Monster Train for iPhone

Quick summary

Monster Train is a premium, roguelike deck-building card game from developer Shiny Shoe for PC. It mixes strategic card combat with a cinematic premise: you must prevent heavenly forces from snuffing out the last burning pyre, which is being transported on a hellbound train. The title requires tactical planning and on-the-fly decisions as you juggle threats across multiple battle zones.

Story setup and objective

The core narrative is simple but dramatic: the Inferno’s final ember is aboard a moving train, and angels seek to extinguish it. Your mission is to keep that fire alive by defending the train’s stacked carriages. Each run forces you to protect the artifact while defeating bosses and preserving your champion’s health.

How the game plays

Gameplay centers on deck-building and turn-based combat. Key points:

• Battles are turn-driven: you draw a hand, spend resource points to play cards, and position units strategically on vertical lanes.
• Each train car has capacity limits for allied and enemy units, making placement and timing crucial.
• Use spells, unit upgrades, and passive bonuses to strengthen your forces and improve your champion over the course of a run.

Factions, cards, and progression

The game offers distinct factions and a large card pool to customize your decks:

• Melting Remnant
• Umbra
• Stygian
• Awoken
• Hellhorned

In addition to these five clans, a later update added the Wurmkin clan, which becomes available after reaching Covenant level 1. There are over 220 different cards spread through multiple starting deck options, and each clan provides unique champions that can be leveled and upgraded several times.

Modes, customization, and variety

Monster Train provides several ways to keep runs fresh:

• Multiplayer options and a collection of alternative game modes to play with others
• Steam Workshop support for user-created mods and custom content
• A range of challenge settings and modifiers, including 25 difficulty tiers and many random events (over 20) that change each run

Strengths and limitations

Why try it:

• A distinctive concept and layered combat system that stand out among deck-builders
• Deep card synergies and progressive champion upgrades offer strategic depth
• Mod support and multiplayer modes add longevity beyond the campaign

Limitations to be aware of:

• Some balance issues at certain difficulty levels
• Despite the large card pool, runs can feel repetitive after extended play

Final take

If you enjoy tactical card games and roguelike progression, Monster Train offers a fresh twist on the formula with vertical, multi-lane battles and a compelling theme. Its combination of deck-building, faction variety, and mod-friendly features make it worth a look.