Review · Gaming & entertainment
Monster Sanctuary review
moi rai games' side-scrolling Metroidvania where you collect, evolve and battle 111 monsters in turn-based fights.
By the DBotMaker research desk · Updated November 11, 2026
- Capabilities (40%)
- 7.6
- Ease of setup (30%)
- 8.8
- Value (30%)
- 8.6
Monster Sanctuary mixes monster taming with a 2D Metroidvania. You pick a spectral familiar at the start, then hatch, collect, evolve and train up to 111 monsters, each with its own skill tree. Those monsters matter outside combat too: their abilities let you fly, ride and smash through the platforming puzzles that gate new areas. Battles are turn-based and reward stacking attacks into combos and building synergies across your team. Online PvP lets you test a finished team against other players, and later updates added optional Randomizer, Bravery and Permadeath modes that can be combined for replays. It costs $19.99 on Steam and is the only game on this list with Windows, macOS and Linux versions, with a minimum spec of just 2 GB of RAM. It ranks eighth because its roster and presentation are smaller than the 3D games above it.
Who it is for
Metroidvania fans and Mac or Linux players
Price
$19.99 one-time on Steam.
Monster taming meets metroidvania. Collect, train and battle monsters in a lovely side-scroller pixel world. $19.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.
Key features
- 111 monsters to hatch, collect, evolve and train
- Each monster has its own skill tree
- Monster abilities help you fly, ride and break through platforming puzzles
- Online PvP battles
- Optional Randomizer, Bravery and Permadeath modes that can be combined
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: $19.99 on Steam, tied for the lowest list price here
- Strength: The only game here with Windows, macOS and Linux versions on Steam
- Strength: Minimum spec is 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of storage
- Weakness: 111 monsters, a smaller roster than Temtem, Dragon Quest Monsters or Shin Megami Tensei V
- Weakness: 2D pixel art rather than a 3D world
- Weakness: No co-op mode, only online PvP
Key facts
- Developer: moi rai games
- Publisher: Team17
- Released on Steam: Dec 8, 2020
- Monsters: 111
- Platforms on Steam: Windows, macOS, Linux
Where it ranks
Monster Sanctuary is No. 7 in our Best Monster Games verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit monster-sanctuary.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@dbotmaker.io