PhantomLab is bringing back Monster Decoy, its clever two-player tile placement game, with a refreshed edition set to launch on Kickstarter.Â
Originally released in Japan in 2019, Monster Decoy is returning with updated artwork, upgraded components, expanded language support, and a redesigned box to accommodate the enhanced contents - offering a new opportunity for international players to discover the game.
A Tactical Tile-Laying Duel
At its core, Monster Decoy is a tight two-player strategy game built around territory control. Players take turns placing 3×3 tiles made up of black and white sections, carefully shaping the board to surround and capture monsters.
The gameplay has drawn comparisons to classic abstract strategy titles like Go, but with a unique twist - each placement introduces multiple connected spaces at once, creating layered tactical decisions and opportunities for clever plays.
A Refined Edition
This new version of Monster Decoy represents a significant update from its original release. Alongside visual improvements, the game has been refined to improve usability and overall player experience, while retaining the elegant core design that helped it stand out at events like Tokyo Game Market.
An early prototype of the refreshed edition was showcased at Essen, giving players a first look at the updated presentation ahead of the campaign.
From Solo Creator to Global Audience
Monster Decoy is the work of Kotori, the solo designer behind PhantomLab, who has been creating tabletop and digital games since 2012. This marks the studio’s fourth Kickstarter campaign, following successful projects such as Acornism, OrthoGnomes, and Astraios: Starlight.
The campaign may also feature additional titles as add-ons, including the upcoming Spot Me Gaffer!, giving backers more ways to explore PhantomLab’s catalogue.
