Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen expands the already sprawling RPG with a new frozen region, fresh enemies, and a story that grapples with destiny. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel like its predecessor did, this expansion delivers a brooding, ambitious journey that will keep players engaged for roughly 20 hours. For South African gamers looking for a deep, atmospheric adventure, this is a worthy addition to the Dragon's Dogma canon.
What is the story of Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen?
The expansion's narrative picks up on a familiar theme: another Arisen has been rumored to exist, a contradiction that demands investigation. This leads players north to the frozen mountains of Norgan, a largely abandoned region with a single settlement at its border. The story meanders in ways similar to the base game, but the side quests are less distracting this time around.
The main quest is solid, if not groundbreaking. It's a meditation on how a hero of destiny chooses their fate, and whether they have a choice at all. The theme is unsubtle and the ending overstays its welcome, but the journey is filled with big moments and genuinely interesting lore.
How does the new Norgan region change the gameplay?
Norgan is delightfully dense, even if it's smaller than other regions. It gains a sprawling sense of height, from jagged icy peaks down to winding, interconnected underground caverns. Navigating the treacherous rocks is daunting at first, but climbing hooks on specific poles help bridge elevations. The dungeons loop back on themselves, revealing shortcuts that make the region feel almost like a Zelda or Metroid game, a first for this series.
The abundance of portcrystals is a practical relief, as ox carts wouldn't survive the harsh environment. Wintry winds can turn into blinding whiteouts that threaten to freeze you without special gear or consumables. These came in abundance, so death was rarely a concern, but the scrambling effect on the minimap made them a threat worth waiting out at camp.
What new enemies and gear can players expect?
Norgan's new monsters are gnarly. Some are stronger versions of past foes, but the brand-new ones shine. The baphomet-shaped lesser demons that sling spells are intense dance partners, and the giant yetis with gaping mouths are some of the most grotesque and memorable enemies in the series.
The new gear type, called Spoils, appears in generic shapes and must be appraised by new NPCs. Rolling the dice for gear wasn't exciting, and it further isolated me from my equipment. There are special attributes to consider, but no single piece stayed in rotation long enough to rely on. The deluge of experience points strapped a rocket to my leveling, making the lottery of gear feel pointless outside of an endgame grind.
Are the new skills and dungeons worth the time?
New skills for every vocation can be learned from obelisks, with higher tiers unlocked via offering flames earned in the repeatable 12 Lost Rites dungeons. Each skill is welcome, but outside of some powerful new spells for casters, they don't change the balance of vocations significantly. The Trickster class is more active now, with new options to possess enemies.
The Last Rites dungeons range from short gauntlets to sizable delves. Some have unique designs, like one requiring an Archer or Magick Archer and featuring shootable support pillars. None were a significant challenge, especially with the power spike from grinding through Norgan first. The recurring boss, a giant Beholder-like eyeball monster, is a fun fight.
Should South African gamers pick up Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen?
Dark Arisen 2 isn't as transformational as the first expansion, mainly because many of the base game's issues were fixed through patching. But the new content flies in the same ambitious skies as its predecessor, pushing the story and world design to new heights. For those who enjoy a broody, atmospheric RPG with a dense world to explore, this expansion is a solid investment.
The game's themes of destiny and choice resonate universally, and the frozen frontier of Norgan offers a welcome change of pace from the rolling hills of Vermund and the deserts of Bathall. While some progression options get left behind, the core experience is engaging and memorable.