Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vaulthas been nearly seven years in the making, but with it currently slated to be released this year, everything it plans to bring to the franchise is nearly here. While there are some significant changes coming toMoonlighter 2, the most exciting shift might be its brand-new setting of Tresna. Whereas the firstMoonlightertook place in Rynoka,Moonlighter 2’s Tresna is an entirely different world that is chock-full of intriguing possibilities.
Game Rant recently had the opportunity to chat withMoonlighter 2: The Endless Vaultdeveloper Digital Sunabout the game’s new vibrant setting of Tresna and how it compares to the first game’s Rynoka. During the interview, the developer divulged plenty of information about what players can expect from Tresna, placing a special emphasis on the way it factors into gameplay.
Moonlighter 2’s Tresna Feels More Alive Than Rynoka
Moonlighter 2’s Tresna Is Much Larger and More Diverse Than Rynoka
One of the biggest stridesMoonlighter 2: The Endless Vaultis taking to evolve the formula established by its predecessor is in introducing the new world of Tresna, which already sounds far more dynamic and expansive than the first game’s setting of Rynoka. While the originalMoonlightergave players a small village to interact with and explore,Moonlighter 2significantly expands on that concept by offering players a town that feels more alive, thanks to deeper NPC interactions,customization options, and an ever-evolving economy.
Based on what Digital Sun has revealed aboutMoonlighter 2, Tresna is much more than a backdrop. Instead, it is an integral part ofMoonlighter 2’s gameplay loop, and a vivid and beautiful one at that. When asked aboutMoonlighter 2’s new setting of Tresna, Digital Sun responded,
After the events of the first game, Will and his crew find themselves stranded in Tresna—a lively village full of castaways and merchants from different dimensions. Compared to Rynoka, Tresna feels much bigger and more varied, with a lot more going on. Plus, there are customization options for players to make the village their own.
While the sequel certainly could have remained in Rynoka, moving on to an entirely different setting allowsMoonlighter 2to introduce new characters, original stories, and moremeaningful NPC interactionsfor a fresh experience. Of course, Tresna’s larger size also allows for a much broader range in those characters and stories, thereby adding diversity and variety toMoonlighter 2’s gameplay, especially when it comes to the town itself.
Moonlighter 2’s Tresna Offers Unprecedented Customization Opportunities
It’s not just Tresna’s increased size over Rynoka that makes it a compelling setting forMoonlighter 2either. One of the biggestimprovements inMoonlighter 2is the ability it will give players to actively shape Tresna’s growth. As players progress, more merchants and townspeople will arrive, bringing new opportunities and gameplay mechanics. Digital Sun continued,
As you progress, more merchants will come to town, bringing new customization options and upgrades. You can also invest in their businesses to unlock better gear for yourself. And since a thriving town means more visitors, your shop will benefit too. So the stronger Tresna gets, the more opportunities you’ll have.
Unlike the first game, where Rynoka’s development was relatively static, Tresna will offer players an unprecedented amount of customization options. Not only will players be able to influence their shop, but the time they spend inMoonlighter 2’s roguelike gameplay loopwill also directly impact the town’s economy and layout. Investing in different merchants and businesses will then lead to new benefits, creating a sense of long-term progression beyond just upgrading gear. With this, Tresna’s progression effectively moves beyond mere aesthetics by directly impacting gameplay.
With aworld that grows alongside the player, more meaningful interactions with its inhabitants, and an economy that actively responds to player investment,Moonlighter 2’s Tresna aims to offer players a world that feels truly alive. WhileMoonlightercertainly offered a charming home base, it felt rather static in comparison to whatMoonlighter 2’s Tresna hopes to achieve. If Rynoka was a cozy village players could return to, then Tresna is a living, breathing world they will help shape.
