Capcom's Dragon's Dogma 2 is sparking mixed reactions in 2024, attracting some players while pushing others away. Unlike mainstream RPGs such as The Elder Scrolls or Dark Souls, the game blends engaging combat with traditional RPG elements, positioning itself as a unique experience. Little known fact: Dragon's Dogma 2 serves as both a sequel and a reimagining of the original, making it an ideal candidate for a refreshed take on the acclaimed Dark Arisen expansion.
The original Dragon's Dogma launched in 2012, followed by the Dark Arisen version a year later. This updated release not only addressed base game issues and bundled original DLC content but also introduced the challenging endgame location: Bitterblack Isle. Situated near Cassardis, this island housed the game's toughest foes and best treasures, hinting at similar enhancements for Dragon's Dogma 2's endgame.
The Impact of Dark Arisen on Dragon's Dogma
While the vanilla Dragon's Dogma won over fans with its combat and immersive world, Dark Arisen propelled the game to cult status. Apart from the formidable Bitterblack Isle, this expansion brought a full game release with various tweaks, bonus items, and fixes, including:
- 100,000 Rift Crystals for hiring top-tier Pawns
- An Eternal Ferrystone enabling unlimited fast-travel
- Additional armor pieces previously sold as DLC
Notably, Bitterblack Isle emerged as the highlight, challenging players with the toughest encounters for lucrative rewards. Players even had the chance to face Death itself, marking a monumental triumph for the Arisen and their comrades. The enhanced features of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen led to its porting to 8th-gen consoles.
Envisioning a Dark Arisen-Style Expansion for Dragon's Dogma 2
Given that Dragon's Dogma 2 is a sequel and a reimagining, a substantial expansion akin to Dark Arisen seems fitting. Such an expansion should introduce a fresh endgame locale to challenge even high-level players. While the current endgame area in Dragon's Dogma 2, the Unmoored World, boasts formidable foes, players at that stage often overpower threats due to their stats.
Besides a challenging endgame area, a Dark Arisen-inspired expansion for Dragon's Dogma 2 should reward players with an Eternal Ferrystone, streamlining fast travel without resource constraints beyond Portcrystals. As exploration plays a pivotal role in both games, early-game limitations on fast travel might deter some players. Addressing this issue could entice lapsed players back into the game.