Fifteen years after its release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim continues to captivate players, consistently drawing nearly 30,000 daily players on Steam alone. For those seeking a similar yet distinct open-world fantasy experience while awaiting the next installment in Bethesda's acclaimed series, Dragon's Dogma 2 presents a compelling option. The game, as its title suggests, places dragons at its narrative core, with players taking on the role of the "Arisen," a chosen individual destined to confront a formidable dragon.
Dragon's Dogma 2's world is shaped by a political schism between the verdant, life-rich nation of Vermund and the stark, arid, and more perilous Battahl. Both regions offer distinct charms and are populated by characters who present side quests, encouraging thorough exploration. The game world is designed to make the journey between its points of interest as engaging as the destinations themselves, with sparse fast travel options encouraging players to immerse themselves in the environment.
A unique feature of Dragon's Dogma 2 is its party system, which includes AI-controlled companions known as pawns. Players can command these pawns in combat, and alongside the player character, they can adopt various classes, or "vocations." This system allows for a wide range of tactical approaches to combat encounters, enabling players to leverage different strengths and strategies.
Fans of Skyrim will find familiar ground in Dragon's Dogma 2, though the game is not without its quirks. While described as "the best video game adventure since Elden Ring" in a previous review, it "confidently overcomes its flaws." The game's physics can occasionally lead to humorous or unexpected situations, but these janky elements often become part of its idiosyncratic charm.
is an example of the in-game action.
Capcom is set to release the Dark Arisen expansion on October 9, adding a new snowy region called Norgan, new dungeon challenges, and an all-new character named Eir. This expansion arrives as a significant content update for the game. While currently priced at its full retail value, Dragon's Dogma 2 is frequently available on Steam for under $30. A bundle including the base game and the upcoming Dark Arisen expansion is offered for $49.99 ahead of the expansion's launch.