MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes didn’t give Dragon’s Dogma 2 a real chance in 2024, but the gamescom 2026 convinced him otherwise, and all it took was an impressive dragon.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 and I had a difficult relationship in 2024. After just a few hours, I gave up and set the game aside. It just didn’t click, which I mostly attribute to the fact that I probably wasn’t in the right mood for the game.
Although the game looks like a classic open-world RPG, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is still something special. The way the world is structured and how the mechanics intertwine is simply fascinating.
That’s why I wanted to give the game another chance at gamescom 2026, this time with a nearly one-hour demo of Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, the expansion for the game set to be released on October 9, 2026.
I wouldn’t have thought it possible, but the demo was one of the best experiences at this year’s fair. (Of course, I could have just listened to MeinMMO editor Karsten.)
A whole adventure in just one hour
The demo started right in the middle of the new area Norgan. The snowy place creates a somewhat different atmosphere when exploring, which especially makes the night feel significantly scarier, as the white snow provides a nice contrast to the light sources.
To make exploration even more interesting, there is also a new loot system in Dark Arisen. You find so-called artifacts that you have to decipher in one of the villages. However, this costs you a small fee.
Together with my companions, I then set out on the small journey in Norgan and encountered some enemies with axes, as well as nasty wolves. The combat was chaotic, but also quite fun because the enemies like to attack together, and wolves can even grab your arm and briefly annoy you.
Along with the companions, a team dynamic also developed that reminded me of fantasy anime or films, especially when you have different vocations – that is, classes – present.
After a while, I arrived in an area where everything was calm at first. But suddenly, a huge yeti with 2 tusks and a massive club appeared. That was really cool.
Not only because the monster sounds incredibly hefty, but the fight was genuinely fun because you, as the player, unintentionally create your own moments. For example, one of my companions helped me by catching me when I fell or pushed me to dodge the club.
But the demo wasn’t over yet. In an abandoned castle, I had to face a dragon. But not just any normal dragon.
A dragon to fall in love fear
Capcom itself calls it the Fallen Dragon, and I would have never thought that a dragon could impress me in 2026, but visually this was truly delivered.
The dragon is covered in holes, has a long nose and no eyes. Coupled with its size, I felt awe upon first sight. But then the fight began with the dragon spewing forth a horde of zombies that charged at me and my companions.
This made the combat chaotic but truly epic. Slowly, a sense of despair developed because, besides the zombies, I also had to deal with the dragon. When I finally managed to sever one of its arms, hope grew – but I was wrong.
Suddenly, it rose up, healed completely, and took me out with one last, impressive attack. Demo over, and I was thrilled.
This short demo was like a whole adventure: moments filled with action, hope, despair, and an impressive ending. No RPG could provide me with this mix of emotions in such a short time, yet it was fantastic, and I concede: Dragon’s Dogma deserves a second chance from me, and all those who love it will likely enjoy Dark Arisen as well – at least if the mood of the demo carries through into the full expansion.
gamescom 2026 has many strong games and also some surprises to offer. Completely different from Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, but no less exciting, is the cyberpunk shooter No Law: A cyberpunk shooter does what only Super Mario could: I’m excited about a damn mustache
Your opinion is important to us!
Do you like the article? Then let us know!