Monster Train 2: 7 Essential Beginner Tips Pros Wish They Knew Sooner

Summary

Protect all 3 floors, not just the first, to win the match.
Use instant damage cards on enemy support to avoid healers.
Choose card synergy over rarity; enhance deck weaknesses wisely.

Monster Train 2 isn’t simply a deck-building game; it’s one of the finest deck builders to emerge in years. The original game was already a prized possession for many gamers who still enjoy playing it, but Monster Train 2 refines the concept with a greater level of shine. Games like Monster Train, which are both addictive and enjoyable, can sometimes become more under-the-radar titles due to their charm.

Regardless of whether they’re veterans or just starting out, players may find useful insights from this collection of tips and strategies as they embark on their initial playthroughs of a potential standout roguelike game. Enjoy the gameplay!

7. Prepare the Next Line of Defense

Don’t Get Tunnel Vision from Protecting the First Floor

It’s okay to lose a floor to win the match.
Sacrifice to protect the Pyre.

Many players tend to defend the lower level more aggressively than necessary, which can lead to issues since the initial floor will absorb all the impact from any enemy units entering the train.

Players should get ready for units on this level to be defeated. Spotting a red X on a unit and attempting to maneuver around it might provide an additional turn for that unit, but players should consider the entire three-level arena as one battlefield. Reinforcing a unit on the upper floor could result in more damage inflicted to prevent enemies from reaching the pyre, rather than sustaining a weaker unit on the verge of death.

6. Use Instant Damage Cards On Glassy Enemies

Healers Will Undo a Lot of Players’ Efforts, Focus on Squashing Them

Target enemy support.
Utilize direct damage cards.

Players might prefer to eliminate the largest and most intimidating monsters initially to minimize the harm they receive themselves. Yet, if there’s a healer within their group, players may spend more time tackling the formidable foes head-on. They will also have the advantage of using cards that inflict immediate damage and occasionally provide a boost. A good illustration would be Firestarter.

Firestarter is excellent for using Pyregel, however, they could also be utilized to instantly inflict 1 damage to eliminate a weak enemy support unit. Eliminating these fragile support units proves to be more advantageous compared to reinforcing Pyregel on the main battle-line troops.

The sooner you deal with enemy supporters, the less benefits they provide.

5. Rarer Isn’t Always Better

Purple Is Usually a Solid Pick, But Not Always

Look for deck synergy above face value.
Sometimes choosing blue is better for the deck.

When selecting a new card during gameplay, players might find themselves drawn towards a unique purple one among blues, thinking the rarer card is the better option. Yet, choosing a card based solely on its rarity instead of its compatibility can lead to less optimal decisions. Typically, a purple card offers more benefits than a blue, making it often the wiser choice to select.

Instead of ignoring a card that could significantly improve your current deck’s performance during a run, consider taking some extra time to evaluate which card would work best with your existing deck setup. It is more beneficial to focus on finding the right card for the run, rather than aimlessly building a deck based solely on face value.

4. Enhance Based on The Run’s Weakest Link

Enhancements Are Precious; Don’t Waste Them

Look for the areas your deck is weak in during combat.
Use Enhancements to patch over those weak points.

As a gamer diving into roguelikes like Monster Train, I’ve found that the game shines with its Enhancement system. These enhancements can be game-changers, and it’s tempting to pick the ones that seem the most appealing. But instead, I suggest taking a moment to assess your weaknesses. If you find yourself frequently needing more units for each level, focusing on getting more pits could help mitigate this challenge.

If players hold numerous cards during each round, they might desire an Enhancement that permits playing additional cards per turn. Acquiring an Enhancement for an ability you’re not currently facing challenges with may result in an excess, potentially squandering the potential value it could have brought to the game.

3. Chart a Course With Great Consideration

Don’t Be Swayed by a Single Location’s Benefits

Look at the entire track’s value.
Look for what you need more than what you want.

As a gamer, whenever I find myself wrapping up a combat and choosing a path to tread, I always make sure to survey my surroundings meticulously. Picking the side with the greatest reward is usually the smart move, but be wary – an Empyrean Well can sometimes blind you with its allure, especially when you have a strong card in hand. It might seem tricky at first, but with practice, this strategy will become second nature.

If another path contains Pyre Remains, a Merchant, additional gold, and a Light Forge, it’s a more advantageous choice for a more fruitful playthrough. Mastering gameplay experiences and devising strategies are crucial for achieving victory.

2. Build Champion Synergies

Build Around the Champion, or Build Into Them

Some Champions are worth building a deck around.
Others can be built for a massive power play when needed.

In Monster Train 2, champions are potent cards, and players often strive to enhance them for maximum power. However, it’s the harmony (or synergy) between cards that truly shines brighter than their individual values. When upgrading a champion, it’s wise for players to assess their current deck configuration. If the deck leans heavily on a particular mechanic, it would be beneficial to select a champion that complements and amplifies this mechanic, thereby maximizing its potential.

From another perspective, when players find it straightforward to progress their units, they can elevate a champion to swiftly reach the frontlines and accumulate buffs, making them formidable against difficult opponents. Constructing strategies around or focusing on a Champion can lead to exceptionally strong characters in a game run. This is what makes the Banished an excellent choice for beginners to master.

1. Trials Can Be Good or Bad

Don’t Turn Every Trial On, and Don’t Ignore Them Entirely

Weigh both the risk and the reward.
You can be riskier while at full health.

Running trials may provide additional benefits for your game, hastening the construction of a stronger deck. Yet, those who take on more than they can handle might find their Pyre sustaining excessive, unwarranted harm. Consider whether a trial could inflict more damage than it’s worth, potentially causing problems later on.

Players who have a completely replenished Health Pyre might want to consider taking a bolder strategy, given that they could potentially encounter an opportunity to restore it further. Restoring the Health Pyre for the additional reward can indeed be worthwhile.

2025-05-24 03:45