Dragon’s Dogma 2 guide – beginner tips and tricks

What are some beginner tips for playing Dragon’s Dogma 2? The expansive RPG has landed on our shores, and players are getting to grips with the rather unique way that Dragon’s Dogma 2 handles adventure. It can be brutal at times, with the game taking a decidedly hands-off approach, so we’ve compiled a list of essential tips for you to get the most out of your time in DD2.

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, you play as the Arisen; a powerful ‘chosen one’ type of deal that initially sees a dragon performing open heart surgery on you (bad) but then you gain powers and the ability to control beings known as Pawns (good). Adventure ensues. Choose your Dragon’s Dogma 2 vocation, befriend some Dragon’s Dogma 2 characters, and get on your way.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 beginner tips

Choose a vocation for your main Pawn that compliments your own. If you’re playing as an archer, ensure you always have a frontline by creating a Fighter. Hiring Pawns that round your party out is always a good idea, too. Frontline, DPS, and a healer are near-essential.
Don’t feel locked into a specific vocation. If you aren’t feeling it, just head to a Vocation Guild and change it up. Each vocation has its use, and will all get progressively more powerful as you go, so find something that suits your style of play, and that you enjoy.
Combine ingredients often. Not only does this save on carry weight, but the concoctions you receive can often save your hide in battle.
Don’t get too attached to the Pawns you pick up. Only your main Pawn levels with you, so as you progress, your party will have to, also. Swap them out at regular intervals, ensuring that your party is around your level.
Always have at least one camping kit on you at all times. Resting in the wild is vital; not only does it restore health, but can help to pass the time so you don’t travel at night. You can be ambushed as you rest, however, which will destroy your current campsite, so if you can, keep a spare on hand so you aren’t left without a place to sleep.
Enhance equipment often. Improving your current gear is a cost-effective way of increasing your power; the shiny new weapon in the shop might look cool, but it may pale in comparison to your current gear once enhanced.
Utilize your storage container. When enhancing gear, it takes into account everything you own – even the items in your storage container. Lighten your burden whenever you reach a settlement to stay nimble.
Buy Ferrystones. It may seem like a huge expense, but the later you get into Dragon’s Dogma 2, the deeper you’ll forge into the wilderness. It’s always good to have an out, and Ferrystones are a great way of getting to safety at a moment’s notice.
Pay attention to your Pawn’s shouts. Your traveling companions will often call out things they see, and things they’ve seen while traversing the Rift. These will often be hidden treasure chests that could contain valuable materials.
Visit the Vocation Guild. If you haven’t maxed out your current vocation then it’s likely you’re still unlocking new skills and augments. Visit the Vocation Guild whenever you reach a settlement to see if there is anything new you can purchase and equip.
Use the Oxcart network. Oxcarts are a useful resource in a game that has very limited fast travel options. If you’re looking to get between main settlements quickly, hop on a cart, pay the small fee, and have a bit of a nap.
Abandon the Oxcart. Often while traveling, your Oxcart will be ambushed by enemies, forcing you to get off and defend your vehicle. Note that you don’t always have to get back on the Oxcart, though, and if you’re in a little-explored area of the map, it might be worth having a wander.
Talk to everyone. While most of the conversations you have with NPCs amount to little more than a one-liner, there are times when you’ll be surprised with a nugget of information about your current quest, or a new task altogether.
Look at the statues. These statues will often be pointed out by your Pawns on your travels. At the base of them will be a note with a clue as to what you’re expected to observe. They’ll be facing in a certain direction, so look the same way to see what they’re hinting towards. It could be a nearby settlement or point of interest, a hidden cave or well, or just some good old loot.

Where to begin in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 starts, as many of these things tend to, in jail (or gaol, in the local parlance). It’s jail, but it’s also a work camp, and you’re greeted by a rather unpleasant man who prompts the character creator. Curate your character as much, or as little, as you like; we’ve seen some pretty incredible creations so far, but if you want to materialize Barry Nobody then that’s fine too.

Once the character creator is done and dusted you’ll be put to work for about five seconds before it all kicks off. A Medusa-like creature attacks the camp, and you’ll be forced to fight it before fleeing. This section is all on rails, and you have little choice in what to do next.

It does open up, however, when you appear on the continent opposite. You’re asked to follow a soldier to a nearby settlement, and after that, you can do whatever you like. Create your main Pawn (again, be as creative as you dare), make sure you’re mentally prepared for battle, and hit the road.

All Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides

Here is a list of every PCGamesN Dragon’s Dogma 2 guide, covering every aspect of the game:

General guides

Mission guides

Vocation guides

That’s basically everything you need to know to thrive in Dragon’s Dogma 2. The RPG game is huge, and you’d do well to take your time while exploring the vast lands, but if you ever get stuck, at least you know where to go (here). If your eyes are always scanning the horizon for what’s next we also have the most exciting upcoming games right here.