Dragon’s Dogma 2 – I played the sequel to the cult hit role-playing game

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the sequel to a sleeper hit role-playing game from 2012. It’s bigger, prettier and probably better too – I can’t judge in precisely what way. I ran out of breath after just under five hours in part one. The game was too inaccessible and vague for me. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is still cryptic, but in the right measure. And it looks pretty good. After about ten hours with the PC version, I’m a fan.

It starts with an incredibly versatile character editor. The only downer here is that there are no other races apart from humans and the catlike Beastren. Apart from that, I can customise to my heart’s content – or rather, I could. I snap up a large male lion and go next. I’m usually too lazy or untalented to really get my teeth into character design. The options are extremely varied, from the angle of your knees to neck length to individual teeth.

Then the adventure begins – unfortunately it isn’t particularly original. I am once again the chosen one, called the Arisen, amnesia included. So far, so unoriginal. The story isn’t my main motivation for playing so far – with a few exceptions. I definitely want to see more of the dragon that picks hearts from its enemies’ chests, using its claw like a cocktail skewer. The power-hungry ruler, who appointed a false Arisen and whose son is working against her behind her back, also the potential for exciting twists and turns. As the game has several endings, decisions in the game are likely to have far-reaching consequences. Even if I haven’t noticed anything yet.

Adventure awaits

After a short tutorial, I’m off. And not alone, but with loyal pawns at my side. They already played an essential role in the first Dragon’s Dogma. They’re a type of being without free will, magically attracted to the Arisen. In addition to my own character, I also design my main pawn at the start. I can recruit two more in the course of the game. If I activate the online function, I can also rent out my pawn and add those of other players to my group.

My party sometimes gets even bigger. I regularly come across passers-by, warriors or adventurers who join me for a short time. Be it to fend off a goblin ambush, to defeat one of the many giant monsters lurking about or to provide me with an escort. However, this is primarily a pretext to explain the most important game mechanics at the start of the game. I like this kind of tutorial.

Information is nicely dosed and I’m not overwhelmed by countless text windows. The game keeps enough to itself that I have to think for myself. It reminds me of Elden Ring. The world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is pleasantly cryptic. In quests, information is often hidden in dialogue and not everything is marked by a map icon. That, or I hear a conversation that puts me on a new track. The game also warns me not to blindly accept all tasks. Some things are time-sensitive. When the clock is constantly ticking, I’d better not plan a multi-day trip if I’ve previously promised the guard that I’ll free her cronies from a mine.

Besides that, the world is open for free exploration. The fantasy setting is beautiful, and the mood can also change thanks to dynamic day and night cycles. A cosy walk in the sunshine can turn into a dark gauntlet at night. The small cone of light from my lantern only illuminates the immediate surroundings. It regularly happens that a few bright blue eyes suddenly flash at the side of the road, and the next moment I’m attacked by a horde of cackling goblins. Fine by me, the combat system is the highlight of the game anyway.

Combat acrobats

Dangers lurk around every corner in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Accordingly, there’s a lot of fighting. There are different classes such as Archer, Thief or Mage, so I assemble my team as versatile as possible. My pawns fight independently and are surprisingly clever. They conjure healing domes, strengthen my weapons with fire or carry fallen allies to me so I can revive them.

As a Fighter myself, I usually charge head first into battle. In addition to your usual strong and fast attacks, there are plenty of skills to learn. My Fighter is extremely acrobatic. I can somersault into the air, particularly useful against flying harpies. They can put me to sleep with their singing if I don’t hit them with my sword in time. With the corresponding ability, I can also catapult pawns onto enemies, an efficient tactic when fighting gigantic bosses.

Thanks to the detailed physics system, I can climb enemies to reach sensitive areas. I can also try to knock them over or throw boulders at them. Conversely, an ogre can grab me with his hand and hurl me through the air. As most battles take place outdoors, I often use surroundings to my advantage.

Once, a Minotaur surprises me just as I’m about to set up camp. As my maximum available HP decreases through fighting, my character has to rest regularly. If not, I’ll be facing this five metre puffing monster while my health bar only reaches the first quarter. Stubborn as I am, I don’t take flight, but rise to the challenge. Or rather, stand behind a tree.

The battle takes place in a grove. I limit myself to letting my pawns fight, reviving them when needed. The battle becomes increasingly chaotic, and the Minotaur charges around like a berserker. Nevertheless, I manage to skilfully dodge again and again until he slams his head into a rock. He lies dazed for a moment, and we bludgeon him for all we’re worth. By joining forces, we finally manage to defeat the monster. My pawns get a high-five for that.

Such battles provide the best entertainment, on top of granting rare materials to improve my equipment. It’s another highlight for me, and often the main reason why I play Fighter classes. Massive plate armour looks simply stunning. I can also equip and clothe my pawns.

If I get tired of fighting with sword and shield, I can change my path with the character in question. With my pawns, on the other hand, I simply get new ones.

Pawns: simple, but charming

Speaking of pawns, they’re much more nuanced than I expected. They’re extremely chatty and comment on everything I do. The fact that I’m always running is immediately commented on with a flippant remark. My compulsion to collect is also the reason for regular side blows. As punishment, they get to carry all the silver I’ve just mined.

Pawns also draw my attention to treasures or resources, which they usually fetch themselves. Sometimes they discover special features in our surroundings and I can send them running there with the Go command. How they act depends on their inclination. There’s Calm, Kind-Hearted, Simple and Straightforward. Some fight better, others give generous gifts.

Pawns can also gain specialisations that have an impact on the game. On the one hand positive ones, such as using potions in a targeted manner with Chirurgeon, but also negative ones. I haven’t yet found out exactly how. Nor do I know what the mysterious disease that can affect pawns is all about. Apparently, it causes my companions to no longer obey me. All of this shapes them into independent beings with their own character. They bring the otherwise somewhat static world to life. Most of the NPCs in towns and villages stand in the same spot 24 hours a day. The game world is also a visually enchanting backdrop, but apart from stray monsters, I’ve discovered little in it so far.

The world certainly has character. With its mystical creatures, enchanted forests and war-torn villages, it’s harsh and dangerous. I don’t even dare go near water because scary red tentacles lurk there.

The limited fast travel system makes every trip a real adventure. I have to prepare myself well, it’ll be a while before I return. If I really don’t feel like walking, I can use a Ferrystone. These rare consumables transport me to Portcrystals, which can be found in all larger towns. I can also place up to ten of them in the world myself.

I also have to be economical with other resources. From the camping kit I need for resting, to the gold and materials for upgrades, to the Wakestones that can revive me, everything is in short supply. I hope it stays that way – I have to make targeted decisions as to whether it’s worth using something or not.

On the negative side, I have to mention performance. Despite my high-end PC, the game only runs at 30 to 40 fps, especially in cities. Although I’m at 4K resolution and maximum details, it still clearly isn’t enough with DLSS activated. Less powerful PCs could have a hard time with Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Verdict: looks like a Souls-like, but isn’t one

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, I don’t have to worry about lost souls when I die, or miss them when levelling up. Nevertheless, the limitations on travelling, camping and a dwindling health bar make the game feel as grim as a Soulslike – only with fewer consequences. And as with Soulslikes, battles against huge monsters are sweat-inducing, require a lot of skill and give rewards sweet as sugar.

Chaotic boss battles are the highlight anyway. Where else can I climb up the neck of a griffin that takes off at the same moment, shakes me off at a height of 100 metres and drops me on the ground like a wet sack?

Pawns are the second outstanding element of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Every time I roam through the wilderness with my brainless allies and hear comments like, «Have you noticed that our group is all women?», I have to smile. Hey, it’s not my fault that 80 per cent of other reviewers design female pawns for me to choose from. OK, maybe a little, my Archer is a lady after all. At least she’s wearing proper armour, which I can’t always say about other companions.

With their opinions and comments, pawns remind me of Dragon Age. They chat non-stop, making them feel very much alive. Although pawns in Dragon’s Dogma 2 have significantly fewer lines of dialogue, they still feel like real allies. They ensure I never feel alone on my adventures.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 seems to have become exactly the game that fans wanted for years. The mix of spectacular battles, little hand-holding and great graphics has certainly got me hooked, and I can hardly wait to explore the rest of the world.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series on 22 March. The game was provided to me by Capcom.

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