Dragon's Dogma 2 Sphinx Riddles: Complete Solutions and Rewards Guide

Understanding the Sphinx's "A Game of Wits"

The Sphinx is one of the most unique optional encounters in Dragon's Dogma 2. Unlike typical bosses, this entity challenges you to a series of intellectual and mechanical trials rather than a straightforward combat engagement. The entire questline is divided into two distinct parts, occurring at the Mountain Shrine and the Frontier Shrine.

Success in these trials offers significant rewards, including rare items, substantial gold, and the powerful Eternal Wakestone. However, the quest is notoriously unforgiving. If you provide the wrong answer or fail to meet the specific requirements of a riddle, the Sphinx may depart prematurely, closing off the remaining challenges for your current save file.

Tip

Backup Your Progress: For PC players, it is highly recommended to create a manual backup of your save file located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\<user ID>\2054970\remote\win64_save. Additionally, resting at an inn creates an anchor point for your autosave, providing a safety net if you make a mistake.

First Location: The Mountain Shrine

To begin the quest, you must travel to the Mountain Shrine. It is located north of Checkpoint Rest Town, past the Ancient Battleground. After navigating through the Worldsend Cavern, you will emerge at the shrine.

1. Follow the road north from Checkpoint Rest Town toward the Ancient Battleground.
2. Fight your way through the Worldsend Cavern, which is populated by phantoms.
3. Climb the cliffside ledges upon exiting the cavern to reach the Mountain Shrine.
4. Immediately place a Portcrystal at the shrine to facilitate future travel.

At this location, you will face the first five riddles. Note that the order in which these are presented can vary.

Solving the First Five Riddles

The first set of riddles tests your knowledge of the game world and your resource management.

Riddle of Eyes

The Sphinx claims that "eyes deceive." You are tasked with retrieving the item of greatest value from the room she unlocks. Do not venture deep into the tunnel system; instead, look directly above the entrance after passing through the door. A chest contains the Sealing Phial, which is the correct item to present.

Riddle of Madness

You must bring your "most beloved" to the Sphinx. While this implies a romantic interest, the easiest solution—confirmed by many players—is to carry your Main Pawn to the dais. Place them down, then speak to the Sphinx to register the answer.

Riddle of Wisdom

The Sphinx asks for her "parent." You must summon a Capcom-created pawn with a specific moniker. Check the Riftstone of Fellowship in Harve Village to find pawns named "SphinxParent," "SphinxMother," or "SphinxFather." Recruit one and carry them to the dais.

Riddle of Conviction

You are asked to give the Sphinx an item you value. Surprisingly, the Sphinx will duplicate the item you provide and return both to you. This is the perfect opportunity to duplicate rare items like a Portcrystal.

Riddle of Rumination

This riddle requires you to return to the location where you found your very first Seeker's Token. If you cannot remember the spot, you have seven in-game days to find it. You will find a "Finder's Token" at that location.

Second Location: The Frontier Shrine

Once the first five riddles are resolved, the Sphinx will depart for the Frontier Shrine, located west of Checkpoint Rest Town. You can reach it by following the dried-up riverbed below the bridge.

Warning

Do not attempt to attack the Sphinx at the first location to "force" a fight. She will simply fly away, and you will lose the chance to complete the remaining riddles.

Final Riddles and The Ultimate Trial

Upon arriving at the Frontier Shrine, the "Riddle of Reunion" is completed automatically just by finding her. You will then face the remaining challenges.

Riddle of Differentiation

The Sphinx shows you an image of an NPC. You must identify whether it is Dante or Vergil based on their hair and eye scars. Dante has straight hair and a horizontal scar, while Vergil has wavy hair and a jagged vertical scar. Check the NPC Logbook in your menu if you have encountered them before.

Riddle of Contest

You are forced to equip the "Ring of Derision," which severely weakens your attacks. Do not try to fight the enemy conventionally. Instead, stagger them and throw them off the edge of the arena to let gravity finish the job.

Riddle of Futility

You must deliver a fragile vase to Ser Maurits in Bakbattahl. Rather than carrying the vase across the world, simply travel to Bakbattahl, pick up Ser Maurits, and use a Ferrystone to transport him directly to the Frontier Shrine. Place him next to the vase to complete the task.

Riddle of Recollection

The Sphinx asks how many riddles you have solved so far. You must place a number of statues on the dais corresponding to the total number of riddles completed successfully. If this is your final riddle, the number should be nine.

Defeating the Sphinx

After the 10th riddle, the Sphinx will attempt to leave. You must initiate combat immediately.

Tip

Use the Unmaking Arrow obtained from the Riddle of Recollection to kill the Sphinx instantly. If you do not have the arrow, you must attack her weak points—the limbs and body—while avoiding her head and chest, as attacking these areas may cause her to flee.

Upon her defeat, she will drop the Key of Sagacity, which opens the final large chest containing the Eternal Wakestone. This item allows you to revive multiple NPCs simultaneously, making it an invaluable tool for recovering from potential Dragonsplague outbreaks in your cities.

What if I fail a riddle?

If you fail a riddle, the Sphinx will typically fly away. Unfortunately, there is no way to retry a failed riddle within the same playthrough. This is why keeping backup saves is essential.

Can I use player-created pawns for the Riddle of Wisdom?

Community reports suggest that Capcom-created pawns are the safest bet. It is unclear if player-created pawns with the same moniker will always trigger the solution correctly.