- Montabi best starters determine your early card pool, team identity, and 3x3 grid positioning options.
- 22 starter Montabi are available at launch, each offering distinct cards, abilities, and evolution paths.
- Flexible positioning and reliable cards matter more than raw damage when choosing a starter.
- S-Tier starters perform consistently across multiple team compositions without requiring specific combo pieces.
- Specialist starters reward experienced players who build around narrower tactical interactions.
How to Evaluate Starter Montabi
Choosing your first creature in Montabi is the most important decision in any roguelike run. The game offers 22 starter Montabi, and each one brings a unique package of cards, combat abilities, and evolution potential. Instead of picking a creature based purely on its attack power, evaluate starters across five core criteria that determine how smoothly your run will progress.
The strongest starters provide reliable cards from the very first encounter, function in multiple grid positions, and synergize with a wide range of teammates. Since your active team contains exactly three Montabi, your starter sets the foundation for everything you build afterward.
| Evaluation Criteria | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Card Quality | Strong base cards with low conditions | Determines early encounter consistency |
| Positioning Flexibility | Works in multiple 3x3 grid spots | Reduces vulnerability to enemy formations |
| Team Synergy | Pairs well with diverse teammates | Keeps options open as you tame new Montabi |
| Evolution Potential | Strong upgrade paths | Scales into late-run elite and boss fights |
| Deck Compatibility | Cards that don't conflict with common picks | Prevents deck dilution during the run |
New players should prioritize card quality and positioning flexibility above all else. A starter with reliable low-cost cards and grid adaptability will carry you through the learning curve far better than a high-damage creature that requires specific setups to function.
Montabi Starter Tier List
All 22 starters fall into four tiers based on their overall performance, consistency, and accessibility. The tier list evaluates starters from the perspective of a standard roguelike run, where early reliability and mid-run scaling matter more than theoretical maximum damage.
| Tier | Label | Best For | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Best Beginner Starters | New players learning all systems | Strong from turn one, flexible positioning, broad synergy |
| A | Strong and Flexible | Players comfortable with basic synergies | Reliable card packages, good evolution potential |
| B | Build-Dependent Starters | Players who adapt runs around a pick | Powerful with correct support, less consistent early |
| Specialist | Combo-Focused Starters | Experienced players seeking specific builds | Narrower interactions, high reward with correct setup |
Tier rankings assume a standard run without prior knowledge of upcoming encounters. A Specialist-tier starter can outperform an S-tier pick when paired with the exact right teammates and card rewards, but this requires deeper game knowledge and favorable roguelike RNG.
S-Tier Starters
- Immediate impact from turn one
- Works without specific combo pieces
- Flexible across grid positions
- Fits most three-Montabi teams
- Recommended for first runs
A-Tier Starters
- Reliable early-game card package
- Good synergy with several Montabi
- Strong upgrade or evolution path
- Minor positioning requirements
- Solid for intermediate players
B-Tier Starters
- Effective with correct support
- More positioning-dependent
- Powerful after key upgrades
- Less consistent in opening fights
- Best for adaptive players
Specialist Starters
- Narrow tactical interactions
- Requires card sequencing knowledge
- Benefits from specific partners
- Rewards careful grid management
- Designed for experienced players
Top Starter Picks by Playstyle
Different players approach Montabi's 3x3 tactical battles with different strategies. Your starter should match your preferred playstyle so that the opening encounters feel natural and the deck rewards reinforce a plan you enjoy executing.
| Playstyle | Recommended Starter Tier | Core Strategy | Deck Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Offense | S-Tier | Consistent damage across positions | Reliable attacks, basic defense |
| Positioning Control | A or S-Tier | Manipulate the 3x3 grid for advantage | Movement effects, position-based attacks |
| Defensive Scaling | A-Tier | Survive early, scale into late-run | Defense cards, survival tools, scaling |
| Combo Synergy | B or Specialist | Chain card effects for multi-card turns | Combo enablers, consistency tools |
| Evolution Rush | B-Tier | Reach evolution as fast as possible | Early survival, post-evolution synergy |
If you are unsure which starter to choose, pick an S-Tier creature with balanced offense and flexible positioning. This gives you a reliable foundation while you learn the 3x3 battle system, card sequencing, and taming mechanics without being locked into a narrow strategy.
How to Build Around Your Starter
Once you select a starter, every subsequent decision in your run should reinforce that creature's strengths. Building a coherent three-Montabi team requires choosing teammates whose cards complement your starter rather than duplicating its role.
Identify Your Starter's Core Role
Determine whether your starter excels at damage, setup, defense, movement, or utility. This becomes the anchor of your team identity and shapes every future decision.
Choose Complementary Teammates
Select two additional Montabi that cover your starter's weaknesses. If your starter deals high damage but lacks mobility, pick creatures with movement or positioning tools.
Build a Focused Deck
Add cards that support your team's main strategy. Avoid taking every available card, as deck dilution reduces the frequency of your most important draws.
Plan Your Evolution Path
Compare evolution choices against your current team needs. An evolution that changes your starter's role may require adjusting teammates or deck composition.
Adapt to Run Rewards
Use card rewards and items to patch weaknesses revealed during encounters. Stay flexible, but keep the core strategy intact rather than switching plans mid-run.
A smaller, focused deck consistently outperforms a larger deck with more options. Prioritize cards that improve an existing combo or solve a specific weakness rather than adding cards simply because they are available.
Common Starter Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong starter picks can underperform when paired with poor decisions during a run. Recognizing these common mistakes early will save you from frustrating losses in elite and boss encounters.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing for raw damage only | Fragile team with no utility | Evaluate cards, positioning, and synergy |
| Adding every available card | Inconsistent draws, diluted combos | Keep deck focused on core strategy |
| Ignoring enemy positioning | Exposed Montabi take unnecessary hits | Read the 3x3 grid every turn |
| Forcing combos at all times | Wasted turns when setup is unavailable | Use flexible cards when ideal hand doesn't appear |
| Neglecting evolution timing | Late-run power spike arrives too late | Plan evolution around elite and boss encounters |
Montabi's 3x3 grid means positioning affects every card you play. A starter with excellent cards becomes useless if it cannot reach the right grid position. Always check whether your starter's positioning needs conflict with your other two Montabi before committing to a team.
Starter Selection Checklist:
- Starter provides reliable cards from turn one
- Starter works in at least two grid positions
- Starter's cards synergize with common teammate picks
- Starter has a clear evolution path for late-run scaling
- Starter's role does not overlap entirely with planned teammates
- Starter matches your preferred combat playstyle
Starter Montabi FAQ
Q: How many starter Montabi can I choose from?
Montabi offers 22 starter creatures at the beginning of each roguelike run. Each starter provides a different package of cards, abilities, and evolution paths, so your choice significantly shapes the opening direction of your deck and team composition.
Q: Can I change my starter during a run?
Your starter Montabi remains part of your team for the entire run, but you can tame new creatures to expand your options. Before replacing your starter, consider whether the new Montabi's cards strengthen your existing strategy or pull the deck in a completely different direction.
Q: What makes a starter good for beginners?
The best beginner starters provide reliable cards without requiring specific combo pieces, work in multiple positions on the 3x3 grid, and fit naturally into several team compositions. S-Tier starters let new players learn combat, deckbuilding, and positioning without being locked into a narrow strategy.
Q: Should I pick a Specialist-tier starter?
Specialist starters are designed for experienced players who understand card sequencing, grid management, and team synergy deeply. These starters reward careful planning and specific teammate pairings but are less consistent during opening encounters. Choose them only when you are comfortable adapting your entire run around a specific interaction.