Minecraft Dungeons II vs Original: A Comprehensive Review

Minecraft Dungeons II, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved action RPG, has finally arrived. Fans of the original game are eager to see what changes and improvements Mojang Studios has in store. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the biggest differences between Minecraft Dungeons II and the original, focusing on multiplayer, gear customization, and the overall experience.

The Game-Changing Introduction of Matchmaking

One of the most significant changes in Minecraft Dungeons II is the introduction of matchmaking. The original game lacked this feature, which was a major drawback for many players. In Minecraft Dungeons II, you can finally play online with people you do not already know, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for multiplayer adventures. This addition alone makes the sequel a must-play for those who struggled with finding players to join their sessions in the original game.

Multiplayer Improvements: More Than Just Matchmaking

While the introduction of matchmaking is a game-changer, Minecraft Dungeons II has also made several other improvements to the multiplayer experience. For example, the game now features color-coded loot, making it easier to see which items are meant for you. Additionally, players can teleport to each other's positions, regrouping is fast, and there's even automatic difficulty scaling and drop-in joining. These small but significant changes make playing with others a more seamless and enjoyable experience.

Gear Customization: From One Armor Slot to Four

The gear system in Minecraft Dungeons II has been significantly expanded. While the original game offered one melee weapon, one ranged weapon, one armor slot, and three artifacts, the sequel now features four armor slots and three talisman slots. This allows for a much wider range of combinations and builds, giving players more control over their characters and playstyles.

Talismans: A New Layer of Progression

Talismans are a new addition to Minecraft Dungeons II, providing passive bonuses and effects separate from active artifacts. One example is the Bone of Tastiness, which summons a wolf companion and grants an automatic revive. Talismans also level up the longer you keep them equipped, encouraging players to experiment with different builds and explore the world for hidden rewards.

The Shift to a Continuous World

In the original Minecraft Dungeons, players selected missions from a world map and completed them as separate, self-contained levels. Minecraft Dungeons II, however, has moved toward a more connected world design. Players will explore a larger interconnected world filled with dungeons, new areas, secrets, and paths to discover. This new structure makes the game feel more like a proper adventure across the Minecraft universe, rather than a series of disconnected stages.

Is Minecraft Dungeons II Worth Playing Without the Original?

One of the most common questions about Minecraft Dungeons II is whether it's worth playing without having played the original game. The answer is a resounding yes. While the sequel builds on the foundation laid by the original, it has swapped out many of the systems underneath. Stage select is gone, armor and talisman slots have multiplied, jumping is new, and the multiplayer flow is a different thing entirely. Not much of what you learned in the original carries over directly, but that's not a bad thing. It means that newcomers won't be at a disadvantage, and those who already played the original will still find plenty to enjoy.

Who Should Play the Original First, and Who Should Not Bother?

If you're considering playing Minecraft Dungeons, there are a few factors to consider. If you have a friend or family member available to play with regularly, two or more of you, and you want a cheap way to test whether looter-slashers suit you, then the original is worth playing first. However, if you play solo, or have no regular partner, or are hoping for the main Minecraft experience of building and survival, then the original is not worth your time. It's a completely different genre, and the sequel is a fresh take on the action RPG formula.

Release Date, Price, and Platforms

Minecraft Dungeons II was released on September 29, 2026, and is available on multiple platforms, including Windows 10 and 11, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The standard edition is priced at 4,730 yen, and the Deluxe Edition is available for 7,810 yen. If you're looking to try the game without spending too much, the standard edition is a great place to start. If you plan to stay with it and follow the DLC, the Deluxe Edition becomes a candidate.

Conclusion

Minecraft Dungeons II is a significant improvement over the original game, offering a more connected world, deeper gear customization, and improved multiplayer features. While the sequel is not an open-world game like regular Minecraft, it does provide a more seamless and engaging adventure across the Minecraft universe. If you're a fan of the original or looking for a new action RPG, Minecraft Dungeons II is definitely worth checking out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you still play the original Minecraft Dungeons?

A: Yes, you can still play the original Minecraft Dungeons. However, note that version 1.17.0.0 on November 30, 2022, was the final update, and the end of development was officially announced on September 28, 2023.

Q: Could matchmaking still be added to the original?

A: No, development has ended, so the design will not change. If playing with strangers is what you want, the sequel is the only option.

Q: Is it suitable for children on their own?

A: The original Minecraft Dungeons was CERO A (all ages) in Japan, while the sequel is listed by retailers as CERO B (12 and up); internationally, it is ESRB E10+ and PEGI 7. The game itself is as child-friendly as the original, but set up parental controls for online communication on your platform before handing it over.