"Rogue-like enthusiasts should mark their calendars: 'Moonlighter 2' is imminently arriving on Xbox and PC, making it a must-have addition to their gaming collections starting yesterday."
During the recent preview event for 11 Bit Studios, the spotlight was primarily on their upcoming Game Pass title, The Alters. However, the event's purpose for me was to delve into Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault. My fascination lies with the roguelike genre, and this game is right up my alley.
Roguelikes challenge even the most skilled players, demanding careful strategy and persistence. Games like Hades push players to their limit, offering an immense sense of accomplishment when victorious. What sets Moonlighter 2 apart is the captivating blend of adventure, shopkeeping, and the overwhelming challenge that makes it all worthwhile—even at its hardest, every run can be conquered with patience.
For those new to the Moonlighter series, there is no better time to jump in. The original game has already amassed over two million sales, making it a must-play for fans of the roguelike genre. Moonlighter, developed by Digital Sun in 2D, has maintained most of its original mechanics for the sequel's transition to 3D.
The main loop remains the same: Enter a dungeon, gather loot, sell loot in your shop, and use the earnings to upgrade both yourself and your store. The highlight of Moonlighter 2 is undoubtedly the merchant system, which has undergone an impressive overhaul. When selling items, your character runs a merchant store that sells the loot placed on various tables. Purchasing upgrades with the earnings will help make your overall experience smoother and more efficient.
Currently, there are three dungeons to explore, each containing multiple levels and bosses to defeat. Each milestone passed earns you a better haul, with the opportunity to exit an area at any time using the Medallion, which teleports you back to the main village safely.
The move from 2D to 3D has sparked some debate within the game's fanbase, but Digital Sun Games' Design Director, Luis Pérez, and PR Lead, Isra Mallén, explain the shift was necessary to update and improve the game. According to Luis, the 3D environment enables deeper and more intense combat, which was one of the game's priorities.
Moonlighter 2's gameplay changes result in a more engaging and satisfying combat experience, with a refined stun system, vertical level design, and a greater balance between melee and ranged weaponry. Dungeon design also incorporates a new mechanic that rewards players for clearing a room, offering multiple routes and rewards for careful exploration.
Though there is no exact release date yet, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is slated for summer 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and PlayStation 5. The sequel builds upon the success of the original while introducing new mechanics and aesthetics that promise to deliver an exciting and challenging journey for both newcomers and returning fans.
- The sequel to Moonlighter, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and PlayStation 5 in summer 2025, offering an immersive and challenging journey for both newcomers and returning fans.
- Mexican studio Digital Sun Games is responsible for developing Moonlighter 2, which is a follow-up to their highly successful 2D roguelike game, Moonlighter, that has sold over two million copies.
- In Moonlighter 2, gamers will navigate through three dungeons, each containing multiple levels and bosses to defeat, while collecting loot and upgrading their character and shop.
- The move from 2D to 3D has brought improvements to Moonlighter 2's gameplay, enhancing the combat experience with a refined stun system, vertical level design, and a more balanced focus on melee and ranged weaponry.
- Although the exact release date for Moonlighter 2 has not been announced, it will be available on various platforms, including Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Windows PC, allowing players to immerse themselves in this captivating roguelike adventure.
