Two years after its initial release, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is making a surprising move by removing the majority of the DLC microtransactions that plagued the game at launch. Dragon’s Dogma 2 was one of 2024’s most anticipated releases, but the in-game purchases dampened the experience for many of the players who were looking forward to the RPG.
The subject of microtransactions in games has been a hot topic of debate for years at this point, and Capcom’s plans to delist this kind of content feels like a win for those who have grown tired of the method. Bethesda’s controversial Horse Armor that was added to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in 2006 marked the first major step in normalizing microtransactions, but it would still be a few more years before it turned into a standard feature. It’s important to note that the first Dragon’s Dogma featured microtransactions, but the amounts in the sequel were seen by many as egregious. That’s coming to an end, though, and there is a good reason why.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is Getting Rid of Microtransactions Ahead of Its Dark Arisen Expansion
Not only is Capcom removing Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s microtransactions, but the company is even delisting the Deluxe Edition of the game. The main draws of the Deluxe Edition were the Explorer’s Camping Kit and the Dragon’s Dogma Music & Sounds Collection. These two things will still be available to purchase, but they won’t be in a Deluxe Edition bundle. Capcom’s delisting will go into action on June 24, so gamers who are still interested in buying the extra content can do so before that date. Everything that has been purchased before June 24 will remain playable, so that’s good news for fans who have already invested beyond what the base game has to offer.
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Drag weapons to fill the grid
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Dark Arisen Breathes New Life Into Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has been lying dormant for a while, so a new expansion is an exciting update for players who have been hoping for new content. Earlier this year, there were Dragon’s Dogma 2 DLC hints spotted by fans in the game’s second anniversary post. It turns out that players’ suspicions were true, and Dark Arisen is set to launch on October 9.
The RPG will also finally be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on the same day that the expansion comes out, adding yet another major title to the list of this year’s most exciting Switch 2 announcements. Dragon’s Dogma 2 coming to the Switch may not be as big of a reveal as the Ocarina of Time remake, but it’s a solid addition to the console’s quickly growing third-party lineup. Between the upcoming Dark Arisen DLC and the Switch 2 launch, Capcom getting rid of certain purchasable content is ultimately the right move to attract more players.
Capcom Delisting Dragons Dogma 2’s Microtransaction Content Can Give the Game a Second Chance to Thrive
It’s not like Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s sales were bad initially, as it was one of the most successful games of 2024. Despite the controversial amount of microtransactions, it ended up being a huge hit for Capcom. Other popular fantasy games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring have been around for one year longer than Capcom’s RPG, and they still ignite plenty of discussion. Of course, those games are hard to compare to, but Dragon’s Dogma 2 had the potential to have a bigger spotlight, and it’s very possible that certain decisions with its in-game content hurt that original potential.
There is a major silver lining, though. Far fewer microtransactions, a new DLC, and its arrival on a fresh console means that Dragon’s Dogma 2 is primed to reach an even bigger audience. The Dark Arisen expansion is definitely exciting for a lot of players, but it’s also a great way to incentivize newcomers to dive in and see what the RPG is all about. Despite its issues, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is still one of the best open-world RPGs of the past decade. All the discourse surrounding the early days of the game really covered it in a thick blanket of microtransaction stigma, but it’s definitely a game that deserves a second look. Plus, Capcom removing these controversial features shows that the company has been paying attention to players’ concerns.
Details Confirmed for Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Dark Arisen Expansion
- Norgan – a new region
- New dungeon challenges
- Updates to the game’s character creator
One of the most exciting aspects of the Dark Arisen expansion is that it’s introducing an all-new map area for players to explore. Norgan is a snow-covered region that has been mysteriously abandoned for a long time. A new addition to Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s map is exciting, but there are also going to be plenty of challenges and obstacles that players have to be on the lookout for. There are already teasers on Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s website that Norgan is filled with creatures and hordes that will make exploration far easier said than done. However, the most resilient players will be rewarded.
Those who pre-order the Dark Arisen expansion will get winter clothing cosmetics inspired by the Norgan region.
Players will also be able to look forward to 12 new dungeon challenges. Each dungeon holds rare items that have yet to be fully revealed. The demand for Dragon’s Dogma 2 DLC has been an ongoing request within the community, so it’s exciting to see that Dark Arisen isn’t going to skimp on the extra content. Norgan and 12 new dungeon challenges are already post-launch additions worth celebrating, but Dark Arisen is adding one more upgrade into the mix with changes to the character creator.
There is one thing that Dragon’s Dogma 2 has been applauded for from the start, and that’s its approach to custom character mechanics. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of the best games for detailed character creation. Dark Arisen will be bringing a wave of new hairstyles and tattoos to the character creator, so players can go even further with building their ideal avatar. It may have been a long journey to get a Dragon’s Dogma 2 DLC, but Capcom appearas to have answered the call in a big way.
- Released
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March 22, 2024
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
