Capcom is preparing to release a significant expansion for its 2024 action RPG, Dragon's Dogma 2. Titled "Dark Arisen," the expansion is set to launch on October 9, and will be accompanied by major updates designed to address player feedback and refine the core gameplay experience. These updates will introduce new conveniences, such as unlimited fast travel and multiple save slots, while also rebalancing the controversial Dragonsplague system.
Streamlining Exploration
One of the most notable changes arriving before the Dark Arisen expansion is the implementation of unlimited fast travel. An item called the Eternal Ferrystone, previously featured in the original Dragon's Dogma's Dark Arisen expansion, has been added to Dragon's Dogma 2. This item allows for unrestricted fast travel, a significant departure from the base game's limited use of Ferrystones and Portcrystals. Capcom producer Naoto Oyama acknowledged that while some players appreciate the inherent friction and realistic adventure feel of the original design, the studio is also considering modern RPG standards and player feedback. The Eternal Ferrystone is offered as an option, allowing players to choose more casual exploration without forcing it upon everyone. Additionally, more Portcrystals have been placed throughout the game world, expanding the available fast travel destinations.
Reworking Dragonsplague
The Dragonsplague system, which could lead to catastrophic events if infected pawns were not managed carefully, is also receiving substantial adjustments. Previously, identifying an infection and managing its consequences could be obscure, often leading to devastating outcomes like the destruction of towns. Game director Kento Kinoshita explained that the development team aims to better highlight the positive aspects of Dragonsplague, such as increased pawn strength, while also making the infection clearer to players. An upcoming August update will introduce an in-game item that can instantly cure Dragonsplague, removing the need for drastic measures like discarding infected pawns. The game will also provide more explicit communication regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the illness, allowing players to engage with a clearer risk/reward dynamic. Kinoshita emphasized that these changes are intended to clarify existing mechanics rather than simply reduce penalties, noting that the disadvantage of Dragonsplague often overshadowed its potential benefits in the base game.
Additional Features and Future Considerations
In addition to the fast-travel and Dragonsplague changes, the August update will also introduce multiple save slots. This feature is expected to enhance the experience for players undertaking subsequent playthroughs of the game. Looking ahead, Capcom is also considering player requests for a hard mode. Oyama confirmed that the team is actively exploring the possibility of adding a hard mode, though details regarding its implementation and release window will be shared at a later date.
Dragon's Dogma 2 is currently available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. The Dark Arisen expansion is scheduled for release on October 9, coinciding with the game's launch on Nintendo Switch.