Enter the Gungeon Vs Enter the Gungeon 2

Enter the Gungeon is one game that has captured the chaotic charm and enduring fan loyalty since its release in 2016. The game didn’t just enter the indie scene quietly. It kicked the door open guns blazing and quickly became a cult favourite. Fast forward to 2025; the developers have announced Enter the Gungeon 2, reigniting the excitement of Gungeoneers. With an all-new 3D engine, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a deeper narrative, the sequel is set to elevate the franchise to new heights.

Enter the Gungeon 2 will be the next chapter in the series. But how do these two games compare? We will explore both games, highlighting their differences, similarities, and what players can expect from the sequel as the Gungeon saga continues

What is Enter the Gungeon?

Enter the Gungeon is a roguelike bullet-hell shooter. The game launched in 2016 and became popular due to its unique mix of shooting and rogue-like elements. Players explore a mysterious gun-themed dungeon. The goal is to find a gun that can kill the past.

Players choose one of the several heroes. Each hero has their own starting weapons and abilities. As players move through the dungeon, they face challenges like fighting waves of enemies, dodging hundreds of bullets, and finding powerful weapons. In addition, the game stands out for its challenging gameplay and tongue-in-cheek humour. Enter the Gungeon also has an arsenal of over 300 weapons.

What is Enter the Gungeon 2?

American game developer Dodge Roll is back with a sequel to the original game. The developers announced Enter the Gungeon 2 in 2024 and a release window sometime in 2026. Aspects of the original game, such as dungeon crawling, lots of guns, and bullet-dodging action, will still feature in the sequel. While the core idea is still the same, the sequel is expected to add new features, characters, and game modes.

According to developers, Enter the Gungeon 2 cranks up everything fans loved about the original. We can also expect improved graphics, more weapons, and deeper gameplay. The game shifts to a vibrant 3D art style while retaining the top-down bullet-hell gameplay fans love.

Story

In the original Enter the Gungeon, the story is simple but clever. Each character in the game is seeking redemption as they’ve made mistakes. And the only way to fix them is by finding the mythical gun that kills the past. The mythical gun lies hidden deep within the Gungeon, waiting for players to find it. Players must collect the bullet that can kill the past to get the chance to use the gun. This bullet is made of four components that are found throughout the Gungeon. Players must also defeat the final boss, The Dragun, and use the gun to travel back in time and face a boss representing the character’s past. Players enter the Gungeon, each wanting to erase a mistake from their lives. The story unfolds through gameplay, item descriptions, and funny dialogue with NPCs.

Enter the Gungeon 2 picks up where the first game left off. However, now that the gun that kills the past has been used, the Gungeon is breaking apart. While the Gungeon is in ruins, it is still as dangerous. New forces have entered the scene, and strange rifts have been opened. Players must now explore the shattered remains of the Gungeon while uncovering secrets and facing new threats.

The story in Enter the Gungeon 2 is expected to be more profound this time. It will have more cut scenes and better character backstories.

Characters

Enter the Gungeon lets players choose from several playable characters, like the Marine, the Pilot, the Convict, and the Hunter. Each of the characters starts with different weapons and items. Furthermore, they have short backstories, and their endings change slightly depending on how a player plays.

In Enter the Gungeon 2, many of the original heroes return. However, new characters are also introduced. The new Gungeoneers have fresh designs, unique skills, and different play styles. Some characters are good at dodging, while others can carry more guns or find better loot. The sequel focuses more on character stories, giving players reasons to connect with them beyond their abilities.

In addition, NPCs from the first game will return and have more significant roles. The NPCs will offer side quests, help during battles, or sell special items. The world will also feel more alive because of these returning faces.

Gameplay

This is where both games shine. Enter the Gungeon is known for its fast-paced and top-down action. Players must dodge bullets, roll around, flip tables for cover, and shoot back using crazy weapons. The game has hundreds of guns, from simple pistols to bizarre weapons like a gun that shoots fish or one shaped like a mailbox.

The game features procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and over 300 inventive guns. Therefore, it makes the game endlessly replayable. The rooms change, enemies appear in new patterns, and loot is random. This rogue-like style means no two games are ever the same. Additionally, boss fights are a big part of the experience. The bosses are usually big and powerful enemies that shoot out complex patterns of bullets.

On the other hand, Enter the Gungeon 2 builds on this with better controls and smoother gameplay. The move to a 3D engine allows for more environmental variety and interactivity. Players can now duck behind walls, set traps, and chain explosions.

The sequel also introduces blessings and curses, adding strategic layers that influence each run’s tone and difficulty. In addition, the game adds new types of rooms, more challenging enemy types, and improved AI. Weapons now have better upgrades, and the game will allow players to combine some to produce wild effects. The dodge roll has more uses, and the game adds new mechanics like wall-running or using gadgets.

The sequel also includes multiplayer co-op, both online and local. While the first game had local co-op, the second game makes teamwork more exciting with special combo moves and shared abilities.

In addition, Enter the Gungeon 2 has a new feature, the Gungeon Rift mode. The mode allows short and intense runs that have specific goals. Therefore, players can enjoy the rogue-like game in smaller chunks.

Platforms

Enter the Gungeon launched on April 5, 2016, on PC and PlayStation 4 and later made its way to Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. The game became a massive indie success and has since cemented its place as a classic rogue-lite.

Enter the Gungeon 2 is set for a 2026 release. The game will launch on PC via Steam and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, fans can add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

Verdict

Enter the Gungeon still delivers the original experience that started it all. The game is funny, challenging, and full of surprises. It laid the foundation and introduced a world of guns and bullets that players love.

But if you’re ready for more, with extra polish, more profound stories, and smoother action, then Enter the Gungeon 2 is the clear winner. The game keeps the heart of the original but adds so many improvements. Therefore, it feels like the next big step.

Both games are great, as they offer players fun, challenge, and much replay value. Whether you are diving into the dungeon for the first time or coming back for more chaos, the Gungeon is always ready. Enter the Gungeon gave us the bullet-dodging, gun-slinging fun we didn’t know we needed. Enter the Gungeon 2 is prepared to provide us with even more.