The exact cost of Minecraft: Story Mode Episode 2 (“Assembly Required”) is complex, as its availability depends heavily on platform and whether you previously purchased the initial episode or the season pass. For players who never bought Minecraft: Story Mode, officially acquiring Episode 2 is no longer possible through the primary digital storefronts due to Telltale Games’ closure, making the price effectively zero for legitimate direct purchase.
The History of Minecraft: Story Mode and its Demise
Minecraft: Story Mode, developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Mojang, offered a narrative-driven experience within the beloved Minecraft universe. The episodic adventure followed Jesse and their friends as they embarked on a quest to save the world. The series was generally well-received for its charming characters, witty dialogue, and engaging storylines. However, Telltale Games’ subsequent financial troubles and eventual closure in 2018 led to the delisting of Minecraft: Story Mode from all major digital platforms, including the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Steam, and mobile app stores. This removal significantly impacted access to all episodes, including Episode 2.
Current Availability and Access Methods
While purchasing Episode 2 directly is impossible through official digital channels, a few potential avenues exist, albeit with caveats:
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Physical Copies: Used physical copies of Minecraft: Story Mode (either the initial release or the Complete Adventure disc) for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch may include Episode 2. However, accessing later episodes from the initial disc often requires downloading updates, which are no longer readily available since the game servers are offline. The “Complete Adventure” disc includes all episodes and is the more reliable physical option. Prices for these discs vary greatly depending on condition and retailer. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to upwards of $60 for a used physical copy, depending on the platform and completeness.
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Used Game Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist may offer used game accounts with Minecraft: Story Mode already purchased and downloaded. However, purchasing and using another person’s account violates most platforms’ terms of service and is highly discouraged due to security risks.
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Unofficial Channels: We strongly advise against seeking pirated versions of the game, as these often contain malware and are illegal.
Essentially, the ‘cost’ now primarily involves the effort and risk associated with finding and potentially purchasing a used physical copy. There is no legitimate, direct digital purchase option for Episode 2.
Factors Affecting the “Price”
It’s important to understand the complexities surrounding the price:
- Rarity: The game’s delisting has significantly increased the rarity of physical copies, driving up prices on the used market.
- Platform: Prices can vary depending on the platform. For example, a Nintendo Switch version might be more expensive due to its portability.
- Completeness: The “Complete Adventure” version, which includes all episodes, commands a higher price than the initial release, which requires online updates.
- Condition: The condition of the physical copy significantly impacts its price. A new or like-new copy will naturally be more expensive.
FAQs: Minecraft: Story Mode Episode 2
Here are answers to frequently asked questions surrounding Minecraft: Story Mode Episode 2:
What was the original price of Minecraft: Story Mode Episode 2?
Originally, when the game was available digitally, Episode 2 was priced around $4.99 to $6.99 as a standalone purchase. Alternatively, purchasing the Season Pass, which included all episodes, was around $24.99.
Why was Minecraft: Story Mode removed from online stores?
The game was removed from online stores following the closure of Telltale Games, the development studio behind it, in 2018. Due to licensing issues and the lack of ongoing support, the game was delisted.
Can I still download Minecraft: Story Mode if I purchased it before?
Unfortunately, even if you purchased the game previously, downloading it again is problematic. The servers that hosted the game’s downloads are no longer active, rendering digital purchases essentially inaccessible. Some users have reported success using platform-specific download histories, but this is not guaranteed.
Is there a way to play Minecraft: Story Mode on my phone now?
No. The mobile versions of Minecraft: Story Mode have also been removed from app stores, and there’s no legitimate way to download and play them anymore.
What is the “Complete Adventure” version of Minecraft: Story Mode?
The “Complete Adventure” version is a physical release that includes all eight episodes of Minecraft: Story Mode (the original five episodes plus the three-episode “Adventure Pass”). This is the most reliable way to access all content if you’re looking for a physical copy.
Does buying a used Minecraft: Story Mode disc guarantee I can play Episode 2?
Not necessarily. If you buy the original release disc, you will likely only have access to Episode 1 and will be unable to download the remaining episodes due to server shutdowns. The “Complete Adventure” disc is required to ensure access to all episodes, including Episode 2.
Are there any mods or fan-made versions of Minecraft: Story Mode?
While there might be fan projects aiming to recreate elements of Minecraft: Story Mode within Minecraft itself, these are not official episodes and offer a different experience. Searching for “Minecraft Story Mode mod” might yield results, but remember these are not the original game.
Are there any legal ways to emulate Minecraft: Story Mode?
Emulation, in itself, is not illegal. However, distributing or downloading ROMs (game files) of Minecraft: Story Mode would infringe on copyright laws, making it illegal to acquire the game through this method.
Will Minecraft: Story Mode ever be available again?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible. The rights to the game are complex, involving both Mojang (Microsoft) and the remnants of Telltale Games (now under new ownership). If these parties were to agree on a re-release, it could become available again, but there are no current indications of this happening.
What are the ethical considerations when trying to play a delisted game?
While the desire to play a game you previously owned (or want to own) is understandable, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of resorting to piracy. Supporting developers and respecting intellectual property are crucial for the health of the gaming industry. Exploring legal, albeit potentially challenging, avenues like physical copies is the more ethical approach.
What are the best alternatives to Minecraft: Story Mode?
If you’re looking for similar narrative-driven experiences, consider other Telltale Games titles like The Walking Dead or Tales from the Borderlands (if you can find them). Other narrative adventure games like Life is Strange or Oxenfree also offer compelling stories and character interactions. Alternatively, look into Minecraft mods and server that emphasize role-playing and player-driven narratives.
Is there any hope for a Minecraft: Story Mode Season 3?
Given the circumstances surrounding Telltale Games’ closure and the subsequent delisting of the game, the prospect of a Minecraft: Story Mode Season 3 is extremely low. While Mojang could potentially revive the series, there have been no official announcements or indications of this happening. It’s best not to hold your breath.