Dragon's Dogma 2 DLCs Introduce Microtransaction. Is It Really P2W?
DD2 release is quite controversial because of its many DLCs, which introduce microtransactions. Of course players don't like this idea. Let’s talk about it.
Controversy – this is the one word which can describe quite well the recent release of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Many players are outraged by the fact that DD2 on release have numerous DLCs, which can make the game easier. Gamers call them simply – microtransactions. Are they right? Should we be concerned? Is the game P2W? Let’s answer that.
- Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) P2W?
- All DLCs in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) Explained
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) – Microtransactions Summary
Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) P2W?
Let’s start with the easiest question. No, Dragon’s Dogma is not Pay to win, as there is no multiplayer rivalry. The game is single player, so even if someone is better than you, it should not matter. The game is, however, pay to convenience. DD2 has a slow pace. There are long travels between locations, many caves to plunder and so on. Capcom introduced DLCs which can make the game faster, but at what cost.
All DLCs in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) Explained
Now, let’s talk about how each DLC can influence the game. Is it a substantial change? Well, let’s find out.
- Rift Crystals DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Ambivalent Rift Incense in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Art of Metamorphosis DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Wakestones DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Portcrystal DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Makeshift Gaol Key DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Heartfelt Pendant DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Harpysnare Smoke Beacons DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
- Explorer's Camping Kit DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Rift Crystals DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
Many DLCs to Dragon’s Dogma 2 concentrate on Rift Crystals. It is special currency, which is mainly used to purchase new Pawns. Luckily, they are not very pricy, as you can hire a Pawn maximum 2 levels higher than yours and it costs 68 RC.
More expensive items can be purchased in Pawn Guild building. They are pricy, but not necessary for the gameplay, as they offer:
- Rift Incense – we talk about them below, as it is a DLC item.
- Art of Metamorphosis – we also touch on this subject in the next sections.
- Glasses – cosmetic items.
Ambivalent Rift Incense in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
This DLC offers a Rift Incense, which can be bought in Pawn Guild shop. It costs 500 RC and allows to change randomly inclination of your main Pawn. It is a trait you pick during character creation. It influences your companion’s behavior (AI).
Art of Metamorphosis DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
Art of Metamorphosis is another DLC offering objects which can be obtained in the game. It is available in the Pawn Guild shop in Vernworth. It costs 500 RC, However, the price is not the worrying subject here, as the item is quite rare. As far as we can tell, there are only 2 per playthrough.
Wakestones DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
As in the case of the presented above items, Wakestones can be found in the game. While exploring the world, you can stumble upon Wakestone shards. Three of them can create a full Wakestone. These items allow you to regenerate during combat with full HP, quite useful while fighting against bosses. They are RARE. You can explore for hours and find 1 complete at best. These items have also power to revive fallen NPCs, so use them carefully.
Portcrystal DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
Portcrystals are objects which work as teleports. By using Ferrystone, you can immediately travel to places where these crystals are. There are 2 fixed locations, where you can find stationary ones – Vernwoth and Harve Village. There are also portable ones. You can have 10 of them active at once. But in reality, it is a fairytale, as they are even rarer than Wakestones. You can play dozens of hours and find just one or two.
Makeshift Gaol Key DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
Makeshift Gaol Key, as the name suggests, is a key which can be used to escape prison. During the game you may do illegal activities, if you are caught by guards, you will end up in gaol. If you do so, you have to run away. These keys can be bought in some shops. It is also possible to find one in a cell (destroy a pot). Of course, it works only the first time you are sentenced.
Heartfelt Pendant DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
Heartfelt Pendant is the first item on this list which can’t be obtained without buying DLC. However, it is not very important one. In DD2, you may have relations with other characters. The main way to improve them is by giving them gifts. Each of your potential friends has preferable items, but Heartfelt Pendant is loved by everyone.
Harpysnare Smoke Beacons DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2)
Harpysnare Smoke Beacons are not rare, but not as unique as most items on this list. During your travels, Pawns may inform you about places difficult to reach. If you have snares, you will be able to call a harpy, which will take you to this interesting place. Often, there is a hidden chest near such location, in which you may find beacons. Sometimes, you can buy them from vendors, too.
Explorer's Camping Kit DLC in Dragon’s Dogma 2
This DLC introduces a new type of kit – lighter one. It will not only present you with one, but also unlock these kits in the shops to buy.
There are long distances between settlements, which are full of caves and places to visit. You may lose yourself for a while, if you want to explore. Visiting the city every time is not the best option. So, from time to time, it is possible to come across a camping spot. If you have a kit, you may use it to heal and pass some time.
There are a few types of camping kits out there. You can find some basic ones during your travels, and they are not so rare. However, they can break during monster attacks (yes, resting is not completely safe) and are heavy. The sturdier and lighter ones are quite pricy. And we may tell you, that you will quickly understand how weight is important in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Especially, if you do not want to visit towns often.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) – Microtransactions Summary
So, the question is, do you need DD2 DLCs? No. Are they helpful? Definitely. They offer convenience. Thanks to them you can buy some really rare items. However, you can live without them.
The problem here is different. Players start to think about game design and how DLCs influence it. Without these microtransactions, fans would just accept the fact that they have to travel a lot on foot, teleports are scarce, carts are not so fast and prone to attacks. Moreover, everything is expensive, items are rare, etc. However, taking DLCs into consideration, players can’t be sure how many of these features are designed by developers and how many by salespeople. And this is the most important issue here, and that’s why players are furious. Definitely, it is not the best release for Capcom, and it is a shame, because I like the game.
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