In Dragon’s Dogma 2, companions are called pawns. They exist to simplify and diversify gameplay, helping players tackle enemies, locate rare resources, and obtain consumables. Early on their impact is modest, but as the journey unfolds, understanding each ally’s strengths becomes crucial to avoid getting stuck in one spot. This guide explains the best pawn classes and traits to assemble a formidable team.
Guides for Dragon’s Dogma 2
What classes of pawns exist?
There are six pawn classes, each with a distinct behavior and fighting style. The choice should align with personal play preferences.
- Fighter – a frontline warrior who wields a one-handed weapon and a shield. He can serve as a sturdy initiator with solid health or a high-damage melee option.
- Magician – a ranged caster who supports the team with a variety of spells useful in any build.
- Archer – a pawn that engages from a distance, dealing damage while staying out of close combat.
- Thief – a hard-hitting fighter with strong offense but limited defenses.
- Warrior – a two-handed powerhouse, offering higher damage output and reach for frontline engagements.
- Wizard – a widened spellcaster with an expanded repertoire to control the battlefield and deal damage.
Pawn specialization and traits
Specialization is a unique parameter that grants a pawn a new behavioral trait. There is no universal specialization, and some choices can prove problematic at key moments. This makes specialization an important consideration when selecting pawns.
To unlock specialization, players interact with the pawn and express their stance through dialogue and actions. Over time, a comrade may gain a trait that influences both combat behavior and dialogue choices.
Changing a pawn’s character requires an item called the Rift Incense of Mystery. It is a rare resource found in Dragon’s Dogma 2 or can be acquired through purchases.
Best trait for a fighter
Frontline fighters aim to reach enemies and inflict heavy close-quarters damage. A fighter with the honest trait excels in this role, though accuracy may dip. This pawn is a dependable partner for players who love close combat. For players who prefer safer classes like archers or mages, a strong, protective fighter is recommended. This variant prioritizes shielding allies and staying close to the team rather than chasing every kill.
Best trait for a mage
Choose the trait based on battlefield needs:
- Honesty or Equanimity – an aggressive mage who launches fire magic and acts swiftly, though healing may be limited.
- Kind-heartedness – a support-focused mage who retreats to heal teammates when needed.
- Direct Approach – a balanced option suitable for new players, balancing healing with damage output.
Best trait for an archer
Archer is not the toughest class, so it benefits from traits that reduce risk. Equanimity or Kind-heartedness helps the archer withstand punishment, but the best overall choice is Immediate Response, which allows precise long-range strikes and a safe retreat when necessary.
Best trait for a thief
Thieves are light on defense and melee presence. Immediate Response is essential to position and survive, while Clarity and Kind-heartedness can backfire and leave the pawn vulnerable. These traits are not ideal for thieves who must stay alive to contribute meaningful damage.
Best trait for a warrior
Every trait carries a downside. An undisturbed trait keeps the warrior predictable, which can simplify battlefield strategy. The lack of flashy tricks is balanced by reliability in front-line engagements.
Best trait for a wizard
Wizards should focus on constant damage. A Kind-hearted pawn may get distracted by surroundings, risking the battle. A fully developed equanimity trait helps unleash critical damage and maintain focus during fights.
The strongest teams for your specialization
Mixing classes aims to create a well-rounded team that supports the main character. Depending on playstyle, pawns can be combined as follows:
- Fighter – enemies waver in close combat with proper support. Pair with Archer and Magician to form a sturdy, balanced trio while the player leads the fight.
- Magician – pairs well with a frontline Warrior and a Fighter while the Wizard fortifies the group. The player oversees the battle and keeps allies protected.
- Archer – the same concept applies: Warrior, Fighter, and Wizard complement the archer, covering each other’s weaknesses.
- Thief – major damage hinges on drawing attention away from key targets. Warriors and Fighters hold the line, Magician heals, and the archer contributes ranged damage when frontline threats are managed.
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Citation: VG Times