Locating all of the map pieces is not required to complete the game, but collecting all of them opens up an optional sixth stage in which the lost treasure of McDuck can be found.

However, if the player has no money left at all, a bad ending plays in which Glomgold finds the lost treasure and is named the greatest adventurer in the world, which infuriates Scrooge.

DuckTales 2's limited production run and relatively late release in June 1993, near the end of the Nintendo Entertainment System's life cycle, led to lower sales than its predecessor, and has become a rarity amongst collectors.

[7][8] The console version was generally well-received, with Nintendo Power praising the title's "great play control and graphics", but remarked that it was "more of the same" when compared to the original.

[6] GamePro similarly felt that "if it's more of the same you want, DuckTales 2 delivers", adding that the game "is fun while it lasts, but it's too short", nonetheless recommending it to new players.

[3] GamePro, however, felt that the game was a faithful port of the console version, applauding its "sharp, clean graphics, innovative gameplay and engrossing storyline".