Dragon's Dogma 2

66%
Game Brain Score Based on 54,717 reviews
  • optimization
  • story
  • gameplay
Dragon's Dogma 2 Game Cover
Dragon's Dogma 2 is an action RPG with a heavy emphasis on combat that is both thrilling and entertaining.
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Dragon'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…

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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

66%
Audience ScoreBased on 54,717 reviews
story3,398 positive mentions
optimization5,835 negative mentions
  • optimization22,257 mentions

    The optimization of "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received significant criticism from players, with many reporting severe performance issues, particularly in densely populated areas like cities. While some users with high-end systems have managed to achieve stable frame rates, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, leading to frequent frame drops, stuttering, and crashes, which detract from the overall experience. Despite recent patches aimed at improving performance, many players still recommend waiting for further updates before purchasing the game.

    • “The graphics and performance are decent, especially after the updates it has received; HDR implementation is effective, and I have not encountered a single game crash during my entire 70-hour playthrough.”
    • “Performance is good, and the gameplay is entertaining.”
    • “Overall, I've enjoyed my time with the game so far and loved to see the developers still working on it and adding fixes, huge performance improvements, and class changes/tweaks.”
    • “The optimization is completely utter garbage, like not even effort was put into making this game run well.”
    • “Terrible performance, no improvements over the first game (which was released in 2012, mind you), complete slog of an open world, so empty, devoid of unique content.”
    • “The performance of this game is absolute dog shit.”
  • story19,223 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 game's exploration and combat mechanics, they criticize the main narrative for being short, disjointed, and filled with fetch quests that lack depth and engagement. Overall, the game seems to prioritize gameplay over storytelling, leaving players wanting more from the narrative experience.

    • “The story is more intricate this time, with layered characters and moral ambiguity.”
    • “The story might have a big slow start but by the end I can assure you it'll make more sense and hopefully it'll be a bit more appreciated by the bittersweet true ending.”
    • “The story is captivating, weaving together personal stakes and epic battles with a sense of wonder and mystery.”
    • “The story is trash (I can't stress enough how bad it is), the characters are one-dimensional, the quests are boring, and the optimization is completely utter garbage, like not even effort was put into making this game run well.”
    • “The story is a bit shallow, and the pacing is awful: the first arc has like 6 different main quests that require you to go to the same place (the castle at night) over and over.”
    • “The story is non-existent, I'm about halfway through the post-game/true ending and everything felt so disconnected that I needed to watch a video to understand what happened and even after that, it hardly made sense.”
  • gameplay9,160 mentions

    The gameplay of "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging combat mechanics and the unique pawn system that enhances the experience. Players appreciate the variety of vocations and the satisfying exploration, although some criticize the repetitive enemy encounters and lack of significant story depth. Technical issues, such as performance problems and a frustrating save system, have also been highlighted, impacting the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.

    • “The gameplay is incredible, but there's some aspects about it that might irk you.”
    • “The gameplay is practically identical, with a lot of modern best practices respected in the second title.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging but the performance is so bad.”
    • “The gameplay is annoying; I'm not sure I would say there is a storyline at all. The controls are absolutely terrible, perhaps the worst I've seen in a game in over a decade.”
    • “The gameplay is rather slow and extremely punishing, especially if the autosave happens before a tough enemy and your health is suddenly chipped, making it even harder.”
    • “The gameplay loop is insultingly repetitive. You fight the same enemies for 90 hours of gameplay, and nothing changes; areas are quite similar to each other too.”
  • monetization6,494 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 criticize these microtransactions as unnecessary and predatory, the consensus is that they do not impact gameplay, as all items can be easily obtained through regular play. Despite the backlash, some players argue that the microtransactions are merely optional shortcuts for those who prefer convenience.

    • “While there are microtransactions available, you can finish the game without buying any.”
    • “Don't listen to anything about monetization; about halfway through the game, you'll have more money than you can use.”
    • “The microtransactions are literally just there to skip the game; I mean, why the hell would you want to skip this game?”
    • “The microtransactions in this game are a hot topic. They are unnecessary, unintrusive, and they also were present on the original dragon's dogma in the same format.”
    • “Microtransactions in a single player game should not exist. They are a complete nothingburger and have zero impact on the game.”
    • “The microtransactions are a disappointment, but I blame capcom, not the dev team, as they force this trash into literally every game of theirs, at least, like in the first one, anything forced into a microtransaction is also easily available in game.”
  • graphics5,579 mentions

    The graphics of Dragon's Dogma 2 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and improved character models. However, numerous players have reported significant performance issues, particularly in densely populated areas, leading to frame rate drops and crashes even on high-end systems. While the graphical fidelity is generally considered an upgrade from its predecessor, the optimization has been criticized, with some players feeling that the game requires excessive hardware to run smoothly, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “The improved graphics engine delivers stunning lighting effects, detailed textures, and fluid animations.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, with beautifully crafted environments that make exploration a delight.”
    • “Amazing graphics, gameplay is a blast, character creator is the most insane creator I've ever experienced in any video game thus far.”
    • “The game just feels very unpolished; graphics are choppy due to the high CPU requirements.”
    • “Running a 4070 or higher doesn't really improve visuals or quality; it just makes it more bearable.”
    • “The graphics are outdated and performance is poor.”
  • stability1,095 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and performance issues, particularly in populated areas like cities. While some users with high-end systems report smooth gameplay, others experience significant frame drops and bugs that hinder progress, especially during quests. Overall, the game appears to be in a buggy state, with many recommending waiting for patches and optimizations before purchasing.

    • “The game runs great without any stuttering.”
    • “Despite what many people write here, I haven't had a single performance issue in 100 hours of playing; no crashes, no frame drops in the capital, it runs great on my PC and I don't have a 4090!”
    • “The game is excellent, pretty bug-free, and one of the most stable releases I've seen this year.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess and visually looks like it came from 2005.”
    • “This game crashes, freezes, and experiences frame rate dips, making it hardly playable.”
    • “The game freezes constantly - every 5-30 minutes of gameplay requires the game to be restarted because it has locked up.”
  • grinding1,056 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive due to limited enemy variety and a lack of fast travel options. While some appreciate the grind as a means of character progression and resource gathering, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, turning exploration and questing into a monotonous chore. The presence of microtransactions for convenience has also sparked debate, with some arguing that it encourages a grindy experience designed to push players towards spending money.

    • “You can earn everything in the game, and it's not grindy; everything comes naturally.”
    • “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.”
    • “You can get all the items easily inside the game, no grinding required.”
    • “But the fun and excitement you will feel at what seems to be a full and fleshed-out world will quickly fade as the combat doesn't evolve, the enemies get reused, and the exploration becomes a grindy, repetitive slog.”
    • “The lack of a mount or decent fast travel option is really tedious and the story and quests are pretty bland.”
    • “You automatically slide down anything even remotely resembling a slope, making platforming tedious and needlessly frustrating and sometimes even fatal.”
  • music1,018 mentions

    The music in "Dragon's Dogma 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the soundtrack is generally pleasant and fits the game's atmosphere, it lacks the memorable and distinctive qualities of its predecessor, "Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen." Critics have pointed out that the new score feels more generic and orchestral, missing the unique blend of rock elements that made the first game's music stand out. Additionally, the availability of the original soundtrack as a paid DLC has sparked discussions about the game's overall audio experience, with some players opting to switch to the classic tracks for a more nostalgic feel.

    • “The soundtrack complements the adventure perfectly, setting the tone for both quiet moments of exploration and high-stakes battles.”
    • “The music is incredible, and the game gives you the adventure vibe I was hoping for.”
    • “The music, the scenery, the threat of danger all felt so magical.”
    • “The soundtrack is extremely disappointing and the game is too easy compared to its predecessor as it is still lacking hard mode several months after launch.”
    • “The music is so forgettable that I would actually recommend dropping a measly $3 to import the DD1 soundtrack which is vastly more emotive and enjoyable.”
    • “The music feels like a step down from the original game, both the background music intrinsic to the majority of the game and the score for climatic moments.”
  • humor691 mentions

    The humor in "Dragon's Dogma 2" is a standout feature, primarily driven by the game's quirky pawn system, which leads to numerous hilarious moments, such as pawns falling off cliffs or engaging in absurd banter. Players frequently find themselves laughing at the unexpected physics and chaotic combat scenarios, where even the most serious encounters can turn comical due to the AI's antics. While some players express frustration with repetitive dialogue and the occasional jankiness, the overall consensus is that the game's humor, often unintentional, adds a delightful charm to the experience.

    • “Since most pawns are player-made, you can be sure to find some hilarious creations out in the world or in the riftstones.”
    • “Smacking goblins into the air never gets old; I find myself laughing often at the chaotic situations.”
    • “The pawns are hilarious; they react to your gameplay and adapt to your tactics.”
    • “It's not funny around the 50th time.”
    • “I loved the first game, but this is just an unfunny joke.”
    • “Not cute and not funny.”
  • replayability315 mentions

    The game's replayability is a contentious topic among players, with many expressing disappointment over its lack of depth compared to its predecessor. While some appreciate the variety of classes and quest outcomes that encourage multiple playthroughs, others criticize the absence of meaningful endgame content and difficulty scaling, leading to a perception of minimal replay value. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there are elements that could enhance replayability, significant improvements are needed to match the expectations set by earlier titles in the series.

    • “No two interactions or situations are ever the same; the replay value is endless.”
    • “The ability to share pawns online and use others’ creations adds a communal aspect to the game that enhances replayability.”
    • “Every quest can be approached in multiple ways and has several outcomes depending on the player's choices, which adds even more replay value to the game.”
    • “Replayability: nearly nonexistent.”
    • “The game is in dire need of more content to give it longevity and replay value.”
    • “After 100 hours, I have no reason to go back and play this game as it has little to no replay value at all.”
  • emotional273 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the heartfelt moments and impactful true ending that elicited strong feelings, including tears. However, many others criticized the overall narrative for being boring, lacking depth, and failing to create meaningful emotional connections with characters, leading to a sense of disappointment. While the game has potential for emotional engagement, its execution often leaves players feeling unfulfilled.

    • “Such an emotional rollercoaster.”
    • “I cried at the ending.”
    • “The true ending was such an amazing way to end this awesome adventure, so emotional and philosophical too!”
    • “This game is awful in every way possible, trash performance, bad combat, boring world, boring story, terrible dialog and looks bad.”
    • “Cons: truly the most pathetic boring story of any game I've ever played.”
    • “You can see the potential throughout but it is wasted at every corner with poor game design decisions, boring story, and repetitive enemies.”
  • atmosphere234 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its stunning visuals, dynamic weather, and immersive sound design that create a captivating world. However, some players feel that despite the beautiful environments, the game lacks depth and engaging content, leading to a sense of emptiness. Overall, while the atmosphere is often described as rich and atmospheric, it is marred by gameplay issues and a perceived lack of meaningful exploration.

    • “The atmosphere is engaging and fun to explore... or if you prefer to follow guides and look up where things are, it is unrestricted in its openness to achieve what you desire to accomplish.”
    • “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 world itself is lush and beautiful; Capcom really nailed the atmosphere and immersion on this one!”
    • “I had high hopes for this one and something to play when bored, but I was disappointed there wasn't much to explore about this game for me personally. The gameplay sucks, mechanics are far from smooth, and the atmosphere of the game is just not there for me. To be quite honest, it doesn't even seem like this is the finished game. If they improved anything, I would be happy to see it, but paying something like €40 for this is just not worth it at all.”
    • “No epic fight music, no melancholic exploration music - the atmosphere is just completely dead.”
    • “The general atmosphere feels lackluster and empty.”
  • character development113 mentions

    Character development in the game has received largely negative feedback, with many reviewers citing a lack of depth and engagement in both the story and character arcs. While the character customization options are praised for their robustness, the actual development of characters throughout the game is described as shallow and forgettable, leaving players feeling disconnected from the narrative and its inhabitants. Overall, the game is seen as lacking the rich storytelling and character progression that many players desire.

    • “The character progression system offers a decent amount of customization, allowing players to tailor their character's abilities to their preferred playstyle.”
    • “As a ham-thieving cat archaeologist who enjoys beautiful graphics, a rich character development system, tons of gear and options, great character creation, unique quirks not found in any other game, and an amazing, giant, detail-oriented open world that's brimming with secrets in every corner, I give this a definite recommend.”
    • “The gameplay, environment, interaction with NPCs and pawns, enemies, immersion with the game atmosphere, and character development is a solid 9.5/10.”
    • “The biggest letdown was the lack of character development.”
    • “The storytelling is barebones and character development is non-existent.”
    • “It's quite apparent a lot of story content was cut because the pacing is bad and it feels like the protagonist and every major character have literally no sort of character development, and there was barely enough content to feel connected to anyone.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

84% average critic score

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Play time

15hMedian play time
36hAverage play time
5-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 976 analyzed playthroughs

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