Monster Train 2 announces its official launch date

The makers of cardy roguelike Monster Train 2 announced a release date yesterday, revealing that it’ll be pulling into Steam libraries and honking its big “all aboard” horn in less than two months. Do you have the capacity to allow another deckbuilder into the overcrowded dining car of your brain? I probably don’t. But I do have fond memories of the first game’s crunchy runs and over-the-top card combos. Hmmm, maybe another rail trip or two hundred would be nice.

The release date is May 21st, said developers Shiny Shoe in a Steam post. They shared the news on April 1st, and so felt the need to clarify that this was an actual factual release date announcement – not a silly April Fools jest. They opted for a straightforward announcement because they didn’t want to do “a disservice to the entire dating sim genre” by revealing a shallow Monster Train dating sim spinoff called “You Stole My Pyre Heart”.

“This does not exist,” they say, “please do not ask for it. We’re giving you Monster Train 2. Please.”

The sequel will involve a similar violent train ride as the first game, in which you essentially play three or four games of Slay The Spire at once. But whereas you previously fought as the demons of hell against the angels of heaven, this time you’ll combine the warring forces to battle a new enemy – the ancient Titans.

It’s set to include “five all-new clans, dozens of new cards, and surprises of all shapes and sizes”. This includes “Room” cards which will have some effect on the space you’re fighting within. You’ll also be able to get “new parts for your train and customize it to suit your personal style”. A fashionable new cow catcher perhaps?

The first Monster Train was a maximalist numberwang of flashing delights, according to Matt (RPS in peace), who said it was “at least as good as Slay The Spire.” Here’s a snippet of thoughts I enjoy from his Monster Train review.

I’m not comfortable saying it’s outright better. Not yet, at least, but I will say this: before Monster Train came along I couldn’t see myself ever obsessing over a deckbuilder in the same way that I did with the Spire. It seemed too immaculate to meaningfully improve on, but there are plenty of specific ways in which the Train does exactly that.

Good thing you can play a demo of the upcoming sequel already, if you, like Matt and I, are inclined to monstering with numbers.