Monster Train 2 Is Getting a New Clan That Gets Stronger by Taking Damage

Developer Shiny Shoe and publisher Big Fan have announced Monster Train 2: The Punished, the second DLC for the roguelike deckbuilder, launching on PC via Steam on November 10, 2026. The expansion introduces a new playable clan led by Archus, Darkness Incarnate, whose mechanics revolve around damaging friendly units to activate abilities and strengthen your forces. We previously reviewed Monster Train 2, covering its expanded deckbuilding mechanics, new clans, and additions to the original game’s formula. 

The Punished follows Archus, a former angel who attempted to overthrow his older brother, Seraph. After being cast into Heaven’s Maw, he gained the ability to draw strength from suffering. He now leads a new clan into battle against Heaven and the Titans.

Unlike other clans, The Punished relies heavily on intentionally damaging allied units to trigger effects. The Punish mechanic activates when friendly spells or abilities damage your units, while Bloodshed provides benefits whenever a friendly unit takes damage on the same floor. Chained allows enemies to take damage alongside your units, while Tenacious prevents friendly damage from delivering a killing blow. These mechanics open up strategies centered on repeatedly damaging allies without losing them.

Another major addition is the Monolith, a new system that lets players spend Ember and discard cards during battles to offer Tribute. Doing so increases Devotion throughout a run, strengthening certain cards and granting newly summoned units stacks of Zeal.

Zeal increases a unit’s Attack and maximum Health, giving players another consideration when deciding how to spend their resources. Building Devotion requires sacrificing immediate options in exchange for stronger units later in a run.

What do you think of The Punished’s self-damage mechanics? Are you planning to return to Monster Train 2 for the new clan? Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to Noisy Pixel for more gaming news.