Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Unveils Relic Expedition System
Capcom has released a new trailer detailing the Relic Expedition, a significant feature coming with the upcoming Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen expansion. This system aims to enhance player capabilities by providing new avenues for acquiring powerful gear and upgrades, crucial for tackling the expansion's heightened challenges.
The Relic Expedition system is introduced through in-game dialogue from a resident of the Norgandian settlement, who warns players about the dangers awaiting them in the wilds. The new zone features tougher creatures due to harsher environmental conditions and includes perilous climbs in frigid areas. To overcome these threats, players will need to obtain Relics.
Relics can be acquired in several ways. Players can engage enemies for potential loot drops or discover Relics hidden within chests. A new wolf companion, named Freki, can also join players on their expeditions. Freki possesses the unique ability to sniff out hidden troves of Relics, though she requires a prime cut of meat as a reward to continue her assistance.
Upon collecting Relics, players can return to the Norgandian settlement to awaken their true potential. Appraising these Relics can yield incredibly powerful items, including various sets of armor and weapons. Furthermore, some Relics may grant entirely new skills or enhance existing ones, offering a substantial boost to a player's power and combat effectiveness.
The Dark Arisen expansion transports players to a new snowy northern region, where they will explore the remnants of Norgan and collaborate with the enigmatic Eir. Their journey will involve uncovering the secrets behind the Fallen Dragon. This new area also introduces 12 distinct dungeon challenges, each designed to reward players with additional new gear upon completion.
Capcom previously showcased the Fallen Dragon boss fight during an Xbox Gamescom livestream, where developers shared more insights into the expansion's narrative. The story will largely focus on players' efforts to permanently defeat the Fallen Dragon, described as a "key puzzle piece" central to the overarching plot of Dark Arisen.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen is set to launch on October 9th. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. While the expansion is accessible to owners of the base game across most platforms, Nintendo Switch 2 players will exclusively have access to a bundle that includes both the base game and the expansion. Capcom has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version will run at a frame rate of at least 30 FPS, aiming to provide a smooth experience for players on the new console.