Creature collectors, deckbuilding fans and roguelike enthusiasts have a new date to circle on the calendar, as Montabi has officially locked in its launch plans.
Revealed during the Summer Game Fest SEA Games Showcase, the upcoming tactical creature-collector roguelike from Indonesian developer Mankibo and publisher Akupara Games will arrive on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam on August 6th 2026.
Blending monster collecting, strategic deckbuilding and grid-based combat, Montabi is looking to carve out its own identity in a crowded genre. And with a fresh release date trailer now live, players have been given another look at the colourful creatures they’ll be recruiting when the fight to save the city begins.
At A Glance
- Game: Montabi
- Developer: Mankibo
- Publisher: Akupara Games
- Release Date: August 6th 2026
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam)
- Genre: Creature-Collector Roguelike Deckbuilder
Build A Team To Take On The X-Gang
In Montabi, the city has fallen into chaos thanks to the destructive actions of the X-Gang. Standing in their way is a growing army of creatures known as Montabi, each bringing unique abilities and strategic possibilities to every run.
The core gameplay loop revolves around taming creatures, assembling a team and battling through increasingly dangerous encounters. Rather than relying purely on luck, success comes from understanding how your Montabi work together, creating synergies and adapting your deck as new opportunities emerge.
With equipment, charms and hundreds of cards available throughout a run, players will constantly be making meaningful choices that shape their strategy.
Tactical Battles On A 3×3 Grid
One of Montabi’s most distinctive features is its turn-based combat system, which unfolds across a compact 3×3 battle grid.
Positioning becomes just as important as the cards in your hand, forcing players to think carefully about every move. Different Montabi excel in different situations, meaning smart placement and clever combinations can turn seemingly impossible fights into comfortable victories.
And furhter, the roguelike structure also ensures that no two runs unfold in exactly the same way, encouraging experimentation and rewarding creative tactics.
Evolution Brings New Possibilities
As your Montabi gain experience, they’ll evolve into stronger forms and unlock additional abilities. These upgrades don’t simply increase stats – they expand the cards available to your deck and open up entirely new strategic options.
The game features 22 starting Montabi evolutionary lines, each bringing a different approach to combat. Combined with more than 500 cards, the variety on offer should give players plenty of reasons to keep returning for another run.
And whilst the Montabi themselves take centre stage, trainers play a crucial role in battle. Players can choose from multiple trainers, each offering a distinct playstyle and strategic focus. Some specialise in positioning and control, while others favour aggressive tactics or support-based approaches. Protecting your trainer is also essential, as their defeat instantly ends the run – adding another layer of decision-making to every encounter.
Demo Available Ahead Of Launch
Players eager to see what Montabi has to offer won’t need to wait until August. A playable demo is already available on Steam, with an updated version set to arrive on June 15th as part of Steam Next Fest.
With its combination of creature collecting, deckbuilding, roguelike progression and tactical combat, Montabi is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing indie releases of the summer when it launches on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC this August.
