Based on Luo Guanzhong's historical novel about ancient China, Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2 adds a variety of gameplay features to the existing Dynasty Warriors franchise. The game includes 48 warriors, 50 stages, and 31 maps to use in single- or multiplayer combat. Players will navigate through each battle by campaigning through individual sections of a map and taking land from enemies. Up to four gamers can play cooperatively or competitively through an Ad-hoc connection. Players may also create or improve characters and then swap them through a memory stick. A stable is provided for housing up to eight horses and elephants between missions, where each animal may spend experience points between skirmishes.