Summary
Capcom’sDragon’s Dogma 2might be considered a remake more than a sequel, but that doesn’t mean it shied away from making big changes to the formula established by its predecessor. Firstly,Dragon’s Dogma 2features an expansive open world that is four times larger than the first game’s, encompassing two major kingdoms, Vermund and Battahl. Secondly, a new playable race, Beastren, was added, allowing players to enjoy the game as a race other than humans.Dragon’s Dogma 2also expanded the first game’s vocation system with new classes and some refinements to old classes, along with various other adjustments to gameplay.
While these are some of the biggest changes thatDragon’s Dogma 2made to the first game, however, there are others that aren’t so easy to identify on the surface. There are plenty of things thatDragon’s Dogma 2did on a more fundamental level that only the most dedicatedDragon’s Dogmafans might notice, especially considering the massive size ofDragon’s Dogma 2’s open world, which, in turn, increases the chances of these changes going unnoticed. One such change involves the game’s chests, which may not seem like that big of a deal at first, but affectsDragon’s Dogma 2’s gameplay just as much as some of the major adjustments made to the first game’s formula in the sequel.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Made a Huge Change to the First Game’s Chests
The Original Dragon’s Dogma’s Chests Would Respawn After a Period of Time
WhileDragon’s Dogmahas always had some semblance of a story, its main appeal is itsemergent gameplayand the fast-paced, action-packed, and intense battles players engage in with the monsters throughout the world. On the other side of that spectacle, however, is the reward of character progression and loot, making monster encounters all the more difficult to pass up. This form of progression also enhances the game’s exploration, as players are often rewarded for the time they spend traveling across the immersive open world, and especially off the beaten path.
This undoubtedly rang true in thefirstDragon’s Dogmagame, as its chests would respawn after a period of time, thereby incentivizing players to return to specific areas and collect the contents of those chests, even if it meant once again defeating the monster guarding them. With the knowledge that a rare item might appear after a chest respawned, players were frequently encouraged to retrace their steps inDragon’s Dogmain order to farm the gear they were looking for or to obtain valuable crafting materials. Respawning chests might initially seem like such a small feature, but it has a significant impact onDragon’s Dogma’s gameplay.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Chests Are One and Done
Unlike inDragon’s Dogma,Dragon’s Dogma 2’s chestsare “one and done,” meaning their contents never respawn once they are looted. In light of that, there is very little reason to return to certain areas or dungeons inDragon’s Dogma 2, unless, of course, players need to acquire materials from specific monsters that can be found in said areas. Initially, the appearance of these chests heightens the thrill of discovery, since the one-and-done nature ofDragon’s Dogma 2’s chests essentially makes them a rare find. Even so, there is no denying the impact that these mechanics have on the longevity of the game’s lasting appeal when it comes to exploration.
With the knowledge that a rare item might appear after a chest respawned, players were frequently encouraged to retrace their steps inDragon’s Dogmain order to farm the gear they were looking for or to obtain valuable crafting materials.
Ultimately, the one-and-done chest system inDragon’s Dogma 2is an intentional choicemade by Capcom, likely to enhance the immediate impact of discovery more than ongoing engagement. A design choice like this isn’t without its benefits, but it also fundamentally changes how players interact with the game world. By removing the incentive to revisit areas for treasure,Dragon’s Dogma 2trades some of the first game’s charm for a more static, linear experience.
