Monster Train 2: Best Starter Clan to Pick (Beginner Guide to Early Factions)

So, you’ve just hopped aboard Monster Train 2, and the first big decision you face is: Which starter clan should you pick? The game throws two factions at you right away—the Banished (fallen angels) and the Pyreborn (gold-hoarding dragons)—and each plays wildly differently.

If you're wondering which one is better for beginners, how their mechanics work, and how to unlock the other clans later (like the Luna Coven and Underlegion), this guide has you covered. Let’s break it all down!


Banished (Angels) – The Shift & Valor Specialists

The Banished are all about unit movement, buffs, and stacking Valor—a mechanic that boosts attack power and grants armor at the end of each turn. Their playstyle revolves around shifting units between floors to trigger powerful effects.

Key Mechanics:

  • Shift Abilities – Units gain bonuses when moved (via Advance, Ascend, or Descend).

  • Valor Stacking – Adds attack and armor to front-line units.

  • Champion: Fel – In her Unchained path, gains permanent Valor every time she moves.

Monster Train 2: Best Starter Clan to Pick
Best Strategy for Banished:

  • Move Fel constantly (using spells like Just Cause or units with Advance).

  • Place tanks in front of glass-cannon damage dealers.

  • Upgrade Multistrike on units like Battle Dancer to maximize damage boosts.

Why Pick Banished?

  • Easy to scale damage

  • Flexible strategies with many allied clan synergies

  • Ideal for learning movement and positioning basics


Pyreborn (Dragons) – The Gold & Pyregel Masters

If you love risk vs. reward gameplay, the Pyreborn are your go-to. They specialize in gold hoarding, Pyregel debuffs, and dragon eggs that can be cashed in for major rewards—or held for bigger payouts later.

Key Mechanics:

  • Pyregel – Debuff that increases enemy damage taken.

  • Dragon’s Hoard – Earned by saving eggs; spend for artifacts or scale further.

  • Champion: Lord Fenix – Scales slower than Fel but works wonders with gold-heavy builds.

Best Strategy for Pyreborn:

  • Apply Pyregel to boost all incoming damage.

  • Save golden eggs for stronger late-game rewards.

  • Use Greed Dragon, who grows with each egg held, for massive scaling.

Why Pick Pyreborn?

  • High AoE potential

  • Rewards long-term economy planning

  • Excellent for strategic, combo-based play


Which Clan Should You Pick First?

  • Best for Beginners: Banished – Fel is a strong and easy-to-scale champion.

  • Best for Strategic Players: Pyreborn – Offers flexible gold and debuff mechanics.


How to Unlock More Clans

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to unlock new factions:

Luna Coven (Moon Mages)

  • Unlock Condition: Reach Covenant Rank 4

  • Playstyle: Spells tied to moon phases; time attacks during Full Moon

Underlegion (Fungus Swarm)

  • Unlock Condition: Win a run with Banished or Pyreborn

  • Playstyle: Swarm the board with Funguy units that evolve over time

Lazarus League (Mad Scientists)

  • Unlock Condition: Win a run at Covenant Rank 2

  • Playstyle: Use potions, explosive enemies, and unstable mechanics


Final Verdict: Which Clan Wins?

  • Best for Beginners: Banished (strong champion, simple synergy)

  • Best for Risk Takers: Pyreborn (complex but powerful combos)

  • Most Fun Later: Underlegion (mushroom evolution FTW)

Whatever you pick, Monster Train 2 rewards experimentation—so give both starter clans a spin and see which one fits your style!


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