During the Summer Game Fest SEA Games Showcase, Indonesian developer Mankibo, alongside publisher Akupara Games, debuted their release date trailer for their creature-collector roguelike deckbuilder Montabi. In the trailer, gamers are greeted by a catchy hip-hop song, aptly titled The Montarap, while watching gameplay that players can expect once Montabi arrives this summer.
The rap eventually starts to list out the various monsters that you’ll encounter in the game, making it a fun way to memorize all the names. By using visuals to highlight everything the game has to offer, the release date trailer provides a strong segue for players interested in the demo after listening to such a catchy beat.
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A demo is available now on Steam, with a new updated demo releasing on June 15, 2026, for Steam Next Fest. Players can expect the full game to arrive on XBOX One + Series and PC on August 6, 2026.
What is Montabi about?
On a quest to save the city, you’ll tame a roster of unique Montabi, each with their own abilities, in order to battle your way through unforgiving streets. You’ll strategize on a tactical 3×3 battlemap, evolve your Montabi into more powerful forms, and unlock new cards that keep your options fresh — no run ever plays the same way.
Key Features to Expect
Build Your Deck By Taming
- If you’re going to be the big hero and save the city, you’ve gotta get some Montabi! Each Montabi has a unique set of skills, giving you endless combinations for team synergies.
- Collect equipment and charms and utilize them to chart the path to victory!
Evolve, Learn New Skills
- Train your Montabi to grow stronger, unlocking new moves to enhance your team’s strategy.
- As they level up, your Montabi evolve into more powerful forms, gaining new card abilities and expanding your tactical options.
- If you work together, there’s nothing you and your Montabi can’t achieve!
Outsmart Your Opponents
- Deploy your best strategies to beat up the bad guys in a unique 3×3 grid-based system.
- With every Montabi’s unique abilities, you’ll have endless options to outthink the competition and win the day.
- Just make sure you rest up at a cafe every now and then to recover those hit points!
Choose Your Trainer
- Select from diverse trainers, each with a unique playstyle.
- Do you wanna put your team in the perfect position, get right up in their faces and duke it out, or buff up your Montabi with a hearty meal? When the city’s at stake, everyone pitches in!
- Just make sure to stay safe! Like the king in chess, if your trainer is defeated, the game ends.
Try Every Montabi
- Choose your favorite of the 22 starters and start battling! Since each evolutionary line has a unique deck, your playstyle options are endless.
- With 500+ cards to choose from, every run is unique!
When can players expect the game?
A demo is available now on Steam, with a new updated demo releasing on June 15, 2026, for Steam Next Fest. Players can expect the full game to arrive on XBOX One + Series and PC on August 6, 2026.
