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One thing that tends to overwhelm open-world players is the amount of boundless content you can do in a game of this genre, and Capcom’s latest installment isn’t an exception. Dragon’s Dogma 2 allows you to go wherever you want, and while tempting, we recommend doing a few things first. Since the game relies on a lot of discovery and zero hand-holding, we’ll try to do the same with this list and keep it as spoiler-free as possible.
5. Head to Melve ASAP
This might seem like something obvious, but since the game gives you the reins to do as you please, you might want to explore the area around the Borderwatch Camp first. Now, this isn’t something bad, but we advise against it for several reasons. First and foremost, you might have enough DCP (Disciple Points) to unlock new skills or change your vocation. You can do this in Melve. Furthermore, here’s where the story really kicks in, and you can see more of the game’s world. And if these aren’t enough reasons to convince you, Ulrika is there, and she’s the game’s prime waifu.
4. Reach the Sacred Arbor
It might not be the best-looking location in the game, but there’s a reason to find the elves’ home. We won’t spoil how to get there, but we can tell you where the first breadcrumbs are. If you are already at Vermund’s capital, speak with the elf beside the armory. This bowman, or bowelf? Assuming that’s the right term for an elven archer, it will give you a quest that will eventually lead you to the Sacred Arbor. In this location, you can build relationships with other characters, get new equipment, and even earn a powerful skill for a certain vocation.
3. Do The Main Quest Until You Have To Visit Melve Again
Once you escort yet another ox cart because apparently it’s a staple in the series, you’ll arrive at the capital of Vermund. Here, you’ll see a lot of optional quests and meet many characters who can send you off to new locations. Before you try to run around the map without a clear objective, continue the main story with Captain Brant. Why? Well, most of his quests send you to almost every corner of Vermund. This is great for new players not accustomed to a non-linear approach. You get to discover things but have a bit of direction to avoid getting lost. Most importantly, returning to Melve for a second time holds a great reward for players.
2. Restore Harve Village
Liberating Harve Village takes a lot of time, but the payoff is great. This is one of the first things you should do in Dragon’s Dogma 2, and you’ll actually reach it once you start the main quest for ‘Culling Monsters.‘ This is one of the locations you’ll visit eventually, and staying around has its benefits. First, it has a very important NPC for the story. Second, one character will escape to this place during the main quest, so you must restore it to ensure they are safe. And besides that, you might find a certain vocation expert living here, so you might visit this place more than once.
1. Find the Ancient Battleground
On your way to Vermund and Battahl’s border, you might encounter several crossroads that lead you to different places. Some might send you to a marsh full of mists, while others might lead you to a broken-down fort. If you follow the northwestern road, you’ll encounter Oskar, an NPC asking you to escort him to the Ancient Battleground. Once you finish the quest, continue exploring this place until you reach the top. That’s all we can say without spoiling, but try to enter every cave in the vicinity, and reaching the final destination is the first step in a very long game of wits.
While these are the things we recommend you do first in Dragon’s Dogma 2, don’t feel that avoiding them will lead you to your doom. Ultimately, the world is your playground, and you can go anywhere you please. However, by following these recommendations, you’ll reach some secret locations and discover some of the game’s longest and most interesting quests.
