoe released Monster Train 2 on May 21, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5, and the game picks up where the first one left off.

Monster Train 2 features a three-tiered tower defense mechanic that finds the player trying their best to ward off intruders of the Boneshaker train by way of a strategic deck to power up their forces.

Players build up steam, attack, and prowess with each battle as they head to take on the final boss in a corrupted Heaven. Oh, and alongside the original five clans from the first game, players can get more strategy and possibilities from five new clans. I played the game mainly on the Steam Deck as I didn't want to play Monster Train 2 on the Nintendo Switch 1. Which reminds me, I do have to snag that game now that I have the Switch 2.

Nonetheless, I was hooked by the multi-layered combat and strategy that serves as the game's foundation; the new card types, like the room cards, which affect entire floors on the train with dangerous buffs and hazardous changes, add an element that was missing from the first game.

Other new card types and features include equipment cards and pyre hearts.

Monster Train 2's high replayability makes the game difficult to put down, and I recommend the game to anyone interested.