Games like Monster Train 2

The Squirrel's verdictSlay the Spire runs the same card-and-relic roguelike loop that Monster Train 2 built on, minus the two-lane train structure and clan-stacking. Four classes instead of Train's clan pairs, a straight climb instead of dual-front defense, and a smaller card pool overall. Median playtime sits at 53.9 hours, well under Monster Train 2's content sprawl. Suits players who want tighter, more classic deckbuilding.

Not for you if you specifically wanted Monster Train 2's dual-lane defense and clan-combo scale rather than a single-path climb.

The Squirrel's verdictAn overworld map with selectable nodes and a single RPG-style hero define Knock on the Coffin Lid's structure. You build and chase synergies across escalating encounters, but there is no dual-lane or clan-stacking system. Reviewers warn that map variety is largely illusory — most routes funnel toward one optimal build — and the studio has publicly shifted focus toward AI development. Median playtime is around 35 hours.

Not for you if you want meaningful branching choices or a studio whose current direction is focused on the game you are buying.

The Squirrel's verdictLovecraftian atmosphere, survival, exploration, and a travel-deck event system shape Menace from the Deep into something distinct from a straight card battler. Turn-based combat follows the familiar draw-attack-defend loop, but resource management is woven throughout and the thematic presentation carries significant weight. Reviewers consistently flag combat as the weakest element and characters as samey, while praising the setting and event structure. Median playtime sits around 34 hours.

Not for you if you prioritize refined, varied combat — reviewers describe the fights as the least engaging part of an otherwise atmosphere-forward game.

The Squirrel's verdictGrid-based tactical positioning is the defining feature of Lost In Fantaland: card draws fuel movement and attacks on an Into the Breach-style grid rather than filling lane slots on a train. A single character with six swappable skill sets supplies build variety. Reviewers enjoy the early hours but find runs grow repetitive as content thins out, with a median playtime around 12 hours.

Not for you if you want a deep pool of builds and long-term replayability rather than a lean single-character tactical deckbuilder.

The Squirrel's verdictOverdungeon takes the deck-building-as-escalation loop and bolts on real-time tower defense: you place units to fight the enemy's side while managing a card economy, a faster and messier version of the genre than Monster Train 2's tight turn-based lanes. Every card unlocks on your first run, so the run-to-run mystery Monster Train 2 fans lean on is gone. Suits players who want chaos over calculation.

Not for you if you want Monster Train 2's careful turn-based sequencing rather than real-time tower-defense chaos, or expect ongoing unlockable-card progression.

The Squirrel's verdictSeven classes, permanent unlocks after each run, and a 25-hour median playtime give Monster Slayers a familiar roguelike deckbuilding skeleton. The scale is much smaller than Monster Train 2's clan-combo system, and reviewers flag combat as autopilot-ish — cards play themselves out each turn with little counterplay, and enemy decks are small enough to cycle through quickly.

Not for you if you want deep card synergy and tactical decisions rather than a straightforward, low-complexity deckbuilder.

The Squirrel's verdictIndies' Lies keeps the turn-based deckbuilding chassis — mana costs, escalating encounters, run-based unlocks — but trades Monster Train 2's multi-clan train stacking for single-hero decks built around a card-replacement draft and added positional tactics. Median playtime runs about 20.5 hours, a fraction of Monster Train 2's scale, at a $4.49 price point.

Not for you if you need offline play, since unlocks reportedly require an active internet connection when a run ends.