Is Dragon's Dogma 2 on Xbox Game Pass? Explained

Is Dragon's Dogma 2 on Xbox Game Pass?

If you are checking your subscription library hoping to jump into Dragon's Dogma 2 without an additional cost, you will be disappointed to find that it is not part of the Xbox Game Pass catalog.

According to the official Xbox store page, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a standalone purchase. While the store page indicates that the game is "Cloud playable with XBOX Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate," this does not mean the game itself is free. It simply means that if you have already purchased the game, you can utilize Xbox Cloud Gaming to play it without needing to install it on your local hardware.

If you are looking to play, you must buy the title directly from the Microsoft Store. Always check the official store page before assuming a game is included in the subscription service, as availability can change.

Preparing for the Dark Arisen Expansion

With the introduction of the Dark Arisen expansion and various title updates, returning players should be strategic about how they approach their save files. Based on community insights and developer discussions, the expansion content is distinct from the base game's main narrative.

Save File Strategy

The Dark Arisen story takes place parallel to the main game. If you are currently in the "unmodded world" state of your save, you may want to consider starting a New Game Plus or loading a mid-game save (around the Battahl progression or volcanic region) to ensure you can access the new content without complications.

To access the DLC, you generally need to have progressed past Vernworth. Players have reported that speaking with Bren at the inn at night is the typical trigger to initiate the journey. It is recommended to be around level 40–50 for the DLC, though your gear quality often matters more than your raw level.

Understanding Hard Mode and Difficulty

Hard Mode has been a point of significant discussion. The development team has clarified that this mode is designed specifically for those seeking a greater challenge, rather than for farming rewards.

Permanent Difficulty

Once you enable Hard Mode on your current save file, you cannot simply toggle it off. To revert to normal, you would need to either restart your playthrough or complete the game. Because of this, it is highly recommended to start a fresh playthrough specifically to test Hard Mode before committing your main save file to it.

The director of the game has suggested that starting a fresh game on Hard Mode provides the best experience. It forces you to respect early-game enemies like goblins and makes the management of curatives and resources much more vital to your survival.

New Systems: Lost Rights and Relics

The updates have introduced "Lost Rights," which consist of 12 dungeons scattered throughout the base game regions. These areas are designed to offer a higher level of challenge, often featuring specialized "red" enemies that are tougher than their standard counterparts.

Accessing Lost Rights

1. Locate the Door: These dungeons are marked by a specific symbol often associated with the Godsbane Blade.
2. Obtain the Blade: You likely need the empowered Godsbane Blade to open these doors. This requires progressing the main story to the "Convergence" quest and completing "A New God's Way."
3. Prepare for Combat: Use environmental tools like explosive barrels to deal with the tougher, red-variant enemies you will encounter inside.

The new gear system involves RNG-based drops. When you loot relics, they are unidentified and must be processed in town using crystals. The drop rates are influenced by your current vocation, so if you are specifically hunting for thief gear, it is highly beneficial to set both yourself and your main pawn to the Thief vocation to increase the likelihood of relevant drops.

Gameplay Tips for Returning Players

Whether you are a new player or a veteran returning for the expansion, several quality-of-life updates have fundamentally changed how you should approach your journey.

• Skill Slots: You now have access to six skill slots instead of four. Practice the button combinations (e.g., L1 + Triangle/Circle) before diving into the harder content.
• Eternal Ferrystone: Use this item to travel freely to your placed Portcrystals. This removes the stress of limited fast travel and allows you to explore, restock, and return to your exact location with ease.
• Wolf Companion: In the first village, look for the "Wolf Friend" side quest. Completing this grants you a companion that helps locate hidden loot and relics in the environment.
• Equipment Filters: Utilize the new UI filters and favoriting system to manage your storage effectively, especially when farming for high-level relics.

Finally, keep an eye on your pawn's status. Updates to the "Dragon's Plague" mechanic have made it more relevant, with affected pawns exhibiting different behaviors in combat, such as the ability to stun larger enemies more effectively. Always review your pawn's behavior and gear before setting out on a long expedition.