Top Monster Train 2 Alternate Champions Ranked

Monster Train 2 expands the roguelike deckbuilding formula with a roster of alternate champions, each offering unique paths that drastically alter clan playstyles. These variants shine in high-stakes Covenant runs, where every card choice matters. This guide ranks the standout alternate champions based on community consensus from tier lists and discussions, focusing on their viability at Covenant 10T and beyond.

Understanding Alternate Champions in Monster Train 2

Alternate champions represent specialized evolutions or paths for core clan leaders, unlocked through progression. Unlike base versions, they introduce new abilities, starting decks, and synergies that can make or break a run. Success hinges on their scaling potential, resource generation, and matchup flexibility against pyre-scaling bosses.

Community tier lists consistently highlight champions that excel in spell-heavy, unit-scaling, or hybrid strategies. For instance, paths emphasizing cheap card spam or infinite value engines dominate top tiers. We evaluate them across power level, consistency, and fun factor, drawing from player experiences on platforms like Steam and YouTube.

S-Tier: The Absolute Powerhouses

These champions redefine runs, offering overwhelming advantages from the first floor. They handle diverse threats with minimal RNG reliance.

• Fel (Hellhorned Path): Fel tops charts for demonic synergy, generating relentless unit pressure. Pair with cost reducers for early floods of fiends, scaling into unbeatable swarms. YouTube tier lists rank it S-tier for Covenant 10T dominance.
• Bolete (Everbloom Variant): Spore and fungal explosions make Bolete a spell deletion machine. Its path amplifies cheap cards into boss-melting combos, even on awkward starts. Steam discussions praise its consistency.
• Madame Lionsmane (Everbloom Incants): Despite early debates on weakness, refined builds with spore launchers turn her into a top contender. Incant shrooms spam shreds enemies, elevating her to S-tier in updated lists.
• Grael (Stygian Path): Grael’s skeletal legions provide infinite recursion. Relics and upgrades push it to elite status, as seen in comprehensive path rankings.

A-Tier: Elite Performers with High Ceilings

A-tier alternates win reliably but demand precise piloting. They reward synergy hunting and adapt well to most clans.

Dr. Orechi’s medical tech revives units endlessly, countering attrition wars. Little Fade slips through defenses for surgical strikes. Shardtail Queen, despite clan critiques, excels with unit-cost reductions, outpacing base options.

B-Tier: Solid Choices for Versatile Runs

These provide balanced tools, succeeding in 70-80% of high-Covenant attempts with good draws.

• Ekki (Pyreborne): Flame sustain keeps pyre healthy, synergizing with burn effects.
• Fenix (Hellhorned): Phoenix rebirth mechanics offer second chances, strong in prolonged fights.
• Gilda (Luna Coven): Moonlit buffs turn weak units into DPS monsters, like Glaives on Pixies.
• Tethys (Awoken): Water flows enable fluid scaling.
• Horned Prince (Hellhorned): Despite cost issues, +2 attack starts pack punch.

B-tier shines in clan hybrids, like Pyreborne’s fire or Umbra’s shadows, per DualShockers clan rankings.

Lower Tiers: High-Risk, High-Reward or Niche Picks

Not all paths scale equally. Weakest like certain Everbloom incants struggle early, while Demon Fiend’s expense hampers speed.

• C-Tier: Relies on luck, e.g., Madame Lionsmane base without upgrades.
• D-Tier: Avoid for Covenant 10, like underpowered princes.

Strategic Tips for Alternate Champion Success

To maximize these picks:

• Prioritize Synergies: Match paths to clan strengths—spells for Melting, units for Stygian.
• Early Game Focus: Champions like Bolete need quick ramp; stock cheap enablers.
• Relic Hunting: Grael thrives on recursion relics.
• Path Selection: Choose at run start for optimal starts.

Hybrid decks blending A/S-tier with B supports yield win streaks.

Clan Synergies and Matchups

Top paths elevate clans: Hellhorned (Fel, Fenix) leads, followed by Stygian (Grael) and Everbloom (Bolete). Weak clans like Luna Coven improve with Gilda’s moon buffs.

Vs. bosses: Spell deleters handle tanky foes; unit swarmers clear mobs.

Community Insights and Evolving Meta

Tier lists evolve—early Madame Lionsmane hate flipped to love with spore tech. YouTube creators showcase 60-path rankings, confirming S-tier staples. Steam threads debate extremes, like Shardtail’s edge over Prince.

FAQs

What is the best S-tier alternate champion?

Fel and Bolete tie for top spot, excelling in unit spam and spell deletion.

Can B-tier champions win Covenant 10T?

Yes, with strong piloting—Ekki and Gilda hit 70% wins in skilled hands.

How do alternate paths unlock?

Progress through campaigns and unlocks; select pre-run for power.

Is Shardtail Queen overrated?

No, its cost tricks make it A-tier despite clan rep.

Weakest champion to avoid?

Base Madame Lionsmane Everbloom paths falter early.