Dragon's Dogma 2
- March 21, 2024
- CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
- 13h median play time
Dragon's Dogma 2 is an action RPG with a heavy emphasis on combat that is both thrilling and entertaining.
Get on SteamDragon's Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG that challenges players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more.On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your…
PC
Windows
Xbox One
Cloud
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Xbox
Reviews
- optimization32,403 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received significant criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, particularly in densely populated areas like cities, where frame rates can drop dramatically. While some users with high-end rigs have managed to achieve stable performance, the general consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization patches to address these issues and improve overall gameplay experience. Despite these challenges, many players still find the core gameplay enjoyable and are hopeful for future updates to enhance performance.
“Despite some performance issues, the game is rather fun.”
“The game is great, but the performance is terrible.”
“The performance issues are a valid concern, but aside from that, the game is a direct upgrade from its predecessor.”
“The game needs a few patches to fix performance, graphics, and HDR.”
“What should be a great game is neutered by poor performance far outside the limits of the recommended specs provided and by the support through both Capcom and Steam.”
“The performance is borderline unforgivable.”
- story26,507 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story in "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it lackluster and poorly executed compared to its predecessor. While some appreciate the initial intrigue and character interactions, the narrative often feels rushed, disjointed, and filled with generic fetch quests, leading to a sense of disappointment regarding character development and plot resolution. Overall, the game is seen as more focused on exploration and combat rather than delivering a compelling story, making it less appealing for those seeking a rich narrative experience.
“The narrative woven throughout Dragon's Dogma 2 is nothing short of exceptional, blending elements of mystery, intrigue, and heroic quests to create a storyline that grips players from start to finish.”
“In terms of story, this game does a much better job at getting you invested than the first, and makes you actually care about a couple of the characters fairly early on.”
“The story is engaging and immersive with a crazy twist at the end that leads into an awesome post-game reminiscent of the manga Berserk.”
“If you're looking for a story-driven RPG, look elsewhere.”
“The story is subpar and the characters are forgettable.”
“The main story is a joke and feels rushed, with many plot threads left unresolved.”
- gameplay12,781 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received mixed feedback, with many praising its engaging combat mechanics, diverse vocations, and immersive exploration. However, players have expressed frustration over performance issues, particularly in towns, and the controversial "dragonsplague" mechanic, which can lead to significant setbacks in gameplay. While the core gameplay loop is enjoyable and reminiscent of its predecessor, some feel it lacks innovation and suffers from outdated mechanics, making it a polarizing experience for both new and returning players.
“The gameplay is tight with a strong class-based system and the visuals are beautiful.”
“The moment-to-moment gameplay is some of the best in a long time.”
“Dragon's Dogma 2 dazzles with its expansive world and intricate gameplay, but it’s not without its fiery pits.”
“If you're looking for story over gameplay, look elsewhere.”
“The gameplay is boring, too easy, and the pawns never shut up and are always up in your face.”
“The save mechanic could use an overhaul; I lost about 10 hours by restoring an inn save.”
- monetization9,723 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of "Dragon's Dogma 2" has sparked significant controversy, primarily due to the presence of microtransactions in a full-priced single-player game. While many players express disdain for these microtransactions, claiming they are unnecessary and indicative of corporate greed, a substantial number of reviews clarify that all items available for purchase can be easily obtained through regular gameplay, rendering the microtransactions largely ignorable. Overall, while the microtransactions are criticized, they do not seem to detract from the enjoyment of the game for many players.
“Don't listen to the reviews regarding microtransactions; they are all attainable in-game and inconsequential if you don't purchase them.”
“Despite criticisms regarding microtransactions, which I found to be negligible, Dragon's Dogma 2 deserves recognition for its rich gameplay experience and expansive world.”
“The microtransactions are completely optional and do not impact gameplay, allowing players to enjoy the full experience without feeling pressured to spend additional money.”
“The monetization tactics: while not necessary to progress, the game's design seems geared towards encouraging players to spend money in the shop, potentially affecting gameplay balance and enjoyment.”
“Despite the obvious problems with microtransactions and performance issues on higher end PCs, the game is similar to the first and is generally a fun experience.”
“The microtransactions are insulting (even if people exaggerated about them).”
- graphics8,057 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of Dragon's Dogma 2 have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals and improved character models compared to its predecessor. However, significant performance issues, particularly in densely populated areas, have led to frustration, as even high-end systems struggle to maintain stable frame rates. Overall, while the graphical fidelity is appreciated, the game's optimization and performance have been criticized, leaving some players disappointed despite the visual enhancements.
“The graphics are stunning, the combat is super fun, and the world feels alive and interesting.”
“The visuals and combat have been enough to keep me playing for 350 hours.”
“With its captivating story, dynamic combat, stunning visuals, and deep customization options, Dragon's Dogma 2 is not just a game, but a journey that beckons players to lose themselves in its world.”
“The game needs a few patches to fix performance, graphics, and HDR.”
“There's massive graphical issues; they didn't voice act a lot of lines for the romancable characters escort quests among other things that they cheaped out on for voice acting like there only being 6 voices for the pawns and the options on those being heavily modulated versions of the same voice.”
“The graphics are so much better than the first game... until you look at any unimportant NPC.”
- stability1,658 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 73 % negative mentions
The stability of "Dragon's Dogma II" has received mixed feedback from players, with many reporting significant issues such as frequent crashes, freezes, and performance drops, particularly in populated areas. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay without major glitches, a substantial number have encountered frustrating bugs that hinder progress, especially related to quests and NPC interactions. Overall, the game appears to be in a buggy state, prompting many to recommend waiting for patches and optimizations before purchasing.
“I have experienced no glitches so far, and have a smooth frame rate on an RTX 3060 12GB and an i5 13400F.”
“Game runs great, zero issues here.”
“The game is excellent, pretty bug free and one of the most stable releases I've seen this year.”
“Such a great game ruined by: bugs, glitches, and many crashes.”
“Made it 32 hours into the game then the game crashed; now I can no longer play the game and it crashes every time I try to start it up. It's great to buy a buggy game that no longer works.”
“The lack of clarity and the prevalence of quest glitches detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game, leaving me frustrated and disillusioned.”
- grinding1,455 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Dragon's Dogma II" has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players frequently describing the experience as tedious and repetitive. Many reviews highlight the lack of fast travel options, excessive backtracking, and the overwhelming frequency of combat encounters with the same enemy types, which detracts from exploration and immersion. While some players appreciate the combat mechanics and the potential for character development, the overall sentiment is that the game feels unnecessarily grindy, often leading to frustration rather than enjoyment.
“Fun unique party mechanics, class versatility, not too grindy, cool big monster combat, liked it enough to get 100% achievements.”
“You absolutely don't have to spend any money on the DLC items, everything can be earned by just playing the game and it isn't really tedious to obtain the items.”
“You can get everything you need in-game with little to no grinding, and there are other systems in place that make it very easy to never want them.”
“Mundane quests: quests lacked variety and creativity, becoming tedious and boring over time, leading to a loss of immersion and interest in the game.”
“Content repetition - about 15 hours in and you will have done basically all of the 'emergency quests' the game has to offer- most quests are repetitive and a lot of the content feels very.....grindy....”
“The main story quickly degenerates into a bunch of fetch quests, most of which are tedious at best and utterly nonsensical at worst.”
- music1,406 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it lacks the memorable quality of the original game's soundtrack. While some tracks are praised for their atmospheric qualities and suitability during combat, others describe the overall score as generic and forgettable, often feeling repetitive. The absence of iconic themes from the first game, such as "Into Free," has disappointed fans, leading to a general sentiment that the music does not live up to the high standards set by its predecessor.
“The music, the score for the game is memorable and enjoyable. Satoshi Hori along with composers Hana Kimura, Masahiro Oki, and Shusaku Uchiyama have done an amazing job at creating some incredible atmospheric tunes.”
“The game's sound design and music are also phenomenal. I will miss Dark Arisen's main menu theme, but aside from that, the music accompanying you during either exploration or combat are very well composed and the sound effects punctuating fights also add to the previously mentioned feedback, further enhancing combat as a whole.”
“The music is fantastic, and the big monster fights are pretty exciting, as the leveling process goes.”
“Quests are uninspired, as is the lore, the plot, the characters, and the soundtrack.”
“The music isn't great, and sure there's DLC for the 1st game's music, but I would have liked a bit more music out of the box, especially considering how much exploring there is to do.”
“The soundtrack in this game is almost non-existent, and where it does exist is terribly bland and uninspired.”
- humor1,036 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Dragon's Dogma 2" is a standout feature, characterized by the often absurd antics of the AI-controlled pawns, who frequently engage in hilariously clumsy behavior, such as jumping off cliffs or making amusing remarks during battles. Players find joy in the game's unpredictable physics and chaotic combat, leading to countless laugh-out-loud moments, whether from the pawns' quirky dialogue or the unexpected outcomes of encounters with enemies. While some humor may wear thin over time, the overall experience is filled with charm and comedic elements that enhance the gameplay.
“And hilarious things happen very often with my lovable knucklehead pawns and I as we bash our way across the map.”
“The addition of things like ragdolls, stagger, and take-downs add many different and often hilarious ways to take down enemies by yourself or together with your pawn.”
“The pawns are hilarious, the combat is so fluid and satisfying, and the design is just breathtaking.”
“It's not funny around the 50th time.”
“This is an unfunny joke.”
“Would refund if I didn't play for too long making my character. I was unaware of the pay-to-win status of this game. Also, if you enjoyed the pawn banter in the first one, get ready for non-stop forced obnoxious banter all the time. It reminded me of Oblivion at first when everyone is talking at the same time, just not funny.”
- replayability410 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising the variety of vocations and quest outcomes that encourage multiple playthroughs, while others criticize the lack of meaningful endgame content and difficulty scaling in New Game Plus. Many feel that, despite the potential for replayability, the overall experience can become repetitive and lacks the depth found in its predecessor. Overall, while some players find it highly replayable, others express disappointment in its limited replay value after the initial playthrough.
“The freedom to forge alliances, aid NPCs, and tackle quests in any order adds depth to the game’s replayability.”
“This is all to say: the game is imminently replayable to try and get the 'best' endings for the various characters, with a hearty new game plus system and no real level cap to speak of, you can easily pour hundreds of hours into this title.”
“The variety of vocations and character builds keeps the action fresh, offering immense replayability.”
“Unfortunately, with this game in its current state, it doesn't have too much replayability at all, to be honest, and it saddens me.”
“Having beaten the game and maxed each vocation, there is absolutely 0 replay value.”
“The original Dragon's Dogma is easily one of my top five favorite games of all time, but this one doesn't really make the cut due to how bland new game plus is, and how it ultimately kills the replayability of the game.”
- emotional375 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players expressing deep emotional connections and moments that moved them to tears, particularly during the ending and interactions with their pawns. However, many others criticized the overall storytelling as shallow and lacking emotional depth, with repetitive quests and underdeveloped characters failing to engage players on a meaningful level. While some found moments of joy and nostalgia reminiscent of the original game, the consensus suggests that the emotional impact is inconsistent and often overshadowed by a lackluster narrative.
“Both the last game and this game made me cry.”
“Idk why I'm feeling this way, but these past few weeks it felt like my life had no meaning and no direction, to the point where I just wanna disappear– but stumbling upon this game and playing it made me feel like I had some inkling of purpose to still breathe.”
“I was very connected to my pawn in the end and I cried a little when it was over.”
“You can see the potential throughout, but it is wasted at every corner with poor game design decisions (no fast travel in an empty and boring world, repetitive enemies, terrible AI, NPCs almost never react to anything around them or things that just happened, boring story, I can go on). This is not an open world (just in case, to manage your expectations) more like a multitude of corridors you can take.”
“After playing several hours, I changed my review from good to bad. The negatives just outweigh the positives... full price title with tons of microtransactions, horrible performance when entering major cities, and just overall no step up from Dragon's Dogma 1. The same enemy types over and over again, horrible traveling system, and boring story.”
“I would like to see the end of the rather bland/boring story, and I can't get myself to travel to the next place because it's indescribably boring.”
- atmosphere304 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, enhanced by stunning visuals, atmospheric music, and dynamic lighting. Players appreciate the blend of medieval and dark fantasy elements, which create a rich environment for exploration and adventure. While some critiques mention a lack of memorable music and occasional monotony in dungeon design, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere significantly contributes to its appeal, making it a standout experience in the RPG genre.
“The atmosphere, the fights, the adventure, around every corner is something worth exploring and it is such a great game, when everything does work.”
“The attention to detail in Dragon's Dogma 2 is truly commendable, with breathtaking landscapes, intricate character designs, and atmospheric soundscapes that transport players to a world brimming with wonder and peril.”
“The gameplay, the medieval atmosphere that permeates the whole game are excellent, the game has a rare quality, it makes you feel part of the world, and has one of the best blends of action with RPG.”
“The general atmosphere feels lacklustre and empty.”
“No epic fight music, no melancholic exploration music - atmosphere is just completely dead.”
“The only thing I genuinely dislike about the game is the way it lost its atmosphere (the OST especially feels really generic while still being good) and it doesn't give that dark atmosphere anymore; there are some areas that give that but they're all optional small zones.”
- character development149 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has been widely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players noting that NPCs feel forgettable and underdeveloped. While the character design and customization options are praised as top-notch, the overall narrative and character arcs are described as shallow, leaving players wanting more meaningful interactions and growth. Despite some enjoyment of the gameplay mechanics, the consensus is that the story and character development do not meet expectations, especially when compared to other titles in the genre.
“The unique aspect of character design is the ability to create your own pawn or party member, adding a personal touch to your party of adventurers.”
“Character development is refreshing.”
“The character development, story, plot, and way you interact with the environment is superb.”
“The RPG progress also stalls around the same point, with no meaningful character development provided by the game.”
“Zero character development and most people you meet become forgettable.”
“I'll be taking a break from the game and coming back with a fresh mindset when they finally add in the feature to start a new game, but I'm just honestly frustrated at the lack of any story or character development that would make my choices actually matter.”
Critic Reviews
Dragon's Dogma 2 Review
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is as much of an odd RPG as its predecessor and makes little to no concessions, leveraging its many strengths and unique traits to make up for the half-baked bits.
85%Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review (PS5) – A Masterwork Comeback
Dragon’s Dogma 2 already is coming into its’ own as another cult classic and boosts the things that made it a solid start to its initial franchise run. Despite some technical hiccups, it was incredible to see the series return in this form. While a few technical aspects need to be ironed out, the rest is bliss for the wait. As much as I have done on Dragon’s Dogma 2 thus far, clocking at least 80 hours, I still need to go back and undertake some pressing Meister Vocation mastery, Sphinx challenges, and redo some challenges with the same vim enthusiam that I have stored up since the 2022 announcement.
80%Dragon's Dogma 2 Performance Review Summary
More of a redo than a sequel, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a strange and wonderful action-RPG that bolsters the original’s strengths without addressing its weaknesses.
80%
