Monster Train 2 gets a new edgy clan
A new and intensely painful addition is set to enter the world of Monster Train 2, bringing with it a clan steeped in suffering and dark majesty: The Punished. Developer Shiny Shoe has announced that this DLC clan, comprised of dark angels and assorted heavenly outcasts, will be available on November 10 for $7.99 on Steam.
The Punished aren’t just another clan; they represent a unique design space in the game, built around the very concept of turning pain into power. Led by playable warriors such as Archus and Darkness Incarnate, the clan’s core philosophy is brutally simple: suffering is the ultimate fuel for combat.
To facilitate this theme, the clan introduces a mechanic that sets them apart. Instead of traditional card play, The Punished utilize a static interaction button known as the Monolith, allowing players to sacrifice cards and gain Zeal, which directly buffs their units in battle. This unique system demands players embrace the risk-reward mechanic of self-damage to achieve greater power.
The aesthetic and gameplay are reflected in the newly revealed units and items. Among the new creatures is the Reaper of Suffering, a unit boasting a formidable 60 attack and 25 defense, though its power is carefully balanced by the clan’s unique systems. Other additions include the Scarred Justicar, which unlocks a powerful new keyword, Punish, granting +15 attack, and the Collector of Sorrows, a hooded figure who wields the ability of Restitution.
Equipping these units requires embracing the theme. Items like Shackles of Spite allow units to deal double damage when their health is at 50 percent or less, while also granting a crucial 10 HP boost. The spell effects revealed also emphasize the theme of self-damage, weaving the concept of pain directly into the tactical choices of the player.
Shiny Shoe CEO Mark Cooke explained that the decision to focus on self-damaging mechanics stemmed from a desire to explore a design space that felt truly unique. “That’s what The Punished are all about,” Cooke stated. “It’s about using the pain on your own units to your gain. All of the new triggers and status effects really surround that kind of core idea.”
As Monster Train 2 continues its journey, The Punished DLC promises to be the final post-launch update, offering a unique and punishing experience for the millions of players who have already engaged with the game since its 2025 release. Furthermore, the studio is ensuring that this dark and dynamic clan will be accessible across multiple platforms, with Monster Train 2 set to arrive soon on iOS, Android, and the Nintendo Switch 2.