Will Dragon’s Dogma 2 Have Multiplayer?

In the wake of Capcom’s highly anticipated announcement of Dragon’s Dogma 2, the burning question on many fans’ minds is whether the sequel will be a multiplayer game or feature some type of co op mode. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multiplayer aspects, addressing the queries surrounding cooperative play in this upcoming action RPG.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Multiplayer Support Explained

Dragon’s Dogma, the predecessor to this sequel, marked a significant triumph for Capcom. It captivated players with its dynamic action RPG, offering a vast open world ala Skyrim, an array of formidable foes like Monster Hunter, and a fantastic combat system to rival Dark Souls. 

During the recent Capcom showcase presentation, director Hideaki Itsuno clarified a key detail about Dragon’s Dogma 2. Despite the prevalent trend of multiplayer games in contemporary gaming, the sequel just like the original game is designed as a single player experience.

This may seem like a missed opportunity, however, Itsuno assured that the game’s online Pawn system, a unique feature from the original, will evoke a cooperative/community feel, blurring the lines between single player game, two-player, and cooperative gaming dynamics.

Single Player Experience

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, players customize and take control of the Arisen. The Arisen can be either Human or Beastren and will lead a party of up to 3 different Pawns throughout their journey.

Players are also allowed to create their own main Pawns who will always accompany your Arisen. When creating your own pawn you can choose their race and vocation. The Arisen can also enter a covenant (online portal) with up to 2 additional Pawns from other players through the Pawn Network System arriving at a party size of 4 including pawns and the player character.

Pawn Network System

The pawn network system is described by Capcom on their website as “Alone but together: Company in your single-player experience.” This is brought to life using the online pawn network within the game to choose your two additional party members. These pawns will be another player’s main Pawn from their playthrough.

While not quite online co op, if its anything like the first game you can guarantee a player has either put their blood, sweat, and tears into making an extremely helpful and powerful character or something truly meme-worthy. You have been warned! So be sure to take your time while choosing your additional Pawns based on your needs to help fill skill deficiencies in your party. 

The Potential Of Pawns

As you adventure with these Pawns their experiences with you will shape them and reflect in their behavior the next time their Arisen player logs on and plays with them. Having this diverse team of Pawns, Capcom argues will allow for countless ways to play, leading to a tangible sense of a multiplayer community being present even within this strictly single-player adventure.

Having played the original most players would agree that for better or worse it certainly did feel like other players were afoot and their presence imprinted upon their Pawns that made it into your game.

Note that it can sometimes lead to interesting messages of players either praising or damning you for your Pawns performance in their adventures. I once had a 2 hour long Skype call with a random player from Argentina about what shenanigans my Pawn caused them during an Ogre encounter. We are still great online friends to this day playing a plethora of games together so you never know where a feature like this might lead, vitriol or friendo?  

Further developments in Dragon’s Dogma 2 to the original deepen this element of the Pawn system with new Pawn specializations such as the ability for your Pawn to learn Elvish to translate and interpret for you to add color to their personality. 

A slightly more edgy and spicy feature to look out for is the Dragonsplague. 

This is a contagious disease-like condition that infects pawns as they travel between worlds. It grants them quite a buff to their abilities at first and they become overly bold in their speech and behavior but if the Dragonsplague goes untreated they will go supernova and a devastating calamity will occur, what that is, Capcom is keeping close to their chest until release.  

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Story

The main story and side quests within the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 will also influence your Pawns and vice versa. Capcom’s Itsuno explains that if a Pawn with pre-existing knowledge of your current quest accompanies you into combat or battle, they can guide you on your way.

Travelers, merchants, soldiers and other folk go about their daily lives exhibiting different emotions, at times they may lead you to a quest by approaching you and asking for a favor. Alternatively, some quests are granted to you after deepening your relationship with an NPC.

A Pawn logs all of this information and will let you know and comment on various events or persons in the game world. When resting at a campsite you may choose to chat with your friends and allies allowing you to learn more about a Pawns personality and traits, and their experiences.

The Final Word

Itsuno explains that it is ultimately up to the player to accept these quests and guidance that come up as a result of a specific Pawn being within your party allowing you the player to have the ultimate control to enjoy the freedom to shape your journey how you see fit. 

Stay tuned to our website and YouTube channel for further updates, videos, and insights on Dragon’s Dogma 2 as we delve into its intricacies and unveil more details on this highly anticipated game.

More Dragon’s Dogma 2