Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

If you liked the first Moonlighter, this is an easy recommendation even in early access. If you never played the original but enjoy cozy roguelites with satisfying progression and a smart economy loop, this is absolutely worth watching. I went in hoping the sequel would still have that same addictive spark, and after several runs, several shop days, and many questionable pricing decisions, yeah, it definitely does.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has many enjoyable elements, but it falls short in some areas. Digital Sun dared to take risks, which paid off in some areas, but in others needs improvement.

Moonlighter 2 is shaping up to be the game Digital Sun always wanted to make. The gameplay walks the same path trodden by the inaugural entry, but is now more polished, and studded with new options and embellishments that only improve the adventure experience. Some players may lament the same old shop mechanics and loss of the pixel art visuals, but I love the new 3D stylings, which fills the world with a warmth and softness that emphasises the game’s cosiness perfectly. Fans of the original Moonlighter should rush to play the sequel (even in Early Access), and I’d encourage new players to take this one to the counter and see what all the fuss is about.

While the current Early Access build suffers from some performance jitters and an incomplete narrative, the foundation is rock solid. If you loved the first game, or if you are a fan of Dave the Diver or Dredge looking for your next obsession, this is an easy recommendation. Just be prepared to wait a little while for the grand finale. Will is back, and business is booming. – ColdMoon

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault improves combat, exploration, and roguelike variety with clear ambition, but its shop loses weight and identity, making adventure outshine commerce.

Moonlighter 2 proves that running a shop can be just as thrilling as raiding a dungeon.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has a good start for an early access release, despite certain problems, such as targeting quirks, long boss fights, and limited storage space compared to the variety of relic types. Confidence in Digital Sun’s long-term potential is bolstered by its rapid problem-solving and great responsiveness to criticism.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault doesn’t differ much in concept from the first game, but here it’s more enjoyable, with a relaxing and visually appealing atmosphere. The game offers continuous challenge and a deep progression system that delivers a great sense of reward. However, it also suffers considerably from repetition, some technical issues, and sudden difficulty spikes. Still, since it’s currently in Early Access, these issues are expected, and we hope they will be resolved in the final release.

Moonlighter 2 is not just a better version of the original concept. It is a full realization of what the series could always be. It builds a stronger narrative foundation, empowers its relic system with strategy and depth, and weaves its shopkeeping and combat into a loop that constantly rewards smart decisions. If the first game was a promising prototype, Moonlighter 2 is the true vision finally realized.

Balance is the fundamental aspect that makes everything work. Ultimately, between the drive to advance through the dungeons and the drive to obtain financial resources through our store, we will be constantly challenged.