After an extensive holiday break spent immersed in the world of Monster Train 2, I found myself at a crossroads. With 370 hours logged and 127 victories against the Titans, my journey through the game felt complete. While I still enjoyed the thrill of filling out my logbook, my strategies had become predictable, and my preferences for units and spells had solidified. However, my recent experience with a pre-release build of Destiny of the Railforged has reignited my passion for the game.
New Mechanics and Strategies
This DLC, while not overhauling every aspect of Monster Train 2—such as the absence of new Alcove events—offers a substantial expansion that enhances an already rich experience. One of the most exciting features is the ability to smelt blight cards, transforming harmful curses into valuable resources. I found myself intentionally drafting Calcified Embers just to utilize this mechanic.
In standard Covenant 10 runs with Railforged, I faced challenges in the early game due to a lack of high base attack units and damage spells in the starter decks. The design encourages players to strategically employ forge—Railforged’s in-round resource that boosts attack and armor of units or equipment. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to decision-making, compelling players to consider the timing of their plays in a way that feels refreshingly new. I found myself visiting the Merchant of Arms more frequently, exploring the possibilities of equipment drafting.
The equipment-focused Lazarus League complements Railforged beautifully. The forge mechanic allows for a unique application of defense, enhancing the gameplay experience beyond the existing strategies of Monster Train 2. Railforged’s Renovate card, which expands the floor by a certain amount of energy, exemplifies their emphasis on floor space. They may not deploy formidable units like the Greed Dragon, but they introduce innovative mechanics, such as merging equipment mid-round with Fused Weaponry. One standout unit is a zero-attack, 50-health factory that produces burst-imbued mechanical spiders, reminiscent of Lazarus League’s mix mechanic.
Railforged’s Steel Pulley Claw, a high-utility room card with an active ability, allows players to relocate any friendly or enemy unit to that room’s floor, creating dynamic strategic opportunities. The cooldown of just one round makes it a versatile tool for managing threats on the battlefield.
Introducing Soul Savior
The DLC also introduces a new mode called Soul Savior, which elevates the gameplay experience to new heights. This mode features enhanced units, extraordinary upgrades, and a significant increase in difficulty. Players accumulate powerful upgrades known as souls, bringing up to three into each run and acquiring more as they defeat Soul Savior’s five bosses. Some souls, like Ghastbud, offer game-changing benefits, while others, like Mimic, provide additional champions from allied clans. The variety among the 33 souls feels fresh, introducing new mechanics rather than merely enhancing existing ones.
The enemies in Soul Savior are notably formidable, presenting a steep challenge. Early encounters feature basic enemies that gain decaying multistrike, pressuring players to eliminate them swiftly. Bosses boast triple-digit attack and unique abilities that can drastically alter the flow of battle. The introduction of new status effects adds complexity, making it essential for players to adapt their strategies on the fly.
Initially, I found the sheer number of overlapping triggers and status effects overwhelming. However, as I progressed through multiple runs, I began to appreciate how Soul Savior disrupts established habits, forcing me to rethink my strategies. While some familiar tactics still hold, new challenges, such as enemies with the Sniper status, require a reevaluation of positioning and unit deployment.
Despite the increased difficulty, the mode remains engaging. The second difficulty level surpasses that of a Covenant 10 Titan run, and the introduction of curses adds another layer of complexity. Although newer players might find the volume of mechanics daunting, the effort to refresh the gameplay experience is commendable.
While I have minor critiques regarding the arrangement of the overworld map nodes and the pace at which souls unlock, the overall experience is rewarding. The Railforged and Wurmkin clans significantly enrich the base game, and with a release date set for February 2 at a reasonable price of , this DLC is a must-have for fans of the genre. It promises to expand the already captivating world of Monster Train 2, solidifying its status as a premier deckbuilder in the gaming landscape.
