Monster Train: What Critics & Players Say
A summary of critic and player reviews — not a hands-on review.
▶ Monster Train is widely regarded as a top-tier, unique roguelike deckbuilder that offers immense replayability and deep strategic variety.
What is Monster Train?
Monster Train is a strategy roguelike deckbuilder developed by Shiny Shoe. Set on a train traveling to hell, players must defend the final burning pyre from invading forces of Heaven. The game blends card-based combat with a unique vertical battlefield layout, requiring players to manage multiple floors of defense simultaneously.
How It Plays
Players begin a run by selecting a primary clan and an allied support clan, which determines their champion and available cards. The core loop involves navigating through different realms, visiting facilities like the Dark Forge to customize builds, and fighting through vertical battlegrounds. During combat, players deploy units and cast spells to stop enemies from reaching the pyre, utilizing synergistic combos and tactical card play to clear each ring.
The Consensus
Both critics and players agree that Monster Train is a highly addictive and unique entry in the deckbuilding genre, frequently comparing its quality and depth to the gold standard of the genre.
What Critics Say
Critic coverage is limited, but sentiment from outlets like Rock Paper Shotgun and PC Gamer is very positive, describing it as an 'impressive' and 'engaging' experience. Rogueliker notes that while the game can feel 'a bit janky', it remains a top-tier deckbuilder, and other reviewers highlight the 'insane combos' and variety in playstyles.
What Players Say
Players report an 'overwhelmingly positive' experience, with many stating the game provides hundreds of hours of entertainment. While most praise its uniqueness and strategic depth, some players express a gripe regarding the drafting system, suggesting that drafted cards aren't always significantly better than starting cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Deep strategic variety and powerful card combos
- ✓ Unique vertical battlefield mechanic
- ✓ High replayability with different clan combinations
- ✓ Easy-to-learn mechanics with significant depth
Cons
- ✗ Drafted cards may not feel significantly more powerful than starters
- ✗ Some reports of minor technical jank
Who It's For
👍 Who it's for: Fans of strategic roguelikes and deckbuilders who enjoy deep synergy and tactical combat will love this game.
👎 Who should skip it: Those who prefer linear progression or players who find RNG-heavy card drafting frustrating may want to pass.
💲 Worth it? At $24.99, it is considered a strong value given the hundreds of hours of entertainment provided, especially during sales.
How It Compares
| Compared to | How Monster Train differs |
|---|---|
| Slay the Spire | While both are pinnacle deckbuilders, Monster Train differs by using vertical battlegrounds and clan-based synergies. |
| Other roguelike deckbuilders | Monster Train introduces a more tactical, multi-floor defensive layer compared to traditional single-line combat. |
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Monster Train available on?
It is available on PC, iOS, PS5, Switch, and Xbox.
How do the clans work?
Players choose a Primary Clan for their Champion and starter cards, and an Allied Clan for additional support cards and artifacts.
What is the goal of a run?
The objective is to defeat all bosses from Heaven guarding each realm until you reach the 9th circle.
Does it have multiplayer?
Yes, the game features real-time competitive multiplayer.
How does the pyre affect gameplay?
The pyre is the final health pool; if enemies reach the top floor and damage it to zero, the run ends.