Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen 2 Review - A Chilly But Ambitious Expansion

Ever wondered what it would be like if Dragon's Dogma 2 got a Dark Arisen-style expansion? Well, wonder no more. Dark Arisen 2 is here, and it's taking us to the frozen north.

The first Dark Arisen expansion for the original Dragon's Dogma is legendary for "fixing" the base game and making it more approachable. Dark Arisen 2 isn't quite as transformational—mostly because Dragon's Dogma 2 has already been patched up since its 2024 release. But the new content still aims high, pushing the story and world design to new heights, even if some new progression options get left in the cold.

Story-wise, Dark Arisen 2 remixes themes from the first game without just retelling them. Another Arisen is rumored to exist—something that shouldn't be possible—and you're sent north to the frozen mountains of Norgan to investigate. The region is largely abandoned except for a single border settlement and a steady stream of visitors. The main quest lasts around 20 hours and, while not groundbreaking, is full of broody mood, big moments, and interesting lore. It meanders a bit, but the side stories help keep things from getting too distracting.

Norgan itself is a delight to explore. It's smaller than other regions but makes up for it with verticality—jagged icy peaks, winding underground caverns, and interconnected dungeons that loop back on themselves. Climbing hooks help you navigate, and there are more portcrystals here than in Vermund and Bathall combined, making travel more reasonable. But don't get too comfortable: blinding snowstorms can freeze you to death if you're not prepared with winterized gear or consumables. The region also surprises with a poisonous swamp and crystal caves, subverting expectations.

The new Spoils gear system, however, falls flat. You find generic shapes that get appraised into usable equipment, but the random roll for gear feels unrewarding and further distances you from your equipment in a game already full of junk. It's a shame, because the rest of the expansion is a solid, chilly adventure that fans of the base game will likely enjoy.

What do you think? Will you be braving the frozen mountains of Norgan? Let us know in the comments!