Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review: 9 Epic Reasons This Fantasy RPG Is an Absolute Game-Changer
Key Takeaways
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 delivers deep, rewarding combat that feels skill-based and intense
- The Pawn system is smarter and more useful than ever
- The world feels alive, dangerous, and unpredictable
- Exploration is meaningful, with real consequences for bad decisions
- Performance can vary, but the experience is still unforgettable
- This is a true RPG for players who love freedom and challenge
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a bold and immersive action RPG that rewards exploration, strategy, and skill. With intense combat, a smart Pawn system, and a dangerous open world, it offers one of the most unique fantasy experiences in modern gaming.
My Honest Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review After 60+ Hours
I went into Dragon’s Dogma 2 excited but cautious. The first game had a cult following, but it wasn’t perfect. So I told myself, “Okay, let’s see if this one truly levels up.”
Fast forward 60+ hours later… I was still getting ambushed by goblins while trying to admire a sunset.
And honestly? I loved it.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t hold your hand. It throws you into a living, breathing fantasy world and says, “Good luck.” Sometimes that means epic victories. Other times it means running for your life because you thought you could fight a griffin at level 12. (Spoiler: You can’t.)
1. Combat That Feels Weighty, Brutal, and Deep
Combat is the heart of Dragon’s Dogma 2. And wow, does it deliver.
Every fight feels physical. When you swing a massive sword, you feel the weight. When a cyclops grabs your Pawn and hurls them across the field, you panic a little.
Here’s what makes combat shine:
- Real-time action that rewards skill and positioning
- Large enemies you can climb and attack Shadow of the Colossus-style
- Vocation system with unique abilities
- Smart stamina management that forces strategy
The Vocation System Explained
You start simple, but later you unlock advanced classes called Vocations.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Vocation | Playstyle | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter | Sword & Shield | Defensive players |
| Archer | Ranged DPS | Precision lovers |
| Mage | Support & Magic | Strategic thinkers |
| Thief | Fast melee | Aggressive players |
| Sorcerer | High magic damage | Big spell fans |
Switching vocations keeps the game fresh. I personally switched three times because I couldn’t decide what I liked more. (Classic RPG indecision.)
2. The Pawn System Is Still Brilliant
If you’ve never played Dragon’s Dogma before, Pawns are AI companions you create and recruit from other players online.
And they’re not just filler teammates.
They:
- Give helpful advice during quests
- Warn you about enemy weaknesses
- Learn from your playstyle
- Share knowledge between players
One of my Pawns once shouted, “Fire works well!” during a griffin fight. I ignored them. We wiped. Lesson learned.
The Pawn system makes the world feel connected. It’s one of the most unique RPG systems out there.
3. A World That Feels Alive and Dangerous
This world is not safe. Not even close.
You can’t fast travel easily. Nighttime is terrifying. Large monsters roam freely.
And that’s what makes exploration so exciting.
Why Exploration Actually Matters
In many open-world games, exploration feels like checking boxes. Here, it feels meaningful.
You’ll discover:
- Hidden caves with rare loot
- Random boss encounters
- Dynamic NPC events
- Alternate quest outcomes
I once followed a random road at night and stumbled into a fight between soldiers and a giant ogre. I wasn’t ready. I ran. It felt real.
4. Graphics and Performance
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Let’s talk honestly.
The visuals are beautiful. The lighting, forests, and monster designs look incredible.
But performance can be inconsistent, especially in cities.
Here’s a simple overview:
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Graphics | Excellent |
| Monster Design | Outstanding |
| Performance in Cities | Mixed |
| Performance in Combat | Mostly Stable |
It didn’t ruin my experience, but it’s something to know before buying.
5. Story: Simple but Effective
The story isn’t overly complex. It’s classic fantasy:
You are the Arisen. A dragon steals your heart. Chaos follows.
What makes it work isn’t twists. It’s the world-building and characters.
- Political tension between races
- Moral choices with consequences
- NPCs that react to your decisions
It’s not The Witcher 3-level writing, but it’s solid and immersive.
6. Things You Should Know Before Playing
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is not for everyone.
Here are a few honest warnings:
- Limited fast travel
- Tough early-game difficulty
- Minimal hand-holding
- Inventory management can feel heavy
If you love challenge and freedom, you’ll enjoy it.
If you prefer guided experiences, it might frustrate you.
7. What Makes Dragon’s Dogma 2 Special
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After dozens of hours, here’s what stuck with me:
- Organic exploration
- Smart AI companions
- Intense boss fights
- True role-playing freedom
- Consequences that matter
This game trusts the player. That’s rare today.
Summary
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a bold, challenging, and deeply rewarding action RPG. It doesn’t follow modern open-world shortcuts. Instead, it builds a dangerous world that respects your intelligence and skill.
It’s not perfect. Performance issues exist. The story is simple. Fast travel is limited.
But when you’re climbing a massive griffin mid-air while your Pawn screams advice and the sun sets behind a mountain? That’s gaming magic.
If you’re ready for a fantasy adventure that doesn’t treat you like a beginner, Dragon’s Dogma 2 might be your next obsession.
FAQs
Not really. It has a steep learning curve, especially in the early hours. But once you understand the systems, it becomes very rewarding.
The main story can take around 30–40 hours. With side quests and exploration, it can easily reach 60+ hours.
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The game is designed around having companions.
Yes, but it’s limited and requires specific items. Travel is meant to feel dangerous and meaningful.
If you love deep RPG systems, tough combat, and organic exploration, absolutely yes.
