Deckbuilders

Slay the Spire vs Balatro vs Monster Train: Gameplay and Getting Started

All three ask you to turn random resources into a stronger engine, but the thinking differs. Slay the Spire focuses on turn-based combat and risk, Balatro turns familiar poker hands into immediate combo chains, and Monster Train adds units and multi-floor defense to the deckbuilding formula.

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Comparison summary

Slay the Spire introduces card-based attacks, defense and deckbuilding. Balatro focuses on poker hands and scoring combinations, while Monster Train adds unit positioning and layered defense.

01

Choose Slay the Spire

For players interested in card-based attacks, defense, route choices and deck refinement.

02

Choose Balatro

You know poker hands and want rapid feedback, big multipliers and fast restarts.

03

Choose Monster Train

You want units, positioning and multi-floor battles to complicate the deckbuilding decisions.

Slay the SpireSlay the SpireBalatroBalatroMonster TrainMonster Train
Current low priceLoading store offersLoading store offersLoading store offers
Steam priceLoading store offersLoading store offersLoading store offers
Vs. historical lowLoading store offersLoading store offersLoading store offers
Steam rating97%192,403 reviews97%161,542 reviews95%19,972 reviews
GameGeeker review8.9Read the review8.8Read the review—
Critic score89avg of 2Metacritic 89OpenCritic 8991avg of 2Metacritic 90OpenCritic 9285avg of 2Metacritic 86OpenCritic 83
GenresStrategy · IndieStrategy · Casual · IndieStrategy
Release date2019-01-232024-02-202020-05-21
LanguagesEnglish · Simplified Chinese · Japanese · French17 languages totalEnglish · Simplified Chinese · Japanese · French12 languages totalEnglish · Simplified Chinese · French · German6 languages total
PlatformsWindows · macOS · LinuxWindows · macOSWindows
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Key comparison criteria

Learning curve

Balatro benefits from familiar poker hands, Slay the Spire teaches its systems cleanly, and Monster Train asks you to learn units and floors together.

Build depth

Slay the Spire rewards deck discipline and relic synergy, Balatro revolves around Jokers and multipliers, and Monster Train mixes clans with positioning.

Run pace

Balatro centers on scoring combinations, Slay the Spire balances route choices and battles, and Monster Train combines unit deployment with combat across multiple floors.

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FAQ

What is the biggest difference between these three games?
All three ask you to turn random resources into a stronger engine, but the thinking differs. Slay the Spire focuses on turn-based combat and risk, Balatro turns familiar poker hands into immediate combo chains, and Monster Train adds units and multi-floor defense to the deckbuilding formula.
Which one should a newcomer buy first?
Slay the Spire introduces card-based attacks, defense and deckbuilding. Balatro focuses on poker hands and scoring combinations, while Monster Train adds unit positioning and layered defense.
Can I change the games in this comparison?
This page keeps the three featured games fixed. To swap or add a game, open the custom comparison and edit the lineup there.