The preview of Dragon’s Dogma 2 comes ahead of its PS5, Xbox Series, and PC release, but Capcom invited us to explore the world for a full hour. This new action RPG already feels like a standout, a production that could be among the best of its year. It leaves players with strong emotions and hints at the kind of memorable moments Capcom is known for delivering.
Unique and compelling characters
The demo version we accessed was split into three distinct paths, each centered on a different character class. These heroes bring unique traits and playstyles that noticeably shift how the game feels. The first class we tested was the archer. It excels at taking down foes from range while still offering tools to directly control enemies when needed. Next, we tried the warrior, a classic melee fighter wielding a greatsword and shield. This class leans toward balance and shines in powerful combos, parries, and close-up engagements.
Finally, the session concluded with a thief. This was our favorite pick in this initial hands-on. The thief moves with remarkable speed, can scale rock faces with ease, and features agile, flashy movements that captivate the eye. Three distinctly different classes set the stage, and Capcom plans to add more that look equally appealing, including the alluring and formidable wizard.
A vast and breathtaking world
Even in the brief hour, it was clear that Dragon’s Dogma 2 will offer one of the largest, most intriguing open worlds in the RPG space. In the missions available to the three controllable characters, players traverse lush forests, winding mines, swamps, varied towns, and landscapes dotted with waterfalls. The world map already signals an ambitious scale that should expand even more in the final release.
The world feels alive, never empty. Encounters unfold as you explore: ambushes by smaller bands, collapsing bridges, and surprising attacks from hidden enemies. Secret zones packed with treasure hint at even deeper rewards, inviting players to push into every corner. The promise is to explore a vast, richly populated realm where danger and wonder lie just around the next bend.
Pawns: companions in battle and beyond
A signature element from the original Dragon’s Dogma, including the Dark Arisen expansion, is back in Dragon’s Dogma 2 in a more expansive form. Pawns—secondary allies who accompany players on adventures and help fight—return with broader capabilities. The plan is to allow teams of up to three Pawns, letting players tailor their squad to fit each challenge.
The variety of Pawns should be vast, and players will even be able to rent Pawns created by other players, enriching the experience with shared strategies. While specific details aren’t fully disclosed yet, early information suggests many Pawn options will be original and entertaining.
Despite the focus on companions, Dragon’s Dogma 2 remains a primarily single-player experience. The AI powering these allies is designed to feel lifelike and responsive, a point we observed clearly during the demo.
Vibrant combat and rewarding exploration
The game builds on several pillars, with real-time, open combat and immersive exploration at the core. The battles feel fast, dynamic, and execution-driven, and as players progress, they unlock access to stronger spells, better weapons, and spectacular special moves.
Exploration rewards curiosity. Sidelong paths invite secondary quests, resource gathering for crafting, and high-value equipment drops. In one instance, players discovered a hidden village while tracking a secondary route, guarded by powerful foes, suggesting that the map is designed to reward curiosity with meaningful discoveries.
In short, Capcom seems intent on delivering a title that continually surprises, offering fresh incentives to dive into its expansive world with every new playthrough.
Visuals, performance, and art direction
The game showcases Capcom’s RE Engine at full strength. Even with large environments and many characters on screen, the demo ran smoothly with minimal technical hiccups. Monsters like dragons, trolls, and griffins show off the engine’s capability to render detailed, dynamic creatures as engagements unfold.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is poised to be among the most engaging RPGs of this generation thanks to its combination of spectacular visuals, solid performance, and the promise of deep, rewarding gameplay experiences.
A massive, immersive adventure
With several months remaining before launch, the preview solidifies the belief that Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be a standout in 2025. Competition will be strong in the RPG category, but Capcom’s track record and the depth on display here inspire confidence that the game will meet high expectations. The title targets PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a release timeline set for next year.
Title: Dragon’s Dogma 2
Genre: Role-playing
Release Date: 2024
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5
Developer: Capcom
Producer: Capcom
Multiplayer: No
Language: English
PEGI: 16
Price: To be announced