Dragon’s Dogma 2 marks Capcom’s return to a full-fledged role-playing experience after a long hiatus. Players praise its dynamic combat, epic boss encounters, and expansive open world, while criticisms focus on optimization and monetization choices. If someone hasn’t finished the first part, a few missteps could waste time and currency. This guide aims to help players avoid those traps and maximize enjoyment.
Guides for Dragon’s Dogma 2
How to create a new character in Dragon’s Dogma 2
If a player isn’t fond of the starting protagonist and wishes to start anew, the game does not offer a straightforward restart option. The common approach is to delete saved files manually. A separate guide covers the exact steps for this process.
The option to alter a character’s appearance mid-playthrough exists but comes at a cost. Purchasing the Book of Metamorphosis requires 500 rift crystals, a substantial expense. Most players choose to craft their look at the outset so it aligns with chosen tactics and personal style.
A character’s appearance affects abilities
Unlike many games where looks are cosmetic, Dragon’s Dogma 2 links appearance to certain stats. For example, shorter characters tend to recover stamina more quickly, while taller characters boast a larger inventory.
You can change your character class at any time
Switching from warrior to mage or another path does not require restarting. A visit to the Guild of Vocations, located in major cities and typically near hotels, is all that is needed.
Some quests hinge on the chosen class. In Vernworth, for instance, a Glyndwr-linked chain only unlocks if the main character is a Sagittarius. Because class changes are free, players may adjust the roster as tactics evolve.
Do not sell materials to upgrade weapons
Early upgrades use common gold, but later stages demand rare resources. It’s wise to keep these materials in reserve, stored away for future enhancements. Upgrades require skilled blacksmiths, each with unique upgrade options available from different artisans.
Select pawns wisely and don’t forget to change them as you progress
Most pawns won’t reach the main character’s level, so swapping in stronger allies as the journey continues is smart. Building a core team—comprising a warrior, an archer, a mage, and a thief—provides balance, with adjustments possible as tactics sharpen.
Please note that pawns carry passive abilities. Finding a pawn with the Search Guide perk helps locate targets quickly, while Shield Summons provides defensive support against aggressive foes. These traits are especially valuable for mages.
If companions hold contrasting personalities, their interactions can reveal local lore as opposed to merely providing combat utility.
Don’t waste break crystals
Rift Crystals (RC) serve as a currency to recruit pawns and sometimes unlock rare items with merchants. Use crystals sparingly and ensure a potential ally is truly needed before paying the price.
Next comes guidance on growing crystals efficiently within this manual.
Use pawns as extra spaces in your inventory
Each pawn can carry a separate backpack, which helps when on long journeys or when looting battlefield drops. A cluttered inventory slows travel and drains stamina.
Carrying capacity can be boosted by rings and golden beetles, often found on tree trunks that glow at night.
Take items from pawns before returning them to their master
Every pawn comes with its own gear. If a pawn is no longer needed, loot their inventory and then send the character home.
Combine different objects with each other
Occasionally a needed resource is unavailable despite thorough exploration. In such cases, combining two other items might yield the desired result. Keeping track of what was found helps minimize unnecessary experimentation.
Manual saving is only possible in hotels
The game auto-saves progress, but manual saves are available only in hotels, which usually require paying for an overnight stay. It’s wise to save before major missions.
Remember that especially dangerous enemies come hunting at night
In the early stages, daytime exploration is safer. Night reveals highly powerful monsters that can overwhelm even well-equipped pawns. Resting in a city or safe location is a prudent choice before venturing on.
Try to climb on the backs of huge enemies
Massive foes like cyclopes or dragons boast lengthy health bars. When direct melee is tough, leaping onto their backs to deliver several critical strikes works, provided endurance is monitored. Jump off before the creature throws you off. The same tactic applies to flying opponents, where flight direction can be influenced.
Relaxing in a camp is the only way to fully restore health
Consumables offer partial recovery, but full health comes with a camp rest. Camps can be placed in safe zones with differing bonuses, and some carry passive effects that benefit specific locations. Heavier gear may require pawns to carry it. While resting, cooking and passing time are viable options, such as turning night into a safer day.
Move healing items to the pawn inventory to heal them
Two main methods exist to restore pawns’ health:
- Move a healing item into a pawn’s backpack for automatic use.
- Use healing magic.
Fast traveling in Dragon’s Dogma 2 has its own nuances
Fast travel can be done with a consumable called Stone of Movement or via carriage ride. The carriage option is free but riskier, as enemies may appear along the route and require a battle first before continuing.
Revive characters with the Awakening Stone
During combat, an ally can fall. The Awakening Stone revives fallen NPCs, but time is limited, or the ally dies permanently. The stone can also revive the player, though it’s wise to consider whether reloading a save would be better. It’s practical to use a stone if death occurs near the end of a boss fight.
You can throw objects and even small ones at enemies
Throwing objects helps melee fighters reach distant foes, especially flying ones. Not only stones but small living creatures can be hurled. Applying oil and lighting it increases damage.
Some quests have a time limit
Not every task is immediate. Some come with countdowns, and missing the deadline ruins the quest. It’s wise to confirm any time constraints before taking on a task.
Other tips
- Caves filled with rubble can be cleared by throwing a boulder;
- If knocked down, stunned, or poisoned, call pawns for help;
- Destroying a bridge can topple enemies below;
- Avoid water, where lurking creatures can drag characters under;
- Pawns can access areas the main character cannot, like flying mage allies.
Other guides
- How to create a new character in Dragon’s Dogma 2 and change its appearance
- Multiplayer in Dragon’s Dogma 2: Will there be a co-op mode