Dragon's Dogma 2 is the perfect binge for Skyrim fans

4 hours ago 6

Published Jun 26, 2026, 10:36 AM EDT

Dragons, cat people, and magic await

A close-up of a dragon in Dragon's Dogma 2 roaring.

Hold on to your hats, folks, for I have some bad news: it has been 15 years since The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was released. A game adored by so many and widely considered to be one of Bethesda's greatest games, SteamDB's concurrent players tracker shows the Special Edition still averages almost 30,000 players every day. For a decade and a half old game, on just one platform? Skyrim is an all-timer.

What if you want something a little different, however, while still sharing plenty in common with the Dovahkiin's adventure? Look no further than Dragon's Dogma 2. Much like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 — as the title implies — revolves around dragons. You are the "Arisen," essentially the chosen one, and you must embark on a quest to defeat one of the most intimidating dragons in the land.

The player in Dragon's Dogma 2 stabbing an enemy holding a torch.

However, at the heart of Dragon's Dogma 2's world is a political conflict taking place between two countries: Vermund, full of flora and fauna, and Battahl, a barren, sandy, and much more hostile wasteland. Both regions are equally charming, teeming with life and interesting characters, many of whom have side quests for you to discover.

You won't be alone, though: Dragon's Dogma 2 features a unique mechanic where you have others in your party, known as pawns. These are other characters that you can command in battle. And since you, alongside your pawns, can equip different classes (known as vocations), there are myriad ways to approach each combat situation and play to your strengths.

If exploration is what you enjoy most about an RPG, then you'll feel right at home here. Fast travel options are few and far between, but since exploring the game's stunning world is so delightful, the journey between locations is as much of a thrill as what you'll find at the end.

Skyrim players will feel right at home here. Despite being a phenomenal game, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a little bit janky. It'll take a little getting used to — the physics can often be hilarious, for example — but you'll learn to love its oddities. Our original Dragon's Dogma 2 review described it as "the best video game adventure since Elden Ring," explaining that it "confidently overcomes its flaws."

Right now is also the perfect time to get into Dragon's Dogma 2, because on Oct. 9, the much rumored, long-awaited Dark Arisen expansion will be released, which introduces a brand-new region: Norgan. This will take players to a snowy environment, which includes dungeon challenges and a story featuring an all-new character, Eir.

While it isn't on sale at the moment, Dragon's Dogma 2 is regularly reduced to just under $30 on Steam, or you can pick up the game together with the Dark Arisen expansion ahead of its October release date for $49.99.