Dragon’s Dogma 2 enthusiasts are finding themselves in a bit of a bind over the Dragonsplague feature, which has the potential to wreak havoc on a playthrough if not handled with caution.
While the gaming community has been heaping praise on the gameplay dynamics of Dragon’s Dogma 2, it hasn’t shied away from voicing critiques, particularly regarding Capcom’s microtransaction policies.
Additionally, players have been vocal about certain significant drawbacks of the game, including technical glitches in bustling locales like Vernworth and the absence of an option to initiate a fresh adventure with a new character.
However, among the various aspects of the game that have drawn ire, Dragonsplague stands out as a particularly thorny issue for Dragon’s Dogma 2 players.
Unlike save game management, which can be aided with external tools, or FPS optimization techniques, grappling with Dragonsplague is an unavoidable aspect of the gameplay, with potentially dire consequences for those who overlook it.
Dragonsplague, as its name suggests, is contracted through encounters with dragonkin, with any Pawn having the unfortunate chance of becoming infected during such skirmishes.
This infection isn’t discriminatory—it can afflict both the player’s Main Pawn and those of other players, and the infected Pawns may unwittingly find themselves hired by others through the Rift.
Thankfully, there are telltale signs of infection that the Arisen can watch out for, including glowing red eyes, disobedience to commands, and signs of distress.
Much like its predecessor, Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a mechanic where dragons can turn Pawns against their own master.
However, in this sequel, the stakes are higher, as infected Pawns develop a condition that drives them to commit murder while resting at inns if left untreated.
This unforgiving aspect of the game has drawn criticism from players like Any_Measurement1169, who argue that Dragonsplague detracts from the otherwise immersive open-world experience offered by Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Regrettably, curing a Main Pawn afflicted with Dragonsplague requires a rather drastic measure—throwing them into the Brine and then retrieving them through the Rift.
Other infected Pawns can be dismissed, and players are encouraged to regularly refresh their party lineup. Neglecting to address Dragonsplague can lead to dire consequences, with infected Pawns potentially slaughtering vital NPCs, some of whom are integral to completing quest lines.
While there are methods to resurrect NPCs or communicate with the deceased, the most prudent approach remains prevention.