Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawns Are a Mixed Bag That a Sequel…

Summary

Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawn system stands out, but also limits the experience without fully-fledged companions.
The popular RPG feature of recruiting Pawns from the world hinders the game's potential for deeper storytelling.
While unique, the Pawn system in Dragon's Dogma 2 may need to be reevaluated to enhance player attachment and narrative depth.

While nothing has been officially announced yet, many fans are wondering if a sequel to Dragon's Dogma 2 is on the way. It may have taken a decade for the fantasy RPG to hit store shelves, but after its success, players will hopefully not have to wait too long for another game in the franchise. And based on the many innovations that Dragon's Dogma 2 introduced, this hypothetical third entry could become one of the best fantasy RPGs around. However, the studio might also want to reevaluate its Pawn system a bit.

Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawn system is a great feature, with it really helping the game stand out from the crowd. Letting players mix-and-match companions from across the world leads to something truly special. But it also means that the game is missing out on a major genre staple: actual companions. So, although the feature may be a core part of Dragon's Dogma's identity, its inclusion also comes at the expense of the story and gameplay.

Capcom Has a Tough Choice to Make With Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawns

Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawns Are a Fantastically Unique Feature

Dragon's Dogma made waves back in 2012 for its Pawn system. Instead of having players grow closer to companions throughout the story, they would spend the entire journey alongside their own customizable Pawn and two others. These Pawns could either be recruited from in-game or from across the real world, as players would send theirs off to be hired by others. Although these Pawns lacked much personality, their inclusion made for something that felt truly unique. And because of its popularity, this feature did not get left behind in the sequel.

Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawn system works pretty much exactly like it did in the original game, with only a few new additions. Players can recruit them from across the world as they also send their own out to assist others. They will assist the player with practically anything they need, and depending upon their inclination, they will also be able to provide certain advantages. Just like with the first game, that concept leads to an RPG that stands out from the crowd. However, it also loses a bit of what can make an RPG special at the same time.

Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawns Also Stands in the Way of Fully-Fledged Companions

For years, players have debated about what RPGs have the best companions and which companions they would take into battle. Baldur's Gate 3 has iconic characters like Astarion or Shadowheart, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim gives each faction numerous followers, Dragon Age: Inquisition has made a name for itself with the likes of Dorian and Varric, and the Final Fantasy series has had no shortage of popular characters. All of which not only serve as vital allies in combat, but are also often integral to the plot, with players growing increasingly close to them along their journey.

Because Dragon's Dogma 2 has decided to adopt the Pawn system, players do not really get that same experience. All the Pawns are virtually the same, with only their looks and Vocations setting them apart from the rest. None of them play a major role in the story, they do not have much of a personality, and they simply serve as an ally in combat or guide through the world. So, players tend not to get as attached to them, the story does not hinge on them, and they are often just switched out on a whim with other stronger Pawns.

There is nothing wrong with Dragon's Dogma 2's Pawn system, as it makes for a unique RPG experience. However, it also means that players are not really getting the same narrative experience out of the series' fantasy world that they may in others. So, while Capcom will likely continue down this path in the eventual third game, it may also want to shake things up a bit and mix in actual companions - especially if it wants players to feel far more attached to the world or characters next time around.

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Action RPG

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 91%

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Released: March 22, 2024
ESRB: Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Engine: RE Engine
Franchise: Dragon's Dogma

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Set forth on your grand adventure, Arisen!

Dragon’s Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.

On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure.

All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Genre(s): Action RPG
How Long To Beat: 30 Hours
PS Plus Availability: N/A