Jak II features some new elements along with some of the same elements from The Precursor Legacy. In order to properly play Jak II, the player must have a PlayStation 2 or higher console, a copy of the game, one DualShock 2 controller or DualShock 3/SIXAXIS if played on a PlayStation 3 console, and an 8MB memory card or a virtual memory card if on a PlayStation 3.
When the title screen appears, press 
and a menu with two options, New Game and Load Game will appear. If new game option, select New Game. A message will appear asking if the player would like to create a new save file, choose yes. After creation, there will be four save slots to choose from. Select one to start the game. If load game is the option, then select Load Game to start game play.
Game screen[edit]
During gameplay, the camera will for the most part be positioned behind Jak and Daxter. While in the city, the city map will be presented in the lower right corner.
Status info[edit]
To view Jak's current status, press 
. This will display Metal Head Skull Gem count, Precursor Orb count, and health and Dark Eco meters. This disappears after a moment. The corresponding information is also displayed if an item is obtained which changes the status.
City map[edit]
As Haven City is such a large place, it's very easy to become lost while trying move from point A to point B. The map takes the form of a circular screen. The blue center triangle will represent Jak. A red dot will represent a Krimzon Guard and the red transparent triangle is its field of vision. Places Jak needs to go to are represented by small icons in the form of something associated with that place. For example, the Hip Hog Heaven Saloon is represented as a purple martini glass. Green triangles will represent challenges put together by the Underground. When the player is on the move, the map will move while the blue arrow will remain stationary. If a location is far away, the corresponding icon will be positioned at the edge of the map's screen along the games recommended route to the icon. When Jak has in some way alerted the guards, the map screen will pulse with a red glow and will remain as such until their alert has dropped.
The options ring[edit]
During gameplay press to open the ring. Here there will be ten options to choose from:
- Missions - Displays currently available, active and completed missions.
- Show Map (area name) - Displays a full screen map of the current area. Note this works for all levels, not just Haven City.
- High Scores - Show records for various minigames.
- Game Options
- Graphic Options
- Sound Options
- Load Game
- Save Game
- Secrets - Cheats and bonus content.
- Restart/Quit - Restart ro quit current mission.
Combat[edit]
Defense[edit]
Players do not have the option of blocking any attacks, instead they must avoid them or be the first to attack an enemy. Some attacks, even if they don't defeat the enemy right away, knock the enemy back and delay its attack. In some cases the player can avoid various attacks like Krimzon Guard fire by simply staying on the move and keeping enemies in view.
Physical attacks[edit]
The most basic forms of physical attacks Jak can use are punch, which has Jak slide forward when executed, and his Kick Spin, which has him perform a full 360° turn with his leg extended. Kick Spin can be used on the ground and in midair. Both can hit multiple enemies at once. Other attacks are his Dive Attack which causes Jak to drop down suddenly after a single or double jump, his Aerial Attack, his Dashing Uppercut, and his Super Diving Attack Jump.
Morph-Gun[edit]
This is Jak's primary weapon which comes in four distinct modes. These modes become available as rewards Jak for completing certain missions. Each of these forms have unique firing capabilities and are color coded. The ammunition used for each mode is color coded accordingly,
- Scatter Gun (red): Fires a wide shot at close range much like a shotgun, making it good for taking out multiple enemies in one shot. It can hold up to fifty units of ammunition at the start, but later can hold up to a hundred after an upgrade. Its main disadvantage is slow rate of fire. It is the only mode that doesn't feature a laser targeting sight.
- Blaster Weapon (yellow): Makes for a good sniping weapon for far away enemies. It can hold up to a hundred units of ammunition when first obtained, but later after an upgrade can hold up to two hundred units. Disadvantages are limited rate of fire and difficulty in aiming.
- Vulcan Fury (blue): Uses a Gatling machine gun motif that has less distance than the Blaster Weapon. Its rapid rate of fire makes it perfect for taking on strong opponents in a short frame of time. It can hold up to a hundred units of ammunition when obtained, but after an upgrade it can hold to two hundred units. Disadvantages are its limited aiming ability and rapid use of ammo.
- Peace Maker (purple): Attacks with charged particles of electricity. If more than one enemy is nearby, the electricity will arc and divide, attacking other enemies in its path. It can hold up to five units of ammunition when first obtained, but after an upgrade it can hold up to ten units. Ammo for this mode can be difficult to come by and it requires charge up time to fire so it should be used sparingly.
Dark Jak[edit]
Dark Eco causes Jak to temporarily transform into a crazed hulking creature capable of using stronger attacks and moves on multiple enemies at a time. To activate Dark Jak, you must collect Dark Eco clusters to fill the Dark Eco meter. When the meter is full, a Dark Jak icon will appear in the place of the Jak icon. You can then press 
to activate Dark Jak. Over the course of the game, you will unlock several techniques for this form by visiting the Oracle after obtaining enough Metal Head Skull Gems.
Vehicles[edit]
Throughout the game, Jak can use various vehicles to get around. They can also double as weapons. Yet they are not without hazards, as some vehicles will present danger to Jak when used in the city. The cautious player will only travel on foot to avoid trouble.
Zoomer[edit]
In Haven City, zoomers are the fastest way to travel. Zoomers come in several models from light and agile to large and durable. Krimzon Guards use special models of their own. There are two hover zones, high and low, that Zoomers can use. Use the 
to switch between zones; this is useful for avoiding other zoomers or obstacles on the ground. You can commandeer a parked zoomer by pressing 
when near it; the game prompts you when you're close enough. You can hijack a zoomer already in traffic as well; press once to jump on board and again to start driving. To accelerate, use 
and to apply brake or reverse use 
. You can use the Morph-Gun while driving and Krimzon Guard vehicles have built in weapons you can use. Zoomers take damage from collisions with buildings or other zoomers and also from gunfire or other attacks. Damaged zoomers will start smoking, then catch fire, and finally explode when they've reached their limit. The explosion will cause some damage to Jak's health, not to mention that you will need to locate and hijack another zoomer, so try not to bump into things while driving. Sometimes speed rather than caution is more important so a certain amount of reckless driving is to be expected.
Jet-Board[edit]
This is a type of hoverboard given to Jak by Keira about half way through the game. Once you obtain it, press to start shredding and press it again to go on foot again. You can jump while on the board by pressing as on foot. You can also grind on rails, curbs, etc. by pressing . Avoid running into Krimzon Guard while on the board since you take damage and it activates the Guard's alert mode.
Titan Suit[edit]
This a special mecha that allows Jak to move or lift heavy objects and break down certain barriors. The suit also allows Jak to walk underwater, but cannot help him breath underwater. You can use its large fists to fight enemies, but this is rather awkward and the suit can only withstand so much damage before it explodes.
Essential items[edit]
Throughout the game, some items will be inside of boxes called Krimzon Guard Crates. These can be opened by either smashing or blasting them with the Morph-Gun. Other items are dropped by enemies or just found in the environment.
| Item | Found | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Health Packs | Crates | Contains small amounts of Green Eco that will replenish one quarter of Jak's health. |
| Dark Eco | Crates, drop | Once dangerous to Jak, now he can absorb small doses which can be used to become Dark Jak. |
| Ammunition | Crates, drop (Krimzon Guard) | These are needed to use the Morph-Gun. They will be color coded to correspond with each gun mode. |
| Metal Head Skull Gems | Drop (metal heads) | These are needed to prove to the Oracle that Jak is ready to be taught how to use his Dark power. You only get one Gem from a given metal head, so if you redo a level you don't get them the second time. |
| Precursor Orbs | Environment | Once plentiful throughout the world, now they have become a rare commodity, but not as much as Power Cells which are all but extinct. They can be found hidden in various places throughout the game and you can also get them as rewards for completing mini-missions in the city. They can be used to unlock various cheats in the Secrets menu. |