Pawns, known for their endearing quirks and sometimes perplexing behaviors, were a unique addition to the first Dragon’s Dogma game. Players familiar with that game were certainly accustomed to their pawns haphazardly yelling at enemies or randomly looting items. However, In Dragon’s Dogma 2, the Pawns System offers much greater depth and customization options which we’ll explain in detail in this guide!
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Pawns Explained
Pawns are your AI companions in Dragon’s Dogma 2, intricately woven into the game’s world. As in the original game, players are able to fully customize their main Pawn, choosing its vocation and adorning it with gear, and adjusting their appearance according to their preferences.
Players may draft two additional allies from a summoning stone called The Rift, which allows you to choose from the online Pawn Network System. These two Pawns you choose are the main Pawn in another player’s game. The innovation lies in the interconnected online ecosystem, where your Pawn becomes a global traveler, shared with other players who can enlist your creation in their own quests and game.
Pawn Vocations
Vocations shape the role your Pawn plays in battle. Whether a stalwart defender, a cunning support, or an aggressive attacker, using either martial or magical abilities/equipment, the choice is yours. Dragon’s Dogma 2 introduces a refinement in the Pawn’s NPC behavior. Pawns and NPCs excel in guiding players, acting as intuitive navigators without relying heavily on UI elements. Itsuno emphasized a desire for Pawns to be akin to a knowledgeable friend who’s played the game before, providing you with advice and guidance seamlessly. It’s important to note that this advice can be ignored if you so wish so that ultimately the freedom of choice is in your hands as the player.Â
Currently, the following Vocations are available for Pawns:
Pawn Starter Vocations
Pawn Advanced Vocations
For more information regarding vocations check out our in-depth Vocation guide.Â
Pawns In The Game World
Unlike the rigid story quest markers which are the default in many RPGs and Open World games today, Dragon’s Dogma 2 relies on relevant Pawns and NPCs to steer players toward objectives and quests. Itsuno San highlighted this intention to create an immersive experience where Pawns serve as a means of direction. For example, one of your Pawns may have already explored your current quest across various game worlds with other players and gained some related knowledge they can share with you.
This unique aspect is a favorite of fans from the previous Dragon’s Dogma designed to enhance the player’s mood and eliminate excessive on-screen markers, ensuring a more organic and enjoyable navigation gaming experience.
How To Summon Pawns in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Similarly to the first game to summon a Pawn you must search out a summoning stone (pictured above) that grants you access to the online lobby known as The Rift. Once within you will have a plethora of pawns to choose from created by other players. Be sure to inspect not only their appearances, but also their stats, vocations, and personal inclinations as well to know if they are a good fit for your intended adventuring party/playstyle.
Pawn Features
Pawns continue to evolve in Dragon’s Dogma 2 with the inclusion of inclinations, dictating their behavior in battle. You have the freedom to select inclinations, such as kindhearted, calm, simple, or straightforward, directly influencing how your Pawn engages in combat. Each inclination comes with its own unique set of voice actors, pitch modulations, and distinct social actions.
Kento Kinoshita, the lead game designer, emphasized the expansion of individuality among Pawns. Beyond personality traits, Pawns now accumulate knowledge, offering varied experiences based on player choices and quest preferences. The joy of encountering Pawns with specific knowledge adds an additional layer of deep play to the game.
Introducing a new Pawn feature, Dragon’s Dogma 2 incorporates specializations for Pawns. These special abilities are akin to skill licenses or qualifications, allowing Pawns to acquire new skills from their master. For instance, the Woodland Wordsmith specialization enables understanding and interpreting Elvish, acquired by fostering a bond with an NPC fluent in the language. Another specialization, Chirurgeon, empowers Pawns to use healing items on others, introducing a healing dynamic to your party that otherwise might not be there.
In Itsuno’s words, “We have also made it possible for players to leave some things to their Pawns that they might find tedious or uninteresting, including not only combat but also some other social or gameplay elements. We believe that by combining inclinations and specializations, players can create a Pawn that best suits their preferences.”
This is amazing for many players hoping to expand on their pawn’s “ai ish” base personalities to give them a different style and unique feel. In Dragon’s Dogma 2, the ability to interact with pawns seems to have reached a new level.
The Final Word
As you delve into the world of Gransys, your AI companions, with their inclinations, specializations, and dynamic behaviors, become an integral part of the tapestry of your journey. Crafting a Pawn that aligns with your playstyle, preferences, and quest choices adds an enriching layer to the Dragon’s Dogma 2 experience. So, embark on your adventure, forging bonds not only with the world but also with the stalwart Pawn companions that share your journey. Be sure to check out our website and YouTube channel for further guides and to stay up to date for all things Dragon’s Dogma 2, we hope you found this article helpful and may it serve you on your epic adventure!
