Monster Train 2 is back; honestly, it’s exactly what fans probably hoped for. Developed by Shiny Shoe and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, the sequel hits Xbox Series X with everything that made the first game fun, plus a few new twists to keep things fresh. Even better, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass right out of the gate, so jumping in is super easy whether you’re a returning player or completely new to the series.

Not much has changed at its core, but that’s actually a good thing. You still start every run by picking Clans, which determines the types of cards and units you’ll be working with. Each one opens the door to new strategies and playstyles. One of the new additions is the Pyreheart modifier, which lets you tweak your run with extra rules or challenges. It’s a small touch, but it gives each run more personality.

The main goal remains the same: keep your Pyre (basically the heart of your train) safe from waves of enemies trying to climb up through the cars. Battles occur across multiple floors of your train, with enemies moving up one level each turn if you don’t stop them. You place units, cast spells, and build a defence to hold up to what is dealt. It’s turn-based and strategic, but the game constantly keeps the pressure on. You’ll often feel you’re only one mistake away from losing control.

Boss fights are where things heat up. They often come with nasty mechanics like floor-wiping attacks or effects that can throw off your game plan. The last few waves of each run are especially intense, forcing you to think fast and adapt on the fly. It’s stressful in the best way.

The deck-building side of things is still the star of the show. There are more cards, synergies, and new faction combos to experiment with. The Ascension Path system lets you gradually ramp up the difficulty, which is great if you’re a veteran looking for more of a challenge or a beginner and don’t want to get crushed immediately. It strikes a good balance between accessibility and long-term replayability.

Visually, Monster Train 2 doesn’t try to reinvent itself, but it looks sharper than the first game. The art style is the same; it has just been cleaned up. Spell effects hit harder, animations are smoother, and the game runs like a dream on Series X. It won’t blow your mind, but it looks polished and does the job well.

The audio is fine, but it’s just not very memorable. The music works, but you’ll probably not be humming any of the tracks after you stop playing. Sound effects are clear and useful during fights, but nothing really stands out here.

One thing that’s baffling is the lack of a mobile version. The game seems perfect for phones or tablets, and it’s turn-based, easy to pick up, and ideal for short sessions. Given how well the original did on handheld platforms like the Steam Deck, it’s weird that this one skipped mobiles. It feels like a missed opportunity to reach a wider audience.

In writing this review, the original game only launched on mobile within the last two weeks.

So, what’s the final verdict? Monster Train 2 doesn’t change the formula much, but that’s okay. It didn’t need to. It tightens what worked, adds a few smart new features, and still delivers that same addictive loop of strategy and chaos. The pacing can feel slower thanks to the new systems, and it’s a shame there’s no mobile port, but overall, it’s a great follow-up.

If you’re into roguelikes, card battlers, or enjoy a good tactical challenge, especially if you have Game Pass, Monster Train 2 is worth checking out.

Written by: Bradley Thorsen