Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Hands-On Reveals Relic Loot Grind
The random effects on Relics and the frequent drops suggest a loot grind loop that could extend the game's longevity beyond the main story, making the expansion's replay value a central draw.
Key Facts
- Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen releases October 9, 2026 for Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
- The expansion adds a new story "Realm of the Fallen King" in the frozen land of Norgan.
- The new "Ancient Relics" loot system lets players appraise unidentified weapons for random special abilities, including Custom Skill EX.
- In an hour of play, 4Gamer obtained nearly 40 Relics.
- The Switch 2 version ran with stable performance, though 4Gamer noted resolution differences from PS5.
Reporting from 2 sources: GAME Watch (Impress), 4Gamer.net.
Capcom's "Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen" is set to release on October 9, 2026, for Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Ahead of that, the gamescom demo was playable, and both GAME Watch and 4Gamer.net got hands-on time with the opening of the new story "Realm of the Fallen King" in the frozen land of Norgan. The demo also included the late August update, which adds new Pawn actions like protecting the Arisen and launching them high. Boss fights include the "Dragon Beyond Reason," an event battle where the Arisen is ultimately defeated, and the ice dragon "Fimbul" in the Switch 2 version. The new loot system, "Ancient Relics," allows players to collect unidentified weapons and spend Rift Crystals to appraise them, revealing random special abilities and enhanced Custom Skill EX versions. In an hour, 4Gamer obtained nearly 40 Relics, indicating a fast-paced grind. The Switch 2 version ran comfortably, with stable performance, though 4Gamer noted resolution differences from PS5.
- Relic appraisal costs: The currency is called "Rim," not Rift Crystals, in 4Gamer's report. Appraisal reveals the true weapon type, e.g., "Light Weapon" becomes One-Handed Sword, Dagger, or Incense Mace; "Bow Staff" becomes Bow, Staff, or Magick Bow.
- Special ability range: Confirmed types include Demihuman Slayer, Undead Slayer, fire/ice resistance boosts, stamina and stagger increases, Poison Accumulation (inflicts poison on hit), and Gale Flight (extends jump distance, raises attack on tailwinds).
- Custom Skill EX: Previously equipped via rings in the first "Dark Arisen," now embedded in Relic weapons. Skyward Slash EX becomes a two-stage ascent/descent attack; Gouging Thrust EX pierces faster; Blizzard Gaiser EX extends frostbite and freeze duration. One Relic held two EX abilities.
- Leftover Supplies: Item-type Relics yielding large Rim/Gold amounts, pawn Specialization books, and a medicine restoring the whole party's Loss Gauge and health.
- Drop rate: 4Gamer obtained nearly 40 Relics in under an hour, noting it may be demo-specific; fast travel via the June-added Eternal Keystone makes appraisal runs easy.
- Norgan enemies: The barbarian tribe Belkan fights alongside Direwolves; the series Cyclops appears with pure white fur, flammable with fire enchantments. New medium flyer "Aitorn" has a female face.
- Field tricks: Snow clumps can be pushed into enemies, and rolling snow from slopes grows like a snowball.
- Dragon Beyond Reason: Its rotten body sprays blue fluid, its heart has rotted so attacks deal no damage, and it spews Ghouls from its mouth. Eil calls the dragon her "own sin."
- Switch 2 version: 4Gamer notes visible resolution and frame rate differences from PS5, but stable performance; GAME Watch found no noticeable issues and recommends a Pro Controller in TV mode.
- Custom Skills: Now equippable six at a time, up from before.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.