5 Hardcore games like Monster Train 2 that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

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We filtered the 49 games similar to Monster Train 2 down to the 5 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Balatro, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes and Spectromancer top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Monster Train 2.

iRank95/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

The best hardcore games like Monster Train 2

5 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Monster Train 2. Each one has been evaluated across 12 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1BalatroClosest on genre

iRank93

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloHardcoreNarrativeProceduralCasual

Steam👍 98%· 191KRAWG👍 86%· 263IGDB91· 5OC92· 64

Year 2024Dev LocalThunk · PlayStackPlaytime ~14hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing card game strategy, roguelike runs and turn-based strategy

≠ Its own twist: vibe casual, vibe relaxing and visual pixel, while skipping combat tactical

Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds.

Where it drifts furthest from Monster Train 2: game mode.

Genre100World100Tone54Game mode33

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Steam

#2Keep Talking and Nobody ExplodesClosest on tone

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerNarrativeHardcoreProceduralCo-op

Steam👍 97%· 17KRAWG👍 93%· 419MC67IGDB84· 5OC86· 23

Year 2015Dev Steel Crate GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, deep simulation and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping roguelike runs

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a game about defusing a bomb. It was initially made for virtual reality headsets but also supports traditional screens and controls. ###Player cooperation The game is meant to be played by at least two people in cooperation.

Where it drifts furthest from Monster Train 2: game mode.

It predates Monster Train 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Tone66Game mode26

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Steam Xbox PS

#3SpectromancerClosest overall match

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerSoloPvPMagicHardcoreFantasy

Steam👍 88%· 374

Year 2009Dev Apus Software · Three DonkeysPlaytime ~2hOn PC · iOS

✓ Both are turn-based strategy games — sharing turn-based strategy, card game strategy and punishing difficulty

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, dark, oppressive atmosphere and co op, while skipping roguelike runs

Open your mind and discover your power as you explore the world of Spectromancer!

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Monster Train 2.

It predates Monster Train 2 by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Setting100Game mode70Tone63Combat51

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Steam

#4X-COM: UFO DefenseClosest on combat

iRank83

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloTacticalHardcoreProceduralDark

Steam👍 95%· 4.0KRAWG👍 64%· 275IGDB85· 2

Year 1993Dev MicroProse Software · MicroProsePlaytime ~1hOn PC · PS · Commodore / Amiga

✓ Same family of turn-based strategy games: turn-based strategy, roguelike runs and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: dark, oppressive atmosphere, setting scifi and horror setting, while skipping card game strategy

1999. Governments of the Earth have increasingly begun to receive reports of frequent UFO attacks on people and their abductions. To combat this scourge, they decide to create a service X-COM (Extraterrestrial Combat Unit ), which is designed to protect humanity from aliens. You play as the head of this service. The game is played in two modes: strategic and tactical.

Where it drifts furthest from Monster Train 2: setting and game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Monster Train 2.

It predates Monster Train 2 by 32 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Combat81Tone51Game mode33Setting0

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

MultiplayerSoloHardcoreCo-opCozy

Steam👍 91%· 30KRAWG👍 42%· 165

Year 2013Dev Orange_Juice · Fruitbat FactoryPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Same family of turn-based strategy games: turn-based strategy, card game strategy and punishing difficulty

≠ Its own twist: cozy, relaxing feel, vibe casual and setting anime, while skipping roguelike runs

100% Orange Juice is a digital multiplayer board game populated by developer Orange Juice's all-star cast. Characters from Flying Red Barrel, QP Shooting, Suguri and Sora come together with all-new characters to duke it out... with dice.

Where it drifts furthest from Monster Train 2: setting and tone.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Monster Train 2.

It predates Monster Train 2 by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode50Tone38Setting0

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Steam

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