Nothing carries over from Minecraft Dungeons to Minecraft Dungeons II. Saves, levels and gear all start fresh. The one thread between them is the Hero Cape, granted for playing both on the same Microsoft account. The official FAQ says you do not need the first game to follow the sequel.
What transfers
| Item | Carries over |
|---|---|
| Save data and story progress | No |
| Character level | No |
| Weapons, armour, artifacts | No |
| Emeralds and other currency | No |
| DLC bought for the first game | No |
| Hero Cape | Granted in both once you qualify |
Owning all six DLC packs for the first game changes nothing here. The two titles are treated as separate games.
Should you play the first game first
The official FAQ puts it as: not required, but the sequel lands better if you have. The story picks up after the Arch-Illager was defeated. The new threat is the Illager High Council, a trio of illagers.
| Your situation | What makes sense |
|---|---|
| You do not own the first game and want to play now | Start with Dungeons II |
| You own the first game, or subscribe to Game Pass | Launch it once to qualify for the Hero Cape |
| You want the story to connect | Finish the first game, then move on |
Qualifying for the Hero Cape only requires launching the first game, not finishing it. The Minecraft Wiki lists a December 31, 2026 deadline, while the official page prints no date. Details in every cape in Minecraft Dungeons II.
What changed between the games
| Element | Minecraft Dungeons | Dungeons II |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Mission table in camp, separate levels | Connected regions you travel through |
| Hub | The camp | Brave Haven, with a blacksmith, enchantsmith and merchant |
| Combat slots | 6 | 12 |
| Armour | One item | Helmet, chestplate, leggings, boots |
| New gear type | None | Talismans, with passive bonuses |
| Item variance | Fixed | Random effects can roll on items |
| Ranged ammo | Collect arrows | Unlimited, recharges over time |
| Movement | Dodge roll | Dodge roll and jump |
| Enchanting | Pick from options rolled on loot | Collect books, apply to any slot |
| Objectives | Missions | Main quests and side quests |
| Joining others | Friend invites | Friend invites, party codes, matchmaking |
| Dimensions | Overworld themed areas | Overworld plus the Sift |
Enchanting is the change that affects builds most. Instead of picking from whatever rolled on a drop, you collect enchantment books into a library and apply them at the enchantsmith, so a build can be planned rather than found.
The move from discrete missions to a connected world is the divisive one. Launch reviews split between people who enjoy the exploration and people who feel the side quests add travel without adding much else.
Controls did not change
The PC version still moves by clicking. There is no WASD movement, exactly as in the first game. If that scheme put you off before, it will again. Options are in Minecraft Dungeons II has no WASD movement.
FAQ
- Q. Is there any way to import a save?
- A. No, and no official guidance suggests otherwise. You start over.
- Q. Do skins and pets from the first game work?
- A. No. Cosmetics awarded for Dungeons II are for Dungeons II.
- Q. Is the first game still playable?
- A. Yes, it remains on sale across platforms and on Game Pass.
- Q. Will the story confuse me without the first game?
- A. No. The official FAQ states the sequel stands on its own.
- Q. Can players of the two games play together?
- A. No. They are separate games, so everyone needs the same title.
Prices and platforms are in Minecraft Dungeons II: release date, price, platforms, and the Sift.
日本語版: Minecraft Dungeons IIに前作からの引き継ぎはある？
Sources, checked on 2026-09-30: the FAQ and Hero Cape footnote on the official About Dungeons II page, the Minecraft news post “New gameplay systems in Minecraft Dungeons II” (2026-08-31), Minecraft Wiki page Dungeons II:Hero Cape, and recent Steam user reviews.