Dragon’s Dogma 2: How Dragonsplague Works (& How You Can Avoid It)

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Although has many mechanics that make it uniquely difficult compared to other open-world RPGs, the obscure and deadly Dragonsplague is possibly the game's most punishing mechanic. Released 12 years after the original, the sequel features an all-new map and greatly expanded systems, but with a new, wider audience, some of the game's new or returning mechanics have proven to be somewhat controversial.

Like the first game, intentionally leaves out many of the conveniences and quality-of-life features that most other open-world RPGs feature, with the intention of forcing players to engage more heavily with the game's world. Some quests, for example, have strict in-game time limits, meaning that may punish players who treat it as a normal RPG. Similarly, the game has minimal fast travel systems, often forcing players to travel on foot. However, while these mechanics are a part of 's unique appeal for many players, the Dragonsplague system has proven to be more controversial.

A new mechanic in, Dragonsplague is a deadly disease that can be contracted by Pawns while in combat with drakes and can be spread from one pawn to another. The short-term consequences of Dragonsplague are mild and, in some cases, even beneficial. Pawns with the disease are actually stronger in combat, but will start to have more aggressive dialogue and may disobey orders from the Arisen. Allowing Dragonsplague to advance to its final stages, however, has heavy consequences, as resting in a town or settlement with a Dragonsplague-infected pawn can wipe out every NPC residing there.

Once the Dragonsplague is in its final stages, a process which can take several in-game days, resting at an inn or a player-owned house will trigger a cutscene of the afflicted pawn transforming into a shadowy dragon, and when the player wakes up from their rest, every NPC in the town that they rested in will be dead. Losing any settlement can be a great loss, as it potentially means losing side quests and a place to rest