By and large,Dragon’s Dogma 2is more a remake than it is a sequel, utilizing a lot of the same mechanics of its predecessor as a result. Despite somenew features inDragon’s Dogma 2, it maintains the combat and exploration feel the franchise is known for. Another mechanic, Passage of Time, also finds its way intoDragon’s Dogma 2, although its purpose has it working primarily behind the scenes.
Passage of Time was a sort of hidden mechanic inDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, but inDragon’s Dogma 2, it is considerably more prominent. While both games are influenced by time in some ways,Dragon’s Dogma 2takes it a bit more seriously, tying some of the game’s core elements to the passage of time. As such, it can be a bit challenging to become accustomed to, as there is no way to slow time or make it stop altogether.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Passage of Time Mechanic Explained
InDragon’s Dogma 2, Passage of Time essentially makes it so that players can’t afford to sit around and do nothing, especially if they have accepted certain quests or have specific items in their inventory. Time is constantly on the move inDragon’s Dogma 2, and it affects much more than the game’sday/night cycle. While other games, especially RPGs, have been known to abide by similar rules, some of this is a first forDragon’s Dogma, and it can be notably more unforgiving than it is in other RPGs.
Passage of Time Can Bring the Night
Dragon’s Dogma’s day is nothing like its night. Specifically, venturing out into the wilderness at night is highly discouraged. This is largely because at night, more enemies appear and some enemies even become stronger. Furthermore, it is entirely too dark to see anything outside the immediate vicinity. This is arguably the most significant way Passage of Time affects the world ofDragon’s Dogma 2.
Passage of Time Can Affect Quests and NPCs
Firstly, most ofDragon’s Dogma 2’s NPCsremain active at all times. This means that, not only can they not be found in the same place throughout each day, but they can also only be encountered at certain times of the day. This certainly plays into the game’s worldbuilding, but it can affect how quests play out as well. For instance, one side quest inDragon’s Dogma 2has players observing the daily routine of a particular NPC. As such, they must find him and follow his every move throughout the day. If they happen to lose him at any point, they will have no choice but to wait until the next day, unless they happen upon him by chance.
Some quests inDragon’s Dogma 2have a time limitattached to them, which the Passage of Time mechanic ultimately impacts. These quests will often continue to progress, even if the player chooses to do nothing, which is part of the game discouraging players from taking on too many quests at once.
Passage of Time Can Affect Certain Items and Structures
Passage of Time can also affect certain items inDragon’s Dogma 2. For example, recovery items like apples can eventually ripen and become more beneficial. The downside, however, is that they can also spoil, leading to unfortunate results if consumed. Certain structures, likebridges, inDragon’s Dogma 2are also affected by Passage of Time, in that, if and when they are destroyed in the heat of battle, they will automatically regenerate over time.
There are plenty of other notable mechanics inDragon’s Dogma 2, but Passage of Time is arguably one of its most influential. As a bit more now than the mere hidden mechanic it was inDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, Passage of Time gives players a challenge beyond the game’s monsters.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Set forth on your grand adventure, Arisen!Dragon’s Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure.All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
