Let me start by saying that, honestly, nothing really comes close to Dragon’s Dogma 2. It is such a unique experience that any other games you try won’t scratch that same itch. But I’m not here to offer you games that are like Dragon’s Dogma 2, but ones that are ripe for playing next.
Other games may provide lots of enjoyment if you enjoyed certain aspects of Dragon’s Dogma 2. From the combat, exploration, or side quests, what you liked most another game will be able to provide.
So peruse this list and choose the game that you think you’ll like the most based off your experience with Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
I know I said that nothing comes close to Dragon’s Dogma 2, but Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is the exception. Many fans of the Dragon’s Dogma series have said that they prefer Dark Arisen, for a litany of reasons.
Although it may seem unworth it to play Dark Arisen after just completing Dragon’s Dogma 2, many will tell you otherwise. Dark Arisen is the only game that will fill the void left in your soul fully, and you may find it plays better.
Upon launch of Dragon’s Dogma 2, many players were left baffled by the many quality of life improvements that Dark Arisen had that were removed for the sequel. In fact, there are many great features that Dark Arisen has over Dragon’s Dogma 2, to a point where it’s rather baffling.
Better enemy variety, better quality of life systems, to more classes to play. Dark Arisen may be the next game for you to play.
Dragon Age Inquisition
Dragon Age Inquisition comes pretty close to the overall Dragon’s Dogma 2 experience. It features party-based combat and a wide world to explore. Although the combat isn’t too similar, fighting in a team and utilising teamwork is a large factor of the game play.
Like any good RPG, there are classes with different skills and weapons, so if you enjoyed decking out your Pawn and building the right party, then Dragon Age Inquisition will allow you to further indulge.
Additionally, the world is as full of strange creatures that you’ll have to defeat, which is my favorite part of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Strategizing to take down warped monsters with my own party? Count me in.
Kingdoms of Amalur
Kingdoms of Amalur is a game that many fans have recommended to other Dragon’s Dogma players, and I can see why. Although the combat isn’t too similar, it still serves that same satisfying feeling when you’ve combined all the right skills and abilities for you. Kingdoms of Amalur does blend magic and standard attacks together rather nicely, however, providing more versatility.
This game features a vast world that has a very rich history, much like Dragon’s Dogma 2, for you to get lost in. Naturally, this large world also comes with lots of side quests for you to get distracted over, so if you enjoyed getting lost in another world, then it’ll be worth giving Kingdoms of Amalur a try.
Note that this game has some quirks and flaws, with certain features not given enough attention. But the same can be said for Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Monster Hunter World
What I love the most about Dragon’s Dogma 2 is taking down huge beasts. Monster Hunter World provides that in spades. If you’re like me, then going on hunts in complex and interesting lands to fell huge monsters is just what you need after Dragon’s Dogma 2.
There are some truly terrible tyrants that you can hunt, using many different classes. Much like Dragon’s Dogma 2, you can freely switch between these fighting styles to better suit yourself, or your prey. Both games are made by Capcom, so you can expect the same incredible fighting experience.
With super satisfying combat and a huge variety of creatures big and small, you’ll be having the time of your life.
Outward Definitive Edition
Outward is another commonly recommended game for those who have beat any of the Dragon’s Dogma games. It has a little something for every Dragon’s Dogma fan to appreciate. Fun combat, challenging monsters, exploration, and side quests.
One major difference here is that Outward also doubles as a survival game, so wounds and self preservation are extra factors to consider. It is more challenging in this regard, although still delivers on the main enjoyments of Dragon’s Dogma 2.
There are other features that Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t have, such as base building and co-op play, so if you’re looking for something a little different, then Outward may be for you.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a more grounded game. Set in the Holy Roman Empire, it is without the fantasy and beasts that many love about Dragon’s Dogma 2. However, it does feature great combat and story-changing choices and consequences.
One aspect of Dragon’s Dogma 2 I really enjoy is feeling like my presence matters. Kingdom Come: Deliverance has a grand open world and a non-linear story with challenging combat, something I feel is a natural next step for Dragon’s Dogma fans.
Even though it’s different in theme, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers great battles and a great open world with plenty of exploration.
Nioh 2
Let me state that Nioh 2 is a Soulslike game, and an incredibly challenging one at that. In many aspects, it’s incredibly different to Dragon’s Dogma 2, but is still a game that many will enjoy after having played it.
If you’re a fan of challenging encounters and building your character, then you’ll be able to indulge in that plenty with Nioh 2. There is lots of room for satisfying weapons and combat, although you’ll get punished rather severely for missteps and poor strategy.
Many Dragon’s Dogma fans recommend Nioh 2, and although it’s dissimilar, it’s a great game to try out next.
For me personally, right after playing my fill of Dragon’s Dogma 2, I jumped right back into my Skyrim save. And I do not regret it. Sure, the combat isn’t as nuanced and you can’t climb minotaurs and cut their horns off, but Skyrim is the fantasy game for many.
Putting my own biases aside, Skyrim does feature lots of elements that Dragon’s Dogma fans will enjoy, but especially those who loved getting lost in a fantasy world much bigger than they are. I loved going off the beaten track (wherever I could) and spelunking in ancient caves in Dragon’s Dogma 2, and you can do the exact same here.
Sure, there are other games that you can get lost in like Dragon’s Dogma 2. But these two titles feature dragons. And if you want a party of 4 like in Dragon’s Dogma 2, then just become a conjuror and grab a companion.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Don’t act like you don’t know what Baldur’s gate 3 is. I was rather resistant to add Baldur’s Gate 3 to this list, as it felt like a cop-out, “If you like this one hugely successful RPG, then try this other hugely successful RPG!” However, I’ve come to realize that both games share similarities the same as other entries on this list.
A huge world, lots to explore, choices, side quests, and that cozy fantasy feeling. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Dungeons & Dragons game, though, so there are many combat and mechanical differences. But if you enjoyed the grand adventure Dragon’s Dogma 2 gave you, then you’ll be enthralled by Baldur’s Gate 3.
If you’ve played Dragon’s Dogma 2 to death, then the mechanical differences may feel welcome as you indulge once again into another huge adventure with choices and consequence. Much like Dragon’s Dogma 2, there are still secrets and features being uncovered as people play.
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 has many story elements that match Dragon’s Dogma 2. An incredible world steeped in layers and layers of history. A huge and complex story to uncover. Many monsters to defeat. The only thing it’s missing is a class and Pawn system.
What I love about both of these games is the emphasis on preparation when going out and facing monsters. In Dragon’s Dogma 2, you need to make sure you’re ready before venturing from one location to the next, and the same can be said for The Witcher 3.
Making sure you’ve enough potions and the right strategy planned for every individual monster is a satisfying and gratifying process.
Again, none of these games (apart from Dark Arisen) will really match Dragon’s Dogma 2, but they all have their merits. Choose what you want to experience the most again in Dragon’s Dogma 2, and pick the best fit.
Although you can always just, you know, play Dragon’s Dogma 2 again in NG+…
