- Montabi tier list: Evaluates all 22 starters based on early-run consistency and card quality.
- S-Tier starters: Provide immediate value without demanding specific team compositions.
- Positioning matters: The 3x3 tactical grid heavily influences a creature's overall ranking.
- Deck synergy: Higher-tier creatures offer flexible cards that easily fit multiple builds.
- Specialist picks: Lower tiers require specific combos but shine in advanced hands.
Montabi Tier List Criteria
Building an accurate Montabi tier list requires analyzing more than just raw damage output. Because the game merges deckbuilding with tactical positioning on a 3x3 grid, a creature's value heavily depends on its starting card package, movement flexibility, and how easily it synergizes with other team members.
Video Highlights:
- Official gameplay showcase of the tactical 3x3 grid.
- Breakdown of creature taming and evolution mechanics.
- Demonstration of card synergies across a three-creature team.
- Examples of positioning and tactical turn-based combat.
We rank the 22 starter Montabi across four distinct tiers to help players identify the best choices for their roguelike runs. Whether you are learning the ropes or optimizing a high-level combo deck, understanding these foundational strengths is crucial.
Tier lists represent a general consensus based on early-game consistency and ease of use. A lower-tier Montabi can easily carry a run if you build the right deck and position it effectively on the battlefield.
| Tier | Label | Key Characteristics | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Best Beginner Starters | Strong performance, flexible positioning, useful cards | New players learning combat |
| A | Strong and Flexible | Reliable card package, good synergy, strong evolution | Players mastering basic synergies |
| B | Build-Dependent | Effective with correct cards, positioning-dependent | Adaptable players |
| Specialist | Combo-Focused | Narrower interactions, requires card sequencing | Experienced tactical players |
S-Tier: Best Starter Montabi
S-Tier Montabi represent the most reliable choices for any roguelike run. These creatures offer outstanding performance from the very first encounter. They do not require highly specific card draws or complex team compositions to be effective.
Their starting card packages are inherently powerful, providing solid damage, defense, or utility right out of the gate. Furthermore, S-Tier starters boast flexible positioning on the 3x3 grid, allowing them to adapt to various enemy formations effortlessly.
The All-Rounder
- High base stats
- Flexible grid positioning
- Works in almost any team
- Excellent card consistency
The Tactical Controller
- Strong area control
- Disrupts enemy formations
- High defensive utility
- Synergizes with movement cards
If you are unfamiliar with the 570+ cards available in the game, starting with an S-Tier Montabi minimizes deckbuilding friction. You can focus on learning enemy attack patterns and grid management without struggling to draw your essential combo cards.
A and B-Tier Starters
As you move down the Montabi tier list, creatures become more specialized. A-Tier Montabi are still highly capable and offer excellent evolution potential, but they might have minor positioning requirements or need specific synergies to truly shine.
B-Tier starters are distinctly build-dependent. They can become incredibly powerful after key upgrades, but they often suffer from inconsistency during the opening encounters of a run.
| Tier | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Tier | Reliable early game, strong upgrades | Minor deckbuilding requirements | Build around basic synergies |
| B-Tier | High payoff potential, specific interactions | Inconsistent opening hand | Adapt run around the starter |
To maximize A and B-Tier Montabi, prioritize card rewards that solve their early-game weaknesses. Use standard encounters to test your deck consistency before committing to elite battles or boss fights.
Specialist Tier: Combo Starters
The Specialist Tier contains Montabi designed around narrower tactical interactions. These creatures are not recommended for beginners, as they require a deep understanding of card sequencing, deck efficiency, and the 3x3 tactical battlefield.
However, in the hands of an experienced player, Specialist Montabi can unleash devastating combos that trivialize late-run boss encounters. They reward careful planning and precise grid manipulation.
The Setup Expert
- Multi-card turns
- Requires careful planning
- Devastating late game
The Positional Striker
- Grid manipulation
- High risk and reward
- Demands precise movement
The Utility Support
- Team enabler
- Amplifies other Montabi
- Needs the right partners
Specialist starters heavily punish inefficient decks. If you fail to assemble their required combo pieces or mismanage your grid positioning, these Montabi will struggle to survive against aggressive enemy formations.
How to Build Your Team
Selecting a strong starter from the Montabi tier list is only the first step. To succeed in your roguelike runs, you must build a cohesive three-Montabi team. Your active team dictates a significant portion of your available card pool, meaning creature choice directly influences deck construction.
Define Your Core Strategy
Decide whether you want a balanced approach, a positioning control team, or a high-risk combo setup. Your starter should anchor this core strategy.
Tame Complementary Montabi
When taming new creatures during a run, look for Montabi that cover your starter's weaknesses or reinforce your main mechanic. Avoid taming creatures that pull your deck in conflicting directions.
Curate Your Deck
With over 570 cards available, adding every reward will dilute your deck. Prioritize cards that improve consistency, strengthen proven combinations, or provide essential movement tools.
Optimize Grid Formations
Plan your 3x3 battlefield placements ahead of time. Ensure your important Montabi remain in positions where their key cards are usable and safe from immediate enemy threats.
A well-synergized team of A-Tier Montabi will consistently outperform a disjointed team of S-Tier creatures. Focus on how your three Montabi interact through cards, abilities, and positioning.
Run Preparation Checklist
Before diving into elite battles and boss encounters, use this checklist to ensure your team is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Pre-Boss Preparation:
- Establish a clear primary combo for your three-Montabi team
- Ensure your deck can consistently draw essential cards
- Verify all three Montabi have active, useful roles
- Maintain enough movement cards to recover from bad formations
- Avoid adding unnecessary cards that dilute key draws
Montabi Tier List FAQ
Q: What makes a Montabi top-tier in this game?
Top-tier Montabi offer a combination of strong starting cards, flexible positioning on the 3x3 grid, and the ability to fit into multiple team compositions without relying on highly specific combo pieces.
Q: Can lower-tier starters complete a roguelike run?
Yes. Specialist and B-Tier starters are fully capable of completing runs. They simply require a deeper understanding of deckbuilding and tactical positioning to reach their full potential.
Q: How does taming new Montabi affect my deck?
Taming a new Montabi introduces its associated cards into your pool. This can expand your tactical options but may also dilute your deck if the new cards do not synergize with your core strategy.
Q: Is the 3x3 grid really that important for rankings?
Absolutely. Positioning affects how attacks and abilities work. A Montabi with flexible positioning requirements will naturally rank higher because it adapts easily to changing battlefield states.