The first Dark Arisen expansion for the original Dragon’s Dogma is remembered as the expansion that significantly improved the base game. Dragon's Dogma 2's Dark Arisen expansion aims for a similar impact, introducing substantial new content and refining the world, though it doesn't redefine the experience as drastically as its predecessor.
The expansion's narrative centers on rumors of another Arisen, an impossible existence that necessitates an investigation into the frozen northern region of Norgan. This new area, while smaller than other regions in Dragon's Dogma 2, compensates with a verticality that spans from icy peaks to deep underground caverns. Navigation is made more manageable through climbing hooks and an increased number of portcrystals, significantly easing travel compared to the base game.
Norgan presents unique environmental challenges, such as blinding snowstorms that require specialized gear or consumables to survive. These hazards add a layer of peril, making players consider whether to push forward or wait out the conditions at a camp. The region's visual design offers a contrast to the game's other areas, featuring crumbling castles and snow-capped cliffs, along with unexpected environments like poisonous swamps and crystal caves.
A significant addition is the 'Spoils' system, a new gear type that appears in generic forms and requires appraisal. While this system can lead to gear with special attributes and passive abilities, the rapid influx of experience points and the sheer volume of items can diminish player attachment to equipment. The developer notes that this system may be more suited to an endgame progression loop.
New skills and abilities for all vocations are discoverable at obelisks scattered throughout Norgan. Some are immediately available, while others require 'offering flames,' earned by completing the repeatable 'Lost Rites' dungeons found across Vermund and Bathall. While these new skills are generally welcome, few are described as dramatically shifting the balance of existing vocations, though some, like the Trickster's enhanced abilities with its incense clone, offer more active gameplay.
The Lost Rites dungeons vary in design, from short combat gauntlets to more involved explorations. Some feature unique mechanics, such as one requiring an Archer or Magick Archer Arisen and incorporating destructible support pillars. While not all have been completed, those encountered so far have not presented a significant challenge, especially after gaining power from Norgan. A recurring boss within these dungeons, a Beholder-like creature, is noted as a fun encounter.
Norgan introduces new monsters, including enhanced versions of existing enemies and entirely new foes like spell-slinging demons and grotesque, giant yetis. These new enemies provide challenging and memorable encounters early in the expansion.
Overall, Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen delivers a robust expansion with a substantial amount of new content. Despite a campaign that occasionally relies on repetitive tasks and an endgame gear system that can feel uninspired, the journey through Norgan offers an engaging adventure with new characters, enemies, and a world rich with discovery.