Minecraft Dungeons II arrives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 — with Game Pass on day one, a $29.99 Standard edition, a $49.99 Deluxe edition, and a September 28 pre-order cutoff that locks in the Twisted cape, two hero skins, and the Twisted chicken pet. I have been tracking the sequel since the Xbox Games Showcase reveal on June 7, and the picture that has emerged in the eight weeks since is a familiar one: Mojang and Double Eleven are not trying to reinvent the dungeon-crawler genre, they are delivering a tighter, broader, family-friendly take on the 2020 original that hit 25 million players.
The choice you make by Monday, September 28 is not trivial. Buy Standard and you will play the new dimension, The Sift, with the pre-order cosmetic set. Buy Deluxe and you also get two future DLC packs, four more skins, the Soul cape, and the Blub pet. Buy nothing and you can still play day one through Game Pass on PC or Xbox. This guide walks through release timing, every edition, the Game Pass math, the cross-play and co-op rules, what changes mechanically with the sequel, and how the PC system requirements look — so the September 28 deadline becomes a calm decision instead of a late-night panic click.
Release Date and the Five-Platform Reality
Mojang's official Minecraft Dungeons II page and the Xbox product listing both confirm September 29, 2026 with no specific unlock hour published. The platform spread is unusually wide for a Microsoft-published dungeon-crawler:
| Platform | Store | Day-one Access | Subscription Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Steam app 1912410 | $29.99 / $49.99 | No Steam subscription required |
| PC (Microsoft Store) | Microsoft Store | $29.99 / $49.99 | Day one on Game Pass |
| Xbox Series X|S | Xbox Store (9P5786PJB9RP) | $29.99 / $49.99 | Day one on Game Pass |
| PlayStation 5 | PlayStation Store | $29.99 / $49.99 | PS Plus required for online co-op |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo eShop | $29.99 / $49.99 | Switch Online required for online co-op |
| Nintendo Switch (original) | Nintendo eShop | $29.99 / $49.99 | Switch Online required for online co-op |
Game Pass inclusion is the single biggest factor for budget-conscious PC and Xbox players. Both Standard and Deluxe are listed at full price, but anyone with an active Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription can install and play the moment the title appears in the library. One Microsoft account, two doors: the Microsoft Store page for purchase, the Game Pass library for play. They are not interchangeable.
As of September 24, neither Xbox nor Steam has published a specific unlock clock. Xbox first-party releases commonly unlock at midnight local time on consoles, and Steam often uses one fixed global moment — but Mojang has not stated either for Dungeons II. Plan for a full-day launch window and check your store page on the morning of September 29.
PlayStation 5 and Switch buyers do not have a Game Pass equivalent, which is why this guide focuses on the buy-vs-pass decision mostly for PC and Xbox readers. For PS5 and Switch, the question is simply Standard or Deluxe.
Every Edition, Every Bonus, the September 28 Cutoff
The pre-order window closes at 12:00 PM PDT on Monday, September 28, 2026 — three hours before midnight Manila time, which lines up with Xbox's confirmation that the bonus expires at that exact moment. Everyone who pre-orders from any official storefront receives the same digital bonus pack:
| Item | Standard | Deluxe | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twisted cape | Included (pre-order) | Included | At launch if pre-ordered |
| 2 hero skins | Included (pre-order) | Included | At launch if pre-ordered |
| Twisted chicken pet | Included (pre-order) | Included | At launch if pre-ordered |
| Soul cape (Deluxe only) | — | Included | At launch |
| Blub pet (Deluxe only) | — | Included | At launch |
| 4 additional hero skins | — | Included | At launch |
| DLC 1 | — | Included on release | When DLC 1 launches |
| DLC 2 | — | Included on release | When DLC 2 launches |
The Deluxe extras that matter: the Soul cape is a separate cosmetic from the pre-order Twisted cape, so Deluxe players end up with two capes at launch. The four additional hero skins are stacked on top of the two pre-order skins, for a total of six launch-day skins for Deluxe owners. DLC 1 and DLC 2 will be released "as they launch" — Mojang has not announced a date for either, and they could be months apart.
If you already own the original Minecraft Dungeons on Xbox or Steam, pre-ordering Dungeons II Deluxe on the same store gives you a 10% discount. This is a Mojang loyalty perk documented on the Minecraft Dungeons II wiki entry and is the single best deal for anyone who played the 2020 game for more than 30 hours.
Game Pass Day One: The Easiest Door
The strongest argument for not pre-ordering at all is Game Pass. Both Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass include Minecraft Dungeons II at launch, with no upgrade tier to chase. For a player who would otherwise pay $29.99 for Standard and a future DLC pack, Game Pass is the cheaper choice if you keep the subscription for at least three months.
Three Game Pass scenarios worth thinking through:
- You already pay for Game Pass Ultimate: install on September 29, play the campaign, decide whether to buy Deluxe later to keep DLC 1 and 2. The 10% loyalty discount for original-Dungeons owners is the only reason to pre-order Deluxe in this case.
- You only play on PS5 or Switch: there is no equivalent subscription, and Standard at $29.99 is your baseline. Skip Game Pass entirely.
- You are on the fence about Game Pass itself: a single month of Game Pass Ultimate at $14.99 covers the campaign and the first DLC at minimum. If the sequel disappoints, cancel before the renewal and you have spent $14.99 instead of $29.99.
Microsoft's Game Pass Ultimate tier includes cloud streaming. Anyone with a supported phone, tablet, or browser can stream Dungeons II without owning a high-end device, which is the cheapest possible entry point for casual players who want to try before deciding to buy.
Cross-Play, Co-op, and How Family Play Works
Mojang confirmed cross-platform multiplayer for the sequel in the same June 7 announcement. The Steam store page lists every relevant feature: single-player, online co-op, same-screen and split-screen co-op, cross-platform multiplayer, Steam achievements, Remote Play, and Family Sharing. Partial controller support is listed, with full support for the Xbox controller family.
The practical cross-play rules:
| Setup | What Works | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox + Xbox | Online co-op, party chat, achievements | Xbox Live Gold / Game Pass Ultimate |
| PlayStation 5 + PlayStation 5 | Online co-op, party chat, trophies | PS Plus Essential or higher |
| Switch 2 / Switch + same | Online co-op, voice chat via app | Nintendo Switch Online |
| PC + Xbox | Cross-platform online co-op | Microsoft Account linked between stores |
| PC + PS5 | Cross-platform online co-op | PlayStation Network account |
| PC + Switch | Cross-platform online co-op | Nintendo Switch Online + Microsoft Account |
| Local couch co-op on console | Same-screen and split-screen | Two controllers, no subscription needed |
For a family with mixed hardware — say, a kid on Switch and a parent on PC — Dungeons II is one of the few dungeon-crawlers that lets both join the same session without compromise. The Microsoft Account link is the friction point for cross-store co-op, so set it up before September 29 if you plan to mix Xbox and Steam players in the same party.
What's New in The Sift
The pitch for the sequel is "two worlds threatened by evil." The Overworld is the familiar blocky Minecraft surface; The Sift is a new dimension accessed through rifts that have opened across the surface. The Mojang and Double Eleven developers describe it as the core of the campaign — most of the actual progression happens inside The Sift, with the Overworld acting as a hub.
Mechanically, the major additions over the 2020 original:
- Possession mechanic: certain enemies can possess stronger creatures on the field. A common enemy can become a top-priority threat in seconds, forcing you to read the battlefield rather than commit to a tunnel.
- Two new weapon classes: combat staff and warhammer. Both accept enchantments and integrate with the existing weapon roster (sword, bow, crossbow, soul-gathering artifacts).
- Skill system: a per-character skill tree that rewards team composition. The original game leaned almost entirely on gear; Dungeons II asks you to think about spec and role composition for four-player parties.
- Reduced friction: developers have reworked the menu systems, the respawn flow, and the inventory management. The original was notorious for menu churn during long dungeon runs.
- New enemy archetypes: Twisted Warden, a copper monster, and a jellyfish-like Spectral that has not yet been named. Mixed with returning old-school Minecraft mobs.
The possession mechanic is the headline change. In the original, identifying a threat was a gear check. In the sequel, identifying a threat is a color check — possessed enemies change silhouette and tint. If you ignore the visual signal, you will lose the aggro shuffle on the hardest rooms. Spend the first hour training your eye to spot the shift.
PC System Requirements
The PC spec sheet is striking because the floor is so low. The minimum spec listed on the Steam app page is a generation behind 2026 norms:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit (1703+) | Windows 10 64-bit (1703+) |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 3 2200G | Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1050 / AMD RX 560 (2 GB) | NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 (6 GB) |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | Not published at time of writing | Not published at time of writing |
No macOS or Linux build is listed. Steam's platform object is Windows only. If you wanted to play on a Mac, your only legal option is cloud streaming via Game Pass Ultimate or, after launch, possibly a browser-based workaround that Mojang has not endorsed.
For a console player reading this and wondering whether your Xbox Series S or Switch can keep up: the engine is the same as the 2020 original, which already ran on Switch at 60 FPS with reduced effects. The new dimension adds load, but the new weapons and skill trees are pure software. You will be fine on every supported console.
Pre-Release Thoughts and What We Don't Yet Know
I have watched both official trailers, read the June 7 Xbox Games Showcase transcript, the August 20 pre-order announcement, and the September 3rd Gameplay Trailer reveal that finally showed real The Sift footage. My honest pre-launch read: this is the safe, family-friendly sequel the original deserved. The combat depth is real but not revolutionary. The co-op is the actual headline — every other decision in the game's design exists to keep four players having fun together.
What I still cannot tell you:
- No review embargo lifted yet. Mojang has not confirmed a review date or whether reviews will go live day-and-date with launch.
- Exact unlock hour on each platform, particularly Steam's UTC global moment.
- Final disk size for PC and the size of DLC 1 when it does ship.
- Whether save transfer from the 2020 game will be honored. The first Dungeons had a controversial save-transfer policy; Mojang has not commented for the sequel.
For a launch-day buyer, none of these uncertainties are dealbreakers. The Game Pass day-one window means you can try the campaign at zero risk and decide on Deluxe later. For a pre-order buyer, the September 28 cutoff is the only thing that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Minecraft Dungeons II unlock on September 29?
Mojang has not published an exact unlock hour. The Xbox store page and Steam app page both list "September 29, 2026" with no clock. Xbox first-party titles commonly unlock at midnight local time on consoles and Steam often uses one fixed UTC moment for global sync. Plan for a full launch day and check your store page on the morning of the 29th.
Is Minecraft Dungeons II on Game Pass?
Yes, on day one. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass both include the base game at launch. Deluxe DLC 1 and DLC 2 will require Game Pass subscribers to remain subscribed, or a separate purchase, when those DLCs drop. Cloud streaming via mobile and supported browsers is included for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
What is the difference between Standard and Deluxe?
Standard is $29.99 and includes the base campaign plus the pre-order Twisted cape, two hero skins, and the Twisted chicken pet. Deluxe is $49.99 and adds the Blub pet, the Soul cape, four additional hero skins, and access to DLC 1 and DLC 2 when those future packs release. The $20 difference is essentially two DLC packs and four cosmetic skins.
What platforms is Minecraft Dungeons II on?
PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Six storefronts total. Cloud streaming via Game Pass Ultimate extends play to phones, tablets, and browsers.
Do I need PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, for online co-op on PS5 or Switch. Local same-screen and split-screen co-op does not require a subscription. On Xbox, Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold covers online multiplayer. On Steam, no subscription is required.
Can my PC run Minecraft Dungeons II?
The minimum spec is a decade old by design: any desktop or laptop from 2018 onward with a GTX 1050-class GPU and 8 GB of RAM will run the game. The recommended spec is a GTX 1060 with 16 GB of RAM. macOS and Linux are not supported at launch.
Can I play with friends on other platforms?
Yes. Cross-platform play is supported across every combination: PC (Steam or Microsoft Store), Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Switch, and Switch 2. You need a Microsoft Account linked to your console and PC accounts to enable Xbox and PC cross-play. PlayStation and Switch players need their respective network accounts.
What happens if I do not pre-order before September 28?
You lose the Twisted cape, the two pre-order hero skins, and the Twisted chicken pet. The Deluxe edition can still be purchased at launch for $49.99 with all its non-pre-order bonuses. Standard at launch for $29.99 will not include the pre-order cosmetic set.
Final Verdict and Who Should Buy What
After eight weeks of pre-release coverage, three decisions stand out:
- Budget-conscious PC or Xbox player: do not pre-order. Subscribe to Game Pass for one month at $14.99, play the campaign, decide on Deluxe later if you love it. If you keep the subscription for three months at $44.97, you have spent less than the $49.99 Deluxe and own three months of other games as a bonus.
- PlayStation 5 or Switch player who wants to own the game: pre-order Deluxe for $49.99 before September 28. The two DLC packs and four extra skins justify the $20 step up over Standard, especially for anyone planning to play more than 30 hours.
- Anyone who played the 2020 Minecraft Dungeons for 30+ hours: pre-order Deluxe for the loyalty 10% discount on Xbox or Steam. The savings are small, but the cosmetic set and DLC guarantee are real. If you are on PS5 or Switch and did not play the original, skip the loyalty perk and decide between Standard and Deluxe purely on cosmetics.
Minecraft Dungeons II is not trying to be Diablo IV, Path of Exile 2, or even the 2026 remake of Dungeon Siege. It is the safe, family-friendly dungeon-crawler that Mojang and Double Eleven have been building toward since 2020, and the September 29 release is the right size for that audience. My recommendation for the average buyer: Standard at $29.99 if you only want the campaign, Game Pass for one month if you only want to try, Deluxe at $49.99 if you plan to play through both DLC packs as they release.
The September 28 pre-order cutoff is the deadline. Everything else can wait.
