Minecraft Dungeons II — Release Date, Platforms, Co-op and Everything Confirmed So Far

Minecraft Dungeons II is now available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It launched September 29, 2026, with access through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. You can start with the sequel: Mojang says playing the first Minecraft Dungeons is not required.

What Minecraft Dungeons II Actually Is

Per Mojang, Minecraft Dungeons II is the sequel to 2020’s Minecraft Dungeons, an action-RPG dungeon crawler distinct from mainline Minecraft’s survival/creative gameplay. It expands on the original’s weapons, enemies, and features rather than replacing them — Mojang’s framing is “all-new, yet familiar.” The sequel replaces the first game’s isolated, mission-based locations with an interconnected world. Mojang’s premise involves an ecosystem out of balance and an Illager High Council.

One piece of naming housekeeping worth settling: Mojang’s own FAQ confirms “Minecraft Dungeons II” and “Minecraft Dungeons 2” refer to the same game, so don’t be thrown by which version of the title you see used.

Platforms and Release

How Co-op Works

Minecraft Dungeons II supports solo play or co-op with up to four players total. Mojang’s current FAQ confirms couch co-op, online cross-play and mixed co-op: two or more people on the same console or PC can play alongside others online. Its gameplay guide also confirms matchmaking and party codes for finding or joining a group. Check your platform’s store requirements for online console play; Mojang notes that a separate platform subscription may be needed.

Editions, the Expired Pre-Order Bonus and Hero Cape

The Standard Edition contains the base game. The Deluxe Edition adds the Soul Cape, Blub pet, four Fancy Hero skins and DLC 1 and 2 when released. Players who pre-ordered before the September 28, 2026, noon PDT cutoff were eligible for two hero skins, the Twisted Cape and the Twisted Chicken pet. That offer has ended; a normal post-launch purchase does not qualify for the pre-order reward.

The separate Hero Cape rewards players who have played the original Minecraft Dungeons and then log into Dungeons II with the same Microsoft account before December 31, 2026. Mojang says earlier play through Game Pass or Steam qualifies when linked to that account. Ownership of either game is not strictly required: its FAQ says joining a friend’s co-op session and logging in with the same account can qualify. The cape is available in Dungeons II and Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.

What’s New: The Sift

The Sift made its debut in Dungeons II at launch on September 29, 2026. Rifts appear throughout its interconnected world and transport players into the dimension. Mojang describes The Sift as vibrant and teeming with souls, and has named two of its areas: the Meadow and the Carapace.

Another major change is jumping. Players can use it to cross the world and attack from above during combat, alongside the first game’s dodge roll.

The Sift is no longer exclusive to Dungeons II: Mojang announced at Minecraft Live that it will also come to Java and Bedrock Edition in 2027. That announcement does not mean every Dungeons II area or mechanic will transfer unchanged. Our guide to The Sift’s arrival in mainline Minecraft separates the two versions.

Do You Need to Play the First Game?

No. Mojang’s current FAQ says the first game is not required, although returning players may recognize references. Newcomers can start with the sequel.

The Bottom Line

The game is available across five platforms, with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass access, four-player co-op and no requirement to play the original first. Online cross-play and mixed local/online groups are confirmed. If you played the first game, the practical deadline is December 31 to log into the sequel with the same Microsoft account and claim the Hero Cape.

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