How Dragon's Dogma 2 has crafted something for every type of RPG Fan

From heroic warriors to stealthy rogues

As the Arisen, Vocations are a key part of your story, allowing you to specialize and focus your talents in a particular area for a period of time.

You can change Vocation at any time by seeking out a Guild, allowing you to experiment with playstyles and find one that suits you. If you're the type to fire up an RPG and pool all your points into strength-based traits or armor resilience, you might start by picking either the skirmish-loving Fighter or the tank-like Warrior, master of two-handed weapons.

If you're more of a stealth fan, you might go for the dagger-wielding Thief or the Archer, a sharp-shooter able to pick enemies off from afar. Wannabe mystics haven't been forgotten either, as both the Mage, a skilled magical all-rounder, and Sorcerer, master of offensive spells, make suitable heroes for any quest. Whichever style you choose, you'll have no issue squaring up to Dragon's Dogma 2.

Your travels will bring you into contact with Vocation Maisters, skilled masters of their chosen Vocation. Through careful nurturing of your relationship with them, you'll be able to follow in their footsteps, choosing your own Vocation from a wide range and learning the tricks of the trade. Hybrid Vocations are exclusive to the Arisen, such as the Magick Archer, Mystic Spearhand, Trickster, and Warfarer. Each of these combines elements of multiple Vocations, creating a unique blend of playstyles for anyone who likes an extra challenge.

If you've been hooked on Baldur's Gate's system of parties and classes, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers similarly in-depth skill building and wide variation in Vocations. Your skills, and those of your party, will help or hinder you as you search for your draconian foe.

For the lore-hungry explorers and creative customizers

Of all the reasons to set off on a quest, having your heart stolen by a dragon is up there with the best of them. The dragon's theft by local tradition means that you are now the Arisen, a celebrated figure with the right to ascend the throne of Vermund. The scheming Disa has been positioning her son as the next king, so your empty chest has thrown her plans out of order.

The Arisen must venture out to face the dragon, traveling through the lands of the Elves, Beastren, and man.

The Elves keep to themselves, hidden away in their village of Sacred Arbor amidst the trees and waterfalls. They speak their own language and are wary of strangers, but some Pawns may be able to translate their language and aid communication between the two races. Further out is the nation of Beastren, Battahl. Nestled inside ancient ruins and steep canyons, their culture has flourished independently of humanity, raising a harsh and hardy people. Their love for their Empress, guardian of the Lambent Flame, transcends all else, but their superstitions make them wary of Pawns.

You are free to explore as you wish, unearthing lore and quests as you travel, bartering with merchants, building relationships with locals, or even picking fights as you go. The meticulously crafted Dragon's Dogma 2 plants you in a fully realized virtual world, so for those who love a lore dump - maybe you read every book in Skyrim, or find yourself on the Elden Ring Wiki at 2 am - it's got everything you could want. Realistic day and night cycles combined with a clean environment free from quest markers or loading screens mean the opportunities for exploration and quests are almost endless.

 You can take control over almost every detail of your journey - starting off by creating a fully customizable Arisen in the character creator to serve as your avatar, and your Main Pawn, your trusted companion who would accompany you to the very ends of the earth. Over time, the two of you will become close. You'll be able to watch your Pawn learn about the world around them and grow stronger in combat, just as you do. You'll travel with a group of up to three Pawns, each with their own abilities, specializations, and stories to tell.

Embracing the challenge of combat

Dragon's Dogma 2 presents you with countless challenges and opportunities to prove yourself in battle. Whether you march in with your sword held high, or try to find alternatives to bloodshed, you'll come up against plenty of hugely powerful monsters in this world. Combat effectiveness can be changed by all manner of factors, including terrain and your party's current abilities. Each enemy will require a different method, unless of course you skill up wildly and decide to knock out anyone who gets in your way.

Be warned though, combat in Dragon's Dogma 2 can be tricky. Slimes and Rattlers are numerous and persistent, but you'll wish for more of them when an Ogre or Golem crosses your path. From beastly Minotaurs, who can slash you with a one-hit battle-axe kill, to undead monstrosities like Wights, who rain down powerful and deadly magick from above, prepare to be attacked in a variety of ways by enemies far stronger than you. Don't lose heart though (metaphorically, sorry Arisen), battles can be won with a bit of cunning and strategic know-how. Colossal Saurians, for example, may seem indestructible, but chopping off their tails will send them packing.

Each enemy type offers something new, so for those Sekiro and Dark Souls fans who like nothing more than to slash their way through countless bloody battles and keep returning to the scene of their own deaths - this one's for you. You'll need every ounce of strength and resilience you've got to spare, plus the help of your loyal Pawns, to make it through this land in one piece.

Grab your copy of Dragon's Dogma 2 for PC today, and embark on the quest of a lifetime.