As you set forth on your journey as the Arisen inDragon’s Dogma 2, you and your Pawns will encounter fierce enemies, dangerous environments, and bustling settlements. The road won’t be easy, but you don’t have to go it alone.

With larger than life monsters and countless people who need your help, there’s a lot to get done and only so much time to do it. Plus, you’re sure to get into some trouble along the way, whether it makes you laugh or sends you packing. We’re here to help you decide if Dragon’s Dogma 2 is worth your time.

A screenshot from Dragon’s Dogma 2 showing the player character as the Arisen, disguised as a guard in a suit of armor among other guards and regal palace guests inside the Vernworth Chamber.

Review

It’s common to be the chosen one in video games, but rarely does a game pair the duality of having such importance with also being a normal person who’s just as vulnerable as the next NPC. With two of the starting classes lacking an option to block or dodge, you’ll need to learn to anticipate attacks and move out of the way.

Combat stands out in this modern ecosystem of dodge rolls and invincibility frames - if an attack connects with you in Dragon’s Dogma, it hurts.

The Arisen looking determined in Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Aslead guides editor Ryan Bamsey says in his review, the game forces you to think strategically if you don’t want to struggle through every encounter. Using the environment to your advantage, like throwing boulders or sabotaging bridges, will help you defeat powerful foes.

Curating a party with the right Pawns will also determine your success. You’re going to get attached to your Pawns, and that may lead to disastrous consequences if they contract Dragonsplague. Collaboration is a major aspect of gameplay, even if you prefer to adventure without friends. Pawns come from other players and can either make or break your game based on their skills and personality.

a beastren arisen clinging onto a dragon for dear life as it flies into the air in dragon’s dogma 2

Despite having no multiplayer of its own, Dragon’s Dogma 2 still feels like a co-operative outing where your actions not only impact your own world, but many, many others. Even if it’s just through a buff himbo called Eik.

Concluding Bamsey’s review, there are performance issues that can (and likely will) impact your experience. From dropped frames to lag, you’ll find that crowded areas aren’t always handled well, but the other aspects of the game smooth over this one drawback. It’s not a deal breaker, but it is notable.

A screenshot from Dragon’s Dogma 2 showing a Dragon in the wheat fields on the outskirts of Vernworth.

Despite the performance issues across PC and consoles, the game itself has high replayability based on choices you make and encounters you have. Everyone has a role to play, and some will be cut short if you use them as bait for monsters.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a masterclass in compelling game design, and proof that deviation from the norm and challenging your audience can pay off immensely.

There are plenty of quests you’ll come across, and even more that you’ll miss the first time around. You’ll have trouble putting the game down once you get into it.

Cost

Thebase cost for Dragon’s Dogma 2 is $69.99, while thedeluxe edition is $79.99. The deluxe edition comes withA Boon for Adventurers, which includescustom sounds, camping gear, Rift Crystals, and a handful of itemslike equipment and Wakestone!

Many of the items in the deluxe edition can be found or earned in-game, but having them available right away will make starting a new game much easier.)

If you’re unsure about playing, you candownload the character creator for freeand design your Arisen and Main Pawn at your leisure. These can then betransferred to the game laterif you’d like to speed up the process in-game.

In the character creator, you can store up to five designs of both Arisen and Pawn.

There are also microtransactions available, though they are completely optional. Aside from cosmetic changes, like altering your appearance, themicrotransatctions include additional Wakestones, items, and camping gear.

These are optional additions to your game for a small fee, but aren’t vital to having a good time in-game.

Time Expenditure

The amount of time you’ll spend in the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 depends on how much of an adventurer you are. If you’re looking tocomplete the main storyand only that, you’ll spendanywhere between 20-40 hoursrunning around the map, leveling up, and completing the necessary quests.

If you immerse yourself in the world and get sidetracked with multiple side quests often, you’re in forat least 40-80 hours of contentthat you’ll enjoy. That’s just for your first playthrough.

As a completionist, you’re going to spend over a hundred hours seeking out every point of interest, fighting every monster, and fully optimizing your party before you finally set down the game.

What People Are Saying

A Test Of Will - Zoë J. Osik

Jumping in fresh, my expectations were high, though not entirely accurate with what the final product delivered. Finding a starting vocation that works for you is crucial to the opening hours of the game and genuinely enhances the overall experience. Exploring the open world led to far more dangers than I expected, but eventually I gained the courage to tackle threats instead of run from them.

It’s not about how strong you are, but how strong-willed you may be. If you’re willing to put in the time and patience, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget. Take your time, see the world, and maybe take on a side quest if there’s time.

This Game Will Steal Your Heart - Sam Hallahan

If you loved the first game or if you’re jumping in fresh, not only will you love Dragon’s Dogma 2, but it will pass any expectations you have by leaps and bounds, and will easily become one of the most memorable and incredible open world games you play in recent years. At least, I can personally say that and have every word ring true.

I could speak for hours and still not be done recommending this game, and I cannot wait to see the series grow into more people’s lives. It’s huge, it offers so many secrets and stories, and it has big, cool monsters - and that’s just the beginning. What more could you need?

A Gem For Fantasy RPG Lovers - Andrew Scariati

Dragon’s Dogma 2 beckons you into a rich world begging to be explored and enjoyed at your own pace. The lack of a standard fast travel system is hardly noticeable, and made each walk to the next town feel like part of the story. The main story lacks moments of emotional resonance, but is a nice thread to follow while you hop from town to town, meeting quirky new characters to help along the way.

Don’t be afraid to get lost in a few side quests while you progress. Its collection of diverse vocations is a persuasive reason to delve into NG+ or simply change things up mid-way. If you’re in search of epic adventures, the dynamic enemy encounters provide ample opportunities to create unforgettable moments worthy of recording to share with friends. If you enjoyed Fable, Dragon’s Age, or Monster Hunter, DD2 is worth a try.

You Are Not The Main Character - Hilton Webster

Most games want you to feel important, that your impact on the game world is the only one that fundamentally matters. Only you can change it. You are The Chosen One. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is not that. It is a game equally rewarding and cruel. It does not play like the typical game. Its intent is not to praise you.

You will suffer because you are just another part of a genuinely living, reactive world. Yes, the story will stress your importance, but the gameplay will be the sore reminder that the world you’re playing in will fight back. It is a journey unlike any other, and you owe it to yourself to let this world take you in, chew you up, and watch you try over and again until you succeed.