Dragon’s Dogma 2is the sequel to Capcom’sDragon’s Dogmaand its enhanced version,Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, although some might not considerDragon’s Dogma 2to be a sequel at all. Despite arriving over a decade after its predecessors and featuring modern gameplay and visuals,Dragon’s Dogma 2is more of a remake than a sequel, as it maintains the core gameplay and narrative elements of the first two games. Still, the sequel isn’t entirely the same game, as it brought several changes to the franchise worth mentioning.
Despite being very similar to its predecessor,Dragon’s Dogma 2made several noteworthy changes to theDragon’s Dogmaformula that primarily affect the way the game is played. Specifically, these changes affect character creation, the iconic Pawn system, and the series' vocations. There is also a brand-new gameplay mechanic to speak of that can ruin an entire playthrough.
The Biggest Changes in Dragon’s Dogma 2 Explained
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Added a New Playable Race
One of the biggest changesDragon’s Dogma 2made to the franchise is noticeable before the game even begins. In the firstDragon’s DogmaandDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, players could only create a Human character. However,Dragon’s Dogma 2allows players to create a Beastren character, a cat-like race reminiscent of the Khajiit from Bethesda’sElder Scrollsseries. This effectively adds more diversity to the world ofDragon’s Dogmaand allows for a more varied experience among players.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Improved the Iconic Pawn System
Dragon’s Dogmamay be known for its iconic Pawn system, but the memories aren’t always so fond. In the first game, although the Pawn system was noted for its originality and gameplay value, the AI it was built on was altogether clunky, unreliable, and unresponsive at times. This, and the fact that Pawns became notorious for being unhelpful at times, left players wanting more. Fortunately,Dragon’s Dogma 2improved the Pawn systemby increasing its effectiveness.
Perhaps the most noticeable way Pawns have been improved from the first game is in their efficiency in guiding players to their destination. As players completequests inDragon’s Dogma 2or find certain items and points of interest, Pawns will learn new information that they can then share with any players they travel with later on. Furthermore, Pawns not only have more personality inDragon’s Dogma 2, but they can also learn specializations.
Specializations allow Pawns to concentrate on a specific form of gameplay, like providing curatives or locating resources in the open world.
New Vocations Were Added in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2also added new vocationsfor players to choose from when creating and leveling their characters. Firstly, the first game’s Mystic Knight vocation has been replaced by the new Mystic Spearhand vocation, and its Strider vocation has been split into the new Archer and Thief vocations. Additionally,Dragon’s Dogma 2added the Trickster and Warfarer vocations to the mix, with the latter being a hybrid class that can specialize in elements of every vocation.
Dragonsplague is a New Mechanic in Dragon’s Dogma 2
While not everyone has experiencedDragonsplague inDragon’s Dogma 2, it is nonetheless one of the most significant changes made to the series, as it can ruin an entire playthrough if players ignore it. When a Pawn contracts Dragonsplague, they will transform into a dragon once the player rests at an Inn and wipe out the entire city and its inhabitants in the process.
This forces players to revive any quest-giving characters that might have been killed, but since that requires valuable Wakestones, sometimes it’s just not possible. This is by far one of the most devastating changesDragon’s Dogma 2brought to the series.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Set forth on your grand adventure, Arisen!Dragon’s Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure.All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
