Minecraft Dungeons 2 is the bigger, better, and more voxel sequel to the much-loved and played-to-death 2020 title. It is now available on Xbox Game Pass and can be purchased as a physical copy on both Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5. I tested the PS5 and Game Pass version, and I was thoroughly impressed. It would have taken a lot for me to hate this game, but I adored both platforms, especially when I tackled it with friends and family.
Mojang Studios and Double Eleven are the developers, and Xbox Game Studios is the publisher. It is a single-player or cooperative multiplayer title that builds on the secure and exceptional foundations of its predecessor. With a large interconnected world to explore, impressive RPG mechanics, familiar Minecraft visuals, and an interdimensional void to visit, this game has it all. Yes, there are a few minor issues, but I didn’t expect it to be perfect. With repetitive combat and some minor monster imbalance, it taints the polish slightly, but not enough to put me off.
This sequel offers what many other developers fail to achieve. It is bigger, better, and more fun than its predecessor. This doesn’t come at a cost either. There isn’t a desire to ramp up the mechanics or blow you away with depth. Instead, it stays faithful to its roots and builds on the fundamentals of the amazing franchise.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 brings danger to the world.
The heroes’ camp was a safe location. Here, players could relax and chat about their recent adventures. However, the camp is destroyed, and the heroes must venture forth to get revenge and find a place to call home. This was a simple plot twist that connects the 2 games together. There is no requirement to play the original, but it would help you to understand the lore and some minor elements.
The story throws everything into disarray. There is no longer a sense of independent locations as everything is intertwined. Exploration focuses on the Overworld and the quests, people, and tasks you take on. This layer of exploration is complemented by the most minor of improvements: the ability to jump. Hop, hop, hop to move yourself from location to location. No longer are you stuck to the floor. Instead, the world becomes a 3D playground where secrets can be found and joy can be discovered in the smallest of layers.
Pushing through each area and working with the NPCs is what makes Minecraft Dungeons 2 an exceptional game. Although I enjoyed the direct style of the original, I appreciated the ability to get lost in a vast voxel world. The introduction of The Sift is a major upgrade that adds a magical fantasy edge to the action. Without spoiling it for you, this is a place that will embed itself into the Minecraft franchise in 2027.
RPG elements.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 doesn’t focus heavily on traditional RPG elements. Although there is equipment to gather, customisable layers to play with, and elemental powers/new weapons to try out, it isn’t its first concern. You are free to test different loadouts and try melee, ranged, or magical weapons. Furthermore, you can use the enchantments system to adjust the benefits of each piece of equipment.
The enchantments offer a layer of depth that the previous title failed to address. This wasn’t an issue as it added to the accessibility factor. However, I liked the customisation and the ability to make my hero my own. My kids weren’t all that bothered as they fancied hacking up anything they encountered. Subsequently, it offers enough to appeal to gamers of all ages.
The combat is as joyful, hectic, and mindless as you’d expect. There are familiar Minecraft visitors that must be smashed into smithereens. There are also an array of glorious unseen beasts that test your skills throughout. With more movement planes to account for, you must be on your toes and think tactically. Gone are the kiting tactics that made the first instalment so easy. Now, you must work as a team to thwart enemies large and small.
Teamwork, dreamwork.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is undeniably better in a group. It can be enjoyed as a solo gamer, but the camaraderie, banter, and general Minecraft shenanigans ensure that this is a hoot with family and friends. I admit that my kids were a pain in my backside. They enjoyed running around like headless chickens and were no help whatsoever, but it matters not. The opportunity to work through the madness, chat, and be a team makes this an enjoyable, if not testing, family experience.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 looks amazing.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is blocky by its very nature. The characters are bulky, and your foes have splodgy colours, rigid movement, sharp angles, and quite frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The vast overworld is a beautiful thing to explore. Light, vibrant, and alive. This is juxtaposed with a weird, magical, and unusual landscape in The Sift. The 2 worlds collide with colour, danger, and secrets.
The audio delivers a fresh blend of unusual sounds, captivating music, and a familiar Minecraft vibe. The new interdimensional world offers exciting and original music and noises that will become the new norm. Furthermore, there is a wonderful mixture of drama and angst. Combat is fast-paced, aggressive, and dangerous. Furthermore, the overworld has a calm and relaxing nature with brilliant ambient sounds.
Accessibility.
This franchise is all about accessibility. It is designed for gamers of all ages and skills, and the multiplayer elements benefit consequently. The developers have not incorporated mountains of submenus, challenging controls, and complex mechanics. Instead, it focuses on keeping things as simple as possible. There is an argument that this undermines the depth, but I didn’t care. There are enough layers to keep you busy without overwhelming you.
The mixture of different equipment, loot, Soul Storms, bosses, and missions makes Minecraft Dungeons 2 an addictive and exciting game to keep playing. Add in the brilliant multiplayer action, and you have a title that gives you nearly endless possibilities. Although the main gameplay elements can be finished reasonably quickly, you’ll find value in the replayable bosses, looting, and side quests.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a brilliant game.
If you are a lover of physical games, I’d suggest grabbing this on your PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2. However, if you subscribe to Game Pass, you can play this as part of the service. This makes it a no-risk option for Xbox and PC Game Pass players. However, Switch and PlayStation gamers will need to invest. This shouldn’t be a problem because it is fantastic value for money.
This game delivers everything you want from a sequel. It is bigger, more exciting, and easy to follow. Furthermore, there is loot, decent replay value, and it is incredible with family and friends. Accordingly, I recommend buying a copy here! If you wish to buy the Switch 2 or PlayStation 5 versions, click the hyperlinks. Can you defeat the Illager threat? Pick your hero, grab some friends, and explore a weird and wonderful world.
(Full disclosure! A physical copy of the game was provided on PS5 for an unbiased and free review!)
