Dragon Quest Builders was a surprise hit when it launched last year. Combining the series’ rich RPG pedigree with Minecraft-like building mechanics, Square Enix’s spin-off managed to stand out in a crowded field of me-too titles, delighting fans while adding new players to the fold. Now the sequel is here, and it promises even more nods to the long-running franchise as well as improved mechanics to keep that building momentum going.
While the game does offer a wide variety of tools and materials to make your town truly your own, it doesn’t let you off the leash completely. You are required to complete a set of quests to progress through the story, and doing so encourages exploration and creativity. For those that want a more structured approach there are a range of recipes to unlock as you beat the story, though these are optional and can be skipped entirely.
As in the original, you are tasked with rebuilding the world of Alefgard after it’s been ravaged by monsters and war. You start with a limited area in which to build, and as you help villagers with their requests (whether it’s fetching items or slaying monsters) you can earn rewards that will grow your base meter, attracting new townsfolk and driving the narrative forward. The game does play more like a traditional RPG than Minecraft, with equipment and stat progression determining your combat prowess, but there is still plenty of freedom to create as you see fit, even in the midst of the scripted quests.
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