As in the original, individual villagers may have special prayers from time to time, posing distinct dilemmas to deities who chose to answer them. The building and management elements in Black & White 2 are somewhat more structured than in the original game, and the game's main interface has been streamlined. Benevolence inspires adoration, and punishment inspires fear, but in either case, faithful followers are any god's primary resource and it is their belief and devotion that allows the deity to perform awe-inspiring acts.

Like the first game, Black & White 2 places players in the role of a powerful god, who can bless or curse the people of the land with the snap of the finger or flick of a wrist. Players personally steer the fate of an entire civilization, for better or for worse, in this action-strategy sequel designed to further live up to the divine ambitions of the original.