Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
OpenCritic
Strong
IGDB
Players
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"Character customization, combat, and the weird story and brilliant end-game all make this one of my favorite action-RPG's of all time. Meanwhile, the Dark Arisen changes make the game somewhat more traversable and streamlined, turning a fun but frustrating game into something far more enjoyable. There's nothing really new here, but it's great to finally have the game on PC."
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About Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Capcom released Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen on April 23, 2013, as a definitive version of their original action-RPG. This edition bundles the base game with all subsequent expansions, including the brutal Bitterblack Isle zone and new high-tier gear. You play alone in a massive fantasy setting across PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The core loop involves fighting massive monsters with three AI partners called Pawns who learn from your actions. It is not just an update but the complete package for anyone wanting the full story without hunting down separate DLCs years later.
Gameplay
You control a single character while directing three Pawns through open world exploration and real-time combat. The fight system relies on physical interaction where you jump onto beasts to strike weak spots like necks or wings. Managing stamina and positioning matters more than button mashing since enemies can crush you if you stand still. Between battles, you customize your main character deeply and assign specific vocation skills to your Pawns based on their behavior patterns. You can upload your Pawn to a global network for others to borrow or download guides from strangers who have beaten the same bosses. A typical session involves traveling to a new region, spotting a dragon, coordinating attacks with your team, and looting the aftermath before heading back to town to upgrade gear.
What Players Think
Critics generally approve of this title with an OpenCritic score of 80 out of 100, noting that 83.17% of reviewers recommend it. IGN Italy gave it a high mark praising its fluidity on PC and comparing it favorably to The Witcher 3. Forbes called the combat and endgame among their favorites in the genre. The community mood leans dark with three votes marking it as creepy. Average playtime varies wildly, but completion rates show most players struggle with the final content since only 21.5% of achievements unlock on average. The rarest achievement "The Sprinter" sits at just 1.30%, indicating how few people actually finish every challenge in Bitterblack Isle.
PlayPile's Take
This game costs as little as $4.59, making it a steal for fans of challenging action-RPGs who want deep character systems. The 59 achievements are tough to get, so do not expect a quick run if you want 100% completion. It suits players who enjoy tactical combat and don't mind AI partners acting independently rather than following strict orders. The price point is low enough that the steep learning curve does not matter much. Avoid this if you want a polished modern interface or a story that explains everything clearly, as the narrative remains somewhat fragmented throughout your adventure in Gransys.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
79.8
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