Montabi is a creature-collector roguelike deckbuilding game that blends action and strategy elements in an indie package available on Xbox and PC. Players take on the role of a trainer who assembles a team of creatures called Montabi to protect the city from threats through tactical card-based combat and collection mechanics.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on taming Montabi during runs, building a deck of abilities, and engaging in turn-based battles on a 3x3 grid. Each Montabi brings distinct skills that players combine for synergies, while equipment and charms add layers to team composition. Training sessions allow Montabi to level up, unlock new moves, and evolve into stronger forms that introduce additional card options and strategic depth.
Combat emphasizes positioning and timing on the grid, where abilities interact in varied ways depending on placement and team setup. Trainers select from different playstyles that influence how the team operates, such as focusing on optimal positioning, direct engagement, or support through buffs like meals. The trainer functions as a critical unit similar to a king in chess, with defeat resulting in the end of the run.
Roguelike structure encourages repeated attempts as players refine decks and discover new combinations across multiple Montabi evolutionary lines. Starter options exceed twenty, each tied to unique decks that support different approaches to battles.
Game Modes
Montabi operates as a single-player experience built around roguelike runs where collection, deck construction, and grid-based combat form the primary progression. Players progress by taming creatures, managing team resources, and advancing through encounters that test evolving strategies. No separate multiplayer or competitive modes appear in available details, keeping focus on the solo campaign of saving the city through repeated tactical challenges.
The structure supports experimentation with team builds and trainer choices within each run, with recovery options like cafe visits to restore hit points between fights. This setup rewards careful planning and adaptation over multiple attempts.
Key Mechanics and Features
Deckbuilding integrates directly with creature collection, as tamed Montabi contribute cards that expand tactical options. Evolution expands these decks further, creating branching paths for strategy development. The 3x3 grid adds spatial decision-making to standard card play, where positioning affects ability effectiveness and outcomes.
Trainer selection introduces variety at the start of runs, altering how buffs, positioning, or aggression factor into team performance. Equipment and charms provide additional customization that players acquire and apply to enhance synergies or counter specific threats.
Is It Worth Playing?
Montabi targets fans of creature collection combined with roguelike deckbuilding and turn-based strategy. Its grid combat and evolution systems offer depth for players who enjoy building and refining teams across runs. With a release date set for August 6, 2026, on Xbox and PC, those interested in the genre can evaluate the demo available during events like Steam Next Fest to assess fit with personal preferences for tactical collection games.
The indie scope keeps mechanics focused without unnecessary complexity, appealing to players seeking a fresh take on familiar creature-taming and card-play loops. Availability on multiple platforms broadens access for those ready to engage with the core systems upon launch.
