A significant update is on the horizon for fans of Monster Train 2, set to arrive in early February. This expansion, titled Destiny of the Railforged, marks the game’s first paid downloadable content (DLC) and introduces a new clan, the Railforged, alongside an innovative gameplay mode known as Soul Savior. Additionally, a beloved clan from the original Monster Train will be incorporated into Monster Train 2 at no extra cost, although pricing details for the DLC remain undisclosed.
In a recent conversation, Mark Cooke, founder and CEO of Shiny Shoe, shared insights about the creative direction of Destiny of the Railforged, particularly the mechanics of the new mode, Soul Savior.
The new mode, Soul Savior
Set against a celestial backdrop, Soul Savior transports players to the ethereal realm of the Soulstream, where they engage in battles to reclaim souls from a formidable final boss known as the Lifemother. This mode is not merely an add-on; it is designed to offer a depth and complexity comparable to the core game. Cooke emphasized the studio’s desire to explore a new format without disrupting the established gameplay mechanics of Monster Train 1. By creating a distinct run type, they can introduce a plethora of new mechanics while maintaining the integrity of the original game.
The concept of souls introduces a fresh layer to gameplay. These unique, permanently unlocked boons can enhance cards or units and provide global buffs akin to artifacts. As players progress through Soul Savior, they will unlock souls that represent a significant investment of time, with Cooke estimating that fully collecting and upgrading all souls could take “tens of hours.” Initially, players can bring one soul into each run, with the potential to unlock the ability to carry multiple souls as they advance.
Souls offer powerful enhancements beyond standard card upgrades. For instance, a soul named Butterball allows a unit to be consumed, absorbing its stats, while Red Hot transforms a spell into an explosive force, granting additional magic power. Other souls, like Heartbreaker, synergize well with damage shield mechanics, while Goldie generates gold based on ember costs. The flexibility of souls is noteworthy; they can be transferred between cards mid-run, enabling players to adapt their strategies in response to specific challenges. With over 30 souls available, each can be upgraded three times, adding layers of strategy to gameplay.
In a departure from linear progression, Soul Savior allows players to choose the order in which they confront the Lifemother’s Children, reminiscent of the boss selection in Mega Man. Each encounter is preceded by battles against familiar foes from the base game, albeit with new mechanics introduced by the Lifemother’s corruption.
The new clan, Railforged
Alongside the Soul Savior mode, the DLC will unveil the Railforged clan, a faction characterized by their ingenuity and mechanical prowess, led by champions Heph and Herzal. These characters, previously relegated to the background, are now central to the gameplay experience. The Railforged specialize in enhancing the pyre’s attack power and feature units like the Knuckler Steward, a boxing Train Steward, and the Sentry Turret, which automatically targets nearby enemies.
A unique mechanic, Forge, allows Railforged players to accumulate and spend resources during combat to enhance the health and attack of their units or equipment. This introduces a strategic layer where the order of unit deployment can significantly impact gameplay. Cooke noted that this clan is designed to augment the capabilities of other clans, particularly those focused on unit-oriented strategies.
In addition to these new features, the upcoming update will also refresh the Wurmkin clan from the original Monster Train, incorporating new designs and balance adjustments to enhance player experience. This free update is a gesture of gratitude to the community, reflecting Shiny Shoe’s commitment to its player base.
With these exciting developments set to launch in early February, Monster Train 2 is poised to deliver an enriched gameplay experience, blending creativity with strategic depth in ways that both new and returning players will appreciate.
