- Minecraft Dungeons II Switch is a streamlined action RPG you can beat in roughly 7 hours.
- The sequel adds a jump button, 4 armor slots (up from 1), and deeper enchanting.
- The new Sift realm brings fresh creatures, teal landscapes, and a distinct vibe.
- Endgame Soul Storms offer better loot, with more activities planned post-launch.
- Best enjoyed in local or online co-op for a few mindless evenings of hacking and slashing.
Minecraft Dungeons II on Switch: Overview
Minecraft Dungeons II takes the blocky world of Minecraft and drops it into a lightweight, Diablo-style action RPG. On Switch, it delivers pick-up-and-play dungeon crawling with roughly a 7-hour story about an evil cabal of Illagers unlocking a new dimension called the Sift. If you found serious ARPGs intimidating, this stripped-down framework is exactly the point.
Video Highlights:
- Sequel improvements: jump button, 4 armor slots, more character customization
- The Sift is a soul-powered new realm with unique creatures and visuals
- Combat stays simple: one attack pattern per weapon, one shared dodge skill
- Endgame Soul Storms summon deadlier enemies for a chance at better loot
| Feature | Minecraft Dungeons (Original) | Minecraft Dungeons II |
|---|---|---|
| Jump button | Not available | Included |
| Armor slots | 1 | 4 |
| New dimension | None | The Sift |
| Story length | ~8 hours | ~7 hours |
| Endgame activity | Daily trials | Soul Storms |
Minecraft Dungeons II is built for players who want approachable, low-stakes action. If you enjoy complex skill trees and deep build crafting, temper your expectations — the RNG-based loot decides most of your build.
Combat and Build System
Combat remains deliberately simple: melee and ranged weapons each have a single attack pattern, and every player shares the same dodge skill and base speed. There is no blocking shield and no class system, so your build depends almost entirely on the equipment you stumble upon.
Pick Up Loot
Clear dungeons and hoover up weapons, armor, and artifacts as drops. RNG determines your playstyle more than any choice you make.
Equip Artifacts
Slot artifacts for passive buffs, such as increased ranged weapon damage, to steer your build in a preferred direction.
Enchant Gear
Conquer dungeons and complete quests to unlock enchantment options, then apply perks like faster movement after kills or piercing ranged attacks.
Use the Jump Button
New platforming sections and light puzzles reward actually using the jump added in the sequel.
| Enchantment Example | Effect |
|---|---|
| Speed on Kill | Move faster after scoring a kill |
| Piercing Shots | Ranged attacks penetrate through targets |
| Healing Boost | Added benefits when using healing items |
| DPS Perks | Increased damage on equipment slots |
Want to play a rogue but keep finding greatswords and tank gear? You may end up as your crew's melee fighter regardless. Your build largely solidifies only near the endgame.
The Sift: The Sequel's Best Addition
The Sift is a magical, soul-powered realm filled with goat-like creatures, poisonous water, and striking teal landscapes. Souls float through the air and dancing automatons roam the terrain. It is one of the few areas where Minecraft Dungeons II branches out to do its own thing rather than wearing a thin Minecraft skin.
New Creatures
- Goat-like inhabitants
- Dancing automatons
- Fresh mob variety
Distinct Vibe
- Floating souls everywhere
- Teal-dominant scenery
- Poisonous water hazards
Exploration
- Light platforming via jump button
- Simple puzzles
- Optional side dungeons
You mostly plow through the Sift killing enemies, so slow down between fights. Many players say the realm makes them wish they could wander it in regular Minecraft — that is a compliment to its design.
Endgame and Soul Storms
After the credits roll, the endgame unlocks Soul Storms: events that summon deadlier enemies for a chance at better loot. The elite-tier gear found here adds an additional perk to all weapons and armor, making it a decent prize even if activities are currently thin.
| Endgame Activity | Description | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Soul Storms | Summon deadlier enemy waves | Elite-tier loot with extra perk |
| Side quests | Complete leftovers across the world | Enchantments, XP |
| Boss replays | Refight story bosses | Gear drops |
| Optional dungeons | Conquer hidden dungeons | New enchantment options |
The developer has stated plans to roll out additional endgame content after launch, which could make Soul Storm grinding more rewarding. Keep an eye on official channels for updates.
Switch Beginner Checklist
First Session Goals:
- Finish the opening missions to unlock enchanting
- Equip an artifact for a passive buff
- Try the jump button in platforming sections
- Reach the Sift and explore its biome
- Attempt your first Soul Storm after the story
Bring friends. Minecraft Dungeons II is at its best as a mindless co-op night of swinging swords — just know everyone plays nearly identically, so coordinate loot drops rather than roles.
FAQ
Q: How long is Minecraft Dungeons II on Switch?
The story runs roughly 7 hours, and you can see almost everything the game offers in the span of an afternoon or two. The endgame adds a few more evenings of Soul Storms and optional dungeons.
Q: Is Minecraft Dungeons II a deep ARPG?
No. It is intentionally stripped down compared to titles like Diablo. There are no classes, no complex skill trees, and every player shares the same dodge skill. Builds depend mostly on RNG loot drops.
Q: What is new in Minecraft Dungeons II compared to the original?
Key additions include a jump button, expanded armor slots from one to four, more character customization, richer enchanting options, new artifacts, and the Sift realm with fresh creatures and environments.
Q: Is there enough endgame content?
Currently the endgame is thin: Soul Storms, side quests, boss replays, and optional dungeons. Additional endgame content has been announced for post-launch, which may add reasons to grind better gear.