Highlights

  • Dragon's Dogma 2 is highly anticipated and aims to improve upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay and customization features.
  • Now is a good time to play Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen for a discounted price and to try the franchise's unique mechanics.
  • Dark Arisen offers an efficient way for newcomers to learn the game's style of combat and vocation system, which will return in Dragon's Dogma 2.

The release of Dragon's Dogma 2 is just around the corner, which means there has never been a better time to play the first game that started it all. Dragon's Dogma first launched in 2012, garnering a fairly positive reception. A year later, an enhanced version of the game, titled Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, was released to even better reviews, eventually going on to become a rather successful cult classic. Now, it seems Dragon's Dogma 2 may attract more than a mere cult following once it releases, as it aims to improve upon its predecessor in a variety of ways and is one of the most anticipated games of 2024.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is highly anticipated by a much broader audience than its predecessor was able to attain during its initial lifespan, so there are presumably plenty of fans who have never played the first game but arguably should before the launch of the sequel. Whether it be Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen's price or niche gameplay, there is more than enough reason for newcomers and veterans alike to pick up Dark Arisen and familiarize or reacquaint themselves with the world and mechanics of Dragon's Dogma in preparation for the sequel's release on March 22.

How Dragon's Dogma 2's Fighter and Warrior Vocations Differ Explained
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How Dragon's Dogma 2's Fighter and Warrior Vocations Differ Explained

Every Vocation in Dragon's Dogma 2 provides a distinct way to experience the game, even if some of them sound like they would play the same.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Play Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen Is Currently On Sale

Perhaps the most compelling reason players should dive into the world of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen this close to the release of Dragon's Dogma 2 is the fact that Dark Arisen is currently massively discounted. Across every platform — whether PC via Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation — Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is on sale right now for anywhere from $4 to $5, depending on the platform. Not only is this an incredibly small price to pay for one of the greatest games of its time, but it accounts for an over 80% discount on its normal price. This is all part of Capcom's publisher sale, which will last until March 21, meaning the sale is undoubtedly in celebration of Dragon's Dogma 2​​​​.

Dragon's Dogma's Niche Gameplay Takes Some Getting Used To

While things will likely change after Dragon's Dogma 2 is released, Dragon's Dogma has always been fairly niche, to the point of attracting and maintaining only a narrow fanbase for the majority of its lifetime. It boasts some rather unique gameplay, as its combat can be clunky at times, simply due to the intentionality it requires. Also, although Dark Arisen's grapple mechanic is one of its best features, it still takes some time to get used to, especially for those who haven't played similar games like Shadow of the Colossus​​​​​​. As it's unlikely that the feel of Dragon's Dogma 2's combat is considerably different, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen can serve as a practice arena for newcomers and a great refresher for veterans.

Dragon's Dogma is also notably difficult, and since Capcom has already emphasized the importance of knowing when to run away from challenging battles in Dragon's Dogma 2, the sequel will presumably be just as difficult. The challenge doesn't only come in the form of arduous battles, however, as its complex mechanics and customization systems give it a fairly steep learning curve. Additionally, although there are several new vocations (classes) in Dragon's Dogma 2, it also uses many of those found in Dragon's Dogma, making Dark Arisen one of the most efficient ways for new players to educate themselves before the sequel's release.

There has never been a better time for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the world of Dragon's Dogma than right now, as Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is heavily discounted until March 21 and there are plenty of unique mechanics to learn in preparation for Dragon's Dogma 2. Veterans may also find it worthwhile to venture back into Dark Arisen before March 22, if only to sharpen their skills ahead of Dragon's Dogma 2's release.