Dragon's Dogma New Player Help
Jan. 15, 2016Dragon’s Dogma New Player Help
Dragon’s Dogma releases this weekend for PC and to help prepare newcomers to the series (or rusty vets) for the dangers of Gransys we’ve put together a handy guide for you which can also be found on the wiki atNew Player Help. Before venturing into the wilds of mythical beasts, steel yourself and read:
One of the first things you do in the game is create your player character and your pawn. There are no multiple save files on Dragon’s Dogma so make sure to put enough effort into your character and pawn for you to feel satisfied with them for at least a good 30 or so hours into the game because you will not get another chance to change them until you start a new game+, or if you have the rift crystals you can purchase the ability to edit your character.
ChangingVocationsis possible at theUnion InninGran Soren. Once you’ve purchased a vocation initially you can swap to it for no cost. Don’t be hesitant to explore the different vocations early on to give you a chance to develop them fully.
Choosing theVocationsof yourPawnsis crucial to a balanced attack. Choose a pawn that compliments your selected vocation, so that you can support each other. If you choose aFighter, consider making your pawn aMageand vice versa. Your main pawn is more vital than the support pawns so design them with care! Don’t be afraid to revisit theKnowledge ChairatInnsto adjust your main pawnsInclinationsto better match your desired playstyle, or purchaseElixirsfromJohnathan’s Rift Shopwhich can be used on the go.
At the onset stick to the main roads and daylight travel. The game gets more difficult off the roads and especially when it turns to night. It’s a good idea to rest at an inn before heading out to maximize your health and healing inCombatand will start your day fresh in the morning. If you must go out at night, be sure to carry plenty of oil in flasks to keep yourLanternlit, and think about equipping your pawns with lanterns as well. Be sure to explore the areas you visit thoroughly, there is a lot to loot in both the towns and overworld.
Save often. This is an open world game that will only auto save during quest steps. When you’re out and exploring in the larger overworld, a simple misstep off a cliff or an unexpected death at the claws of an enemy (and this happens often) can wipe out the last chunk of time and gameplay since your last save. Avoid that dejected feeling of loss by saving whenever you have cleared an encounter.
Encumbrance happens quickly, so try and make it a point to return toInnsregularly to take advantage ofItemstorage. You can’t carry a terribly large amount of items, but gathering a lot is key to powerful gearEnhancement. Storing everything you loot will help you stay lean and when visiting a smith, anyMaterialsneeded will be extracted directly from storage, so you don’t need to have the items on you. Use your pawns as pack mules as well, if they die all they are holding will automatically go to your storage. Be mindful of giving themWeaponsandArmorhowever, as these items will be considered gifted to their owners.Combiningis a great way to cut down on your inventory and craft valuable consumables.
FerrystonesandPortcrystalsare extremely useful fast travel methods in the large world of Gransys. In theDark Arisenversion of the game, you start with an infinite ferrystone. Place portcrystals in locations that are long journeys on foot fromGran Sorenand/or are places you anticipate traveling to often. Portcrystals can be picked up and relocated.
Rotate support pawns as you level up, and favorite the ones you particularly find useful whether they’re fromThe Riftor you’ve encountered them walking around the world. Being able to quickly find a specific one when you need it will be a helpful time saver. Try to keep your party as balanced as possible between offense, defense and supportive roles.
Don’t ignoreNotice Board Quests. They are straightforward jobQueststhat are phrased as “kill certain amount of memories” etc. and are fantastic ways to earn gold doing tasks you would otherwise already be doing.
Beyond that, have fun! Dragon’s Dogma is a unique game that mashes up many different JRPG and Western RPG concepts. The results are often idiosyncratic and sometimes downright puzzling, so don’t hesitate to head over to theDragon’s Dogma Wikifor help moving forward.
And one last tip:
“Goblins ill like fire!”
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Emergence
Editor at Fextralife. I look for the substantial in gaming and I try to connect video games to the emotions and stories they elicit. I love all things culture and history and have an odd fondness for the planet Jupiter. I think my dogs are pretty awesome too.
