Monster Train 2 is all about expanding on everything that worked in the original. That means more weapons, items, enemies, and most importantly, factions! As it takes a lot of time to unlock everything needed, we've created the Monster Train 2 tier list with the best clans in the game.
Best Factions in Monster Train 2 - Clans Tier List
Unfortunately, you won't have them all at the start, so prepare for multiple runs until you get them all. The good thing is that there are no really bad clans, as every faction has a different combat style. But some are still better than others! Below is a list of all Monster Train 2 factions, based on how successful they are as the primary clan, their power, and how hard it is to play them.
Tier | Clans |
---|---|
S | Underlegion, Melting Remnant |
A | Banished, Lazarus League, Luna Coven |
B | Pyreborne, Hellhorned |
C | Awoken, Stygian Guard |
D | Umbra |
Related: Monster Train 2 Beginner's Guide
Best Monster Train 2 Clans Ranked
There are 10 clans in Monster Train 2 that I've unlocked after 30 hours of play. Wurmkin clan is the only one missing from the original, so if it's hidden in the game, I'll add it later to this tier list. When you start the game, you'll unlock new clans relatively quickly, but it takes time to get the old ones.
Underlegion - Outnumber the Enemy
Don't be fooled by Underlegion's seemingly weak roster of units, as no one can match the power of mushroom Funguy troops. Your main task is to build an army of ever-expanding Funguy by using several key units and spells. The best way for this strategy to work is to place a champion and the units mentioned below on the third floor, to give them time to grow uninterrupted by enemies.

Key Underlegion Cards:
Cards | Description |
---|---|
Cluster Colonel | Spawns 4 funguy troops each round. |
Amorous Enoki | Applies Regeneration and HP to units |
Propagate & Spawn Spells | Use them all, don't be picky. |
Grow Room | Propagate 1 at the end of the turn gives you even more units and buffs. |
Champions | Both Bolete and Madame Lionsmane are great for building the Funguy army. |
Best Clan to Pair With:
- Hellhorned - Strong units that can hold waves of enemies while you buff your Funguys on the 3rd floor.
- Lazarus League - Use Unstable (mainly Plague Doctor) to trim down enemies on lower floors.
Melting Remnant - Live, Die, Repeat
The Melting Remnant faction was the best clan in the first Monster Train with its almost infinite supply of wax units. Forget about holding on to units, as they're even better when they die (Burnout mechanic where each unit dies after a couple of rounds).
If you play them right, you'll always have all floors filled with buffed units ready to die and return to the battle. Because of its specific strategy, it focuses exclusively on melting Remnant cards, as their strategy is too weird for others even to back them up.

Key Melting Remnant Cards:
Card | Description |
---|---|
Waxen Spike | Adds attack and Burnout |
Dreg | Basic Burnout unit that costs 0, but is unstoppable when buffed. |
Hallowed Drippings | Applies Burnout. |
Paraffin Thug | Incredibly strong but cheap unit that earns you 30 Coins on Slay (killing an enemy). |
Champion | Rector Flicker gets an attack and HP boost every time a unit dies. He also reforms units (buffs them and returns them to your hand). |
Best Clan to Pair With:
- Pyreborne - Soldier of Fortune will make your wax units even stronger, while Greed will make you rich (10 coins for each unit killed).
- Lazarus League - Scrap for Parts has ideal synergy with Remnants (Sacrifice a unit to draw another unit and give it 40 attack and 0 Ember cost).
Luna Coven - Powerful If Played Right
Luna Coven is a magic-focused clan in Monster Train 2 with an interesting mechanic that revolves around Moon phases combined with a spell power (Conduit mechanic). This is a very powerful faction, but you'll need some time to get used to its glass-cannon fragility.
I suggest you combine it with a clan that has strong units and offensive skills, like Pyroborne. This way, you can focus on powerful spells while being protected by tank units like Greed Dragon.

Key Luna Coven Cards:
Card | Description |
---|---|
Moonlit Glaive | Most crucial equipment for your clan, as it gives your unit +3 attack for each Magic Power on the floor (and that can be a lot) |
Selene Acolyte | Improves attack based on a Magic Power in the room. |
Tidal Turning | Restores HP, and applies everything above max health to armor. Now, with a lot of Magic Power, your units will be basically indestructible. |
Champion | Ekka with Celestial Spellweaver upgrade (Conduit 6, Incant: Gain Conduit 2) is perfect for buffing Magic Power. Combine with Lunar Steward upgrade (Mooncycle: +2 att, +2 HP to friendly units) for even more damage. |
Best Clan to Pair With:
- Awoken - You'll need bodyguards to protect this frail clan, and no one is better at defense than Hollows (Awoken and Thorned). Also, having a lot of Sting cards buffed with buffed damage will do wonders.
- Stygian Guard - Combining two magic-oriented clans may not be the safest bet, but it's probably the most entertaining! When it works, it's incredible!
Lazarus League - Mad Scientist Project
Lazarus League is one of the most fun factions to play as it allows you the most strategizing freedom. Having said that, I found their Unstable ability (If a unit has less health than the stacks of Unstable, they die and explode) to be the most productive way of dispatching enemies.

Key Lazarus League Cards
Card | Description |
---|---|
Plague Doctor | Deals Unstable equal to the damage dealt. That can be a lot if you buff this unit properly. |
Test Subject Alpha | Attacks first all enemies, making sure those annoying enemies at the back are dispatched. |
Explosive Reaction | Deals damage and applies Unstable. |
Potion Kit | Mixing potions is essential to keeping your crew strong, so this equipment (weapon) is key for success. |
Acid Shower | Applies Unstable and deals damage to all enemies. |
Champion | Orechi is the best choice for the Unstable/Potion build. Use his Brewmaster (creates potions) and Mad Scientist (Incant: Applies Unstable to enemies) upgrades. |
Best Clan to Pair With:
- Hellhorned - Rage is a significant boost for your Unstable build. The stronger Plague Doctor is, the faster it will wipe your enemies from the face of the train.
- Banished - Cursed Twinblade on Plague Doctor will do wonders, as well as a Valor boost.
Banished - Fallen Angels
Banished is one of the first clans you'll get to use in the game—and that's a good thing! They're actually very good, especially when you figure out how to maximize the Valor mechanic (attack and armor bonus).

Key Banished Cards:
Card | Description |
---|---|
Firebrand | Thanks to Revenge, it gets Valor each time it takes damage. |
Just Cause | Applies Valor and moves the unit to the front. |
Inspire | Applies Valor to all units on the floor. |
Everlasting Light | Weapon that gives Valor to all units when the equipped unit attacks. |
Death's Dancer | Applies an attack buff to all units when it moves. |
Champion | Fel is the best choice as it gives Valor to units when it's hit (Vanguardian update) and gains permanently Valor 1 when they move. |
Best Clan to Pair With:
- Lazarus League - A wide variation of equipment items (weapons) can do wonders for your ever-moving Valor-pumped units.
- Pyreborne - A combination of offensive spells that can easily destroy back units, Pyregel (extra damage), and dragon eggs makes Pyreborne an excellent ally.
How to Unlock Old Clans from Monster Train
Monster Train 2 has five new clans, and just when I was sad that I won't have a chance to mix them with the old gang, I managed to unlock five old ones! Here's how you can do it too:
Old Clan | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Hellhorned | Unlock 6 Pyre Hearts. |
Umbra | Increase room capacity 20 times. |
Stygian Guard | Cast 5 spells in a turn. |
Melting Remnant | Reform or reanimate 50 units. |
Awoken | Heal 300 health. |
That's all (for now) about the best clans in Monster Train 2. We'll update this guide as we play the game. For more information about the factions from the first game, check out the best clans and champions in Monster Train from the original to learn more.