Dragon's Dogma 2's major expansion, Dark Arisen, will be released on October 9 for PC, PS5, XSX|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

This expansion was created in response to diverse player feedback following the launch of Dragon's Dogma 2, including requests for more exploration and content. It will feature a new story set in the new region of Norgan, along with challenge content in the base game areas and various character customization options.

We sat down for an interview to discuss the expansion in more detail. The interview was conducted with various domestic media outlets and featured Producer Naoto Oyama and Director Kento Kinoshita.

Why did you choose the subtitle 'Dark Arisen,' just like the expansion for the previous game.

Oyama = We decided on the subtitle after the content was finalized. There are three main reasons: its relevance to the story, the inclusion of hack-and-slash elements similar to the original Dark Arisen, and the fact that it is the easiest way to communicate the new additions to users.

You set three goals for Dark Arisen. What was your top priority.

Kinoshita = Our top priority was 'enabling more adventure.' We started this project to respond to players who wanted new adventures and experiences.

Oyama = Regarding 'greater convenience,' we have been updating the game for over six months since its launch, but we continued to receive feedback. Beyond wanting a more realistic sense of adventure, some players felt it should be more comfortable compared to modern open-world games. We are addressing this by adding convenience options while preserving the freedom of the original adventure.

You've incorporated a lot of user feedback. Was this difficult to reconcile with your original development philosophy, and how did you balance the two.

Kinoshita = It’s not that our philosophy changed, but rather that we updated the game to meet the comfort levels expected of modern open-world titles while retaining the essence and fun unique to the Dragon's Dogma series.

Oyama = Some feedback was contradictory, so we adjusted things by prioritizing balance and expanding the range of choices. For example, with the addition of the 'Ferrystone,' we focused on increasing options so more players can choose the playstyle that suits them.

Players can now choose whether to warp using a Ferrystone or travel on foot as before. Other examples of added choices include selecting intermediate drop-off points for oxcarts and assigning specializations to Pawns to prevent oxcart ambushes.

What is the core identity of Dragon's Dogma 2 that you were determined to maintain, and what elements did you aim to upgrade.

Kinoshita = I believe the joy of traveling with Pawns is the core identity of the series. In this expansion, we focused on the fun of cooperating with Pawns during adventures.

New actions, such as Pawns blocking attacks for the Arisen or pulling them up when climbing enemies, will be added in Title Update 3.2 at the end of August. We also plan to add commands for exploration and high-fives, along with further adjustments to Pawn behavior and AI.

What convenience features are being prioritized, and are there any sub-content you'd like to introduce.

Oyama = First, we've added 'Save Slots' that allow for three sets of save data—auto, manual, and inn saves. Each slot is independent for every Arisen created, addressing player requests to start new adventures.

We are also expanding play options through the addition of Ferrystones, expanded custom skill slots, and adjustments to Dragonsplague. We are also broadening gameplay by adding features like intermediate oxcart drop-offs and Pawn specializations to prevent ambushes.

More updates are planned, and details can be found in the published roadmap.

Players will encounter new enemies and ecosystems in Norgan. What was the concept and combat pattern design for these new enemies.

Kinoshita = Norgan is a stage where players can experience a 'far-north field.' The basic concept is to provide an experience distinct from the base game. Players will face unique elements like blinding blizzards and terrain gimmicks like icicles. The enemies are tougher, fitting for a ruined territory and snow-covered land, leading to more intense combat.

Oyama = There are monsters we haven't revealed yet, which will be announced later.

Norgan has a different atmosphere. What is the core theme, and how did you design the region and level layout to reflect it.

Kinoshita = Beyond the concept of differentiation, the story is a key theme. Combat in Norgan is tougher, with a higher difficulty level. The design encourages players to use equipment and builds from the base game to obtain stronger gear in Norgan, allowing them to progress. Level design is more dependent on equipment than character level.

Players will also encounter a darker field design while unraveling the mysteries of the story. The region and level design were crafted to follow the flow of questioning, 'Why did I come here, and why is this happening.'

Is there any content you are particularly excited to see player reactions to.

Kinoshita = Within the three pillars of 'more comfortable, more adventure, and more casual,' I am most excited about the 'more adventure' aspect. I hope players enjoy the hack-and-slash cycle in the new open-world region and the new story.

Does the expansion affect the base game regions as well.

Oyama = In the 'Forgotten Trials' challenge content, 12 unique dungeons will be added to the base game regions. These dungeons feature progressively increasing difficulty. Early dungeons help with EXP, while later ones offer a stronger sense of challenge.

Other base game updates are available on the official site.

When did development start, and why choose the northern snowy region of Norgan.

Oyama = Although we have been releasing updates for Dragon's Dogma 2 for over half a year since its launch, we have received numerous passionate requests from users saying they want to play more and continue enjoying this world.

In response, we launched this project under the concept of making the game 'more comfortable to play, offering more adventures, and making it easier to enjoy.' Our goal was to go beyond simple title updates and provide substantial new content, including new stories, actions, and enemies, that players can truly sink their teeth into.

We saw scenes of vertical climbing using ropes. Will players face vertically structured terrain in Norgan, and how does this change movement.

Kinoshita = Yes. Norgan features terrain with significant elevation changes, and players can explore by climbing up and down in ways not seen in the base game, such as using ropes.

What are the requirements to challenge the new dungeons.

Kinoshita = Some dungeons in the Forgotten Trials have entry requirements, while others do not. We have prepared various settings, including dungeons accessible from the start and those that require story progression.

When can players access the expansion content.

Oyama = It can be played after arriving in Vernworth, early in the main story. The recommended level for Forgotten Trials is 20, and 40 for the Ruined Territory, with difficulty increasing from there. Players can choose to level up first or challenge it at a lower level; we designed it to be flexible.

Will there be additional skills or abilities for each vocation.

Kinoshita = While I can't share details, Dark Arisen includes new skills for all vocations and some higher-tier versions of existing skills.

Oyama = You can see some of these new skills in the released PV and Capcom Spotlight videos.

What playstyles are you trying to encourage with the unique equipment and their enhancement effects.

Kinoshita = We have prepared both active and passive skills. There are over 150 types of unique cosmetic equipment as loot, each with varying performance. We hope players enjoy the 'hack-and-slash satisfaction and sense of achievement' that comes from seeking out gear that suits their tastes.

Many players are looking forward to a high-difficulty mode like the previous game's Hard Mode. Are there plans for this.

Oyama = We received a lot of feedback regarding Hard Mode after the launch of Dragon's Dogma 2. We are working hard on it, but please wait for future announcements regarding the official release and timing.

How much playtime can existing and new players expect from Dark Arisen.

= We expect 15–20 hours to clear the main scenario in Norgan. With the 12 unique dungeons in the base game, each taking 30 minutes to an hour, the expansion alone offers over 25 hours of content. Combined with the 30–40 hours of the base game, there is plenty of playtime.

Director Kento Kinoshita has taken the helm. Will there be changes to the development direction.

Oyama = In addition to Director Kinoshita, many staff members who have been involved since the original Dragon's Dogma are still here, and their knowledge and know-how remain. We are developing Dark Arisen while cherishing the core of the series.

Can we expect technical improvements, such as frame rates or CPU/GPU usage.

Kinoshita = We are adjusting the PS5 and Xbox versions to run at 60 FPS in performance mode.

Oyama = For the PC version, specs vary, so please refer to future announcements regarding system requirements.

There are concerns about optimization for the Nintendo Switch 2 version. What technical breakthroughs have you made.

Oyama = The quality is exceeding our expectations. We are aiming for 30 FPS or higher, and it performs even better in TV mode. We are developing it to ensure a high-quality experience while maintaining a certain level of graphics.

What are your plans for long-term support and balance adjustments after the expansion launch.

Oyama = We are not considering additional updates beyond Title Update 3.2 at the end of August at this stage. We are focused on ensuring players can fully enjoy the game at launch.

Any final words for Korean users.

Oyama = First, I apologize for the long wait. I believe Asian users have sent particularly passionate feedback. We have tried to respond to that through base game updates and the Dark Arisen DLC. We appreciate your continued interest.

We have also prepared the Nintendo Switch 2 version for those who haven't played the series yet. We are making it comfortable and fun for newcomers, so please look forward to it.

Kinoshita = We have been energized by comments like 'This can't be the end!' and 'Please, Capcom!' We are working hard to ensure players can fully enjoy the game, focusing on both 'gameplay fun' and 'density' in the new expansion.