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Capcom’s September 16, 2024 update for Dragon’s Dogma 2 added Casual Mode, addressed CPU overload in some situations, and reduced crash frequency. Capcom said frame rates in NPC-heavy areas such as town centers “should be improved,” but published no benchmark figures or guaranteed frame-rate target. The changes below describe that historical update, not necessarily the game’s current state in October 2026.
What Casual Mode changes
Casual Mode eases several costs and survival pressures compared with Normal Mode. Capcom’s September 16, 2024 update notes list these changes:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 Standard Anglais Playstation 5 [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kdcU-ghzL._SL160_.jpg)
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Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 Standard Anglais Playstation 5 [video game] | $24.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dragon's Dogma 2 - XBX | $25.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dragon's Dogma 2 - PS5 | $39.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dragons Dogma 2: Dark Arisen - Nintendo Switch 2 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Dragons Dogma 2: Dark Arisen - PlayStation 5 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Inn fees and Ferrystone prices are reduced.
- It takes more carried weight to reach the “Heavy” or “Very Heavy” status.
- Dashing outside of battle uses less stamina.
- After the Arisen dies, choosing “Load from Last Save” does not increase the loss gauge.
- Pawns recover from Dragonsplague without a “devastating calamity,” even if symptoms reach a terminal stage.
How to switch to Casual Mode—and what you give up
You can switch during an existing game, but the change is one-way: once you enter Casual Mode, you cannot return to Normal Mode. Capcom also warns that some achievements or trophies cannot be unlocked in Casual Mode.
- Return to the title menu.
- Open Options, then Game Settings.
- Select Casual Mode and confirm the change.
Did the update improve performance?
Capcom listed further fixes for CPU overload in certain situations and a reduction in crash frequency. Its specific frame-rate claim was that performance in places with many NPCs, including town centers, “should be improved.” The notes also say setting graphics to Low should improve frame rates further; Steam players can make the equivalent adjustment through their graphics settings.
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#1 Best Overall
- A Grand Adventure – Dragon’s Dogma 2 begins in a subterranean jail, where the Dragon’s voice echoes in the fog of lost memories. With their heart taken by the Dragon, the Arisen is set on a path to slay that symbol of the world’s destruction as it soars through the sky on massive wings, breathing flames that scorch everything in its path. With the Arisen’s future veiled in mystery, what challenges and triumphs await on the path to their destiny?
- Single-Player Cooperation – Up to three mysterious otherworldly beings, known as Pawns, accompany the Arisen throughout their journey. Pawns create the feeling of a cooperative gameplay experience by offering unique characteristics, skills, and knowledge gained from their experiences with other Arisen.
- Made with RE ENGINE – Capcom’s advanced RE ENGINE produces vividly detailed, high fidelity graphics combined with immersive physics and complex and reactive character AI to create a setting where decisions, and their consequences, come to life.
These are Capcom’s stated expectations, not independent test results. The update notes provide no before-and-after measurements, hardware details, platform-by-platform benchmarks, or guaranteed FPS. Actual results may vary by platform, hardware, settings, and in-game location.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other changes in the September 2024 update
Casual Mode and performance were not the only changes. Capcom also added a Portcrystal to Bakbattahl, varied Pawn idle animations, and added animations for the Arisen and Pawns starting a dash and riding a larger flying enemy at high speed. The Main Pawn can be revived an unlimited number of times at Forgotten Riftstones, and Polish was added as a display-language option. The notes also include vocation adjustments and numerous fixes.
Rank #2
- A Grand Adventure – Dragon’s Dogma 2 begins in a subterranean jail, where the Dragon’s voice echoes in the fog of lost memories.
- Single-Player Cooperation – Up to three mysterious otherworldly beings, known as Pawns, accompany the Arisen throughout their journey.
- Made with RE ENGINE – Capcom’s advanced RE ENGINE produces vividly detailed, high fidelity graphics combined with immersive physics and complex and reactive character AI to create a setting where decisions, and their consequences, come to life.
- Pre-order Bonus: Superior Weapons Quartet
For players considering the game now, Capcom announced Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen on June 10, 2026, describing it as an expansion package and listing PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Capcom says the Switch 2 version packages the main game and expansion together. Check the platform and edition before buying; that announcement does not establish current retailer stock or availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Relic Expedition Cycle – Throughout their journey in the kingdom of Norgan, the Arisen must unearth and appraise forgotten relics to unlock powerful new weapons and skills.
- New Dungeon Challenges – The 12 freshly uncovered Lost Rites dungeons house trials designed by the Pathfinder to sharpen the Arisen’s skills and recover rare equipment once held by past Arisen that now lay dormant.
- Deeper Character Customization – New tattoo and hair options have been added to the already robust character creation tool in Dragon’s Dogma 2 so Arisen and Pawns can have even deeper personalization.
- Pre-order Bonuses – The Norgan Fashion Set - Northern Attire will be available as a pre-order bonus, which can be accessed via in-game storage at launch.
Rank #4
- Relic Expedition Cycle – Throughout their journey in the kingdom of Norgan, the Arisen must unearth and appraise forgotten relics to unlock powerful new weapons and skills.
- New Dungeon Challenges – The 12 freshly uncovered Lost Rites dungeons house trials designed by the Pathfinder to sharpen the Arisen’s skills and recover rare equipment once held by past Arisen that now lay dormant.
- Deeper Character Customization – New tattoo and hair options have been added to the already robust character creation tool in Dragon’s Dogma 2 so Arisen and Pawns can have even deeper personalization.
- Now on Nintendo Switch 2 – Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen brings the classic fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 and the Dark Arisen Expansion to the Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time.
- Pre-order Bonuses – The Norgan Fashion Set - Northern Attire will be available as a pre-order bonus, which can be accessed via in-game storage at launch.
Rank #3
- A Grand Adventure – Dragon’s Dogma 2 begins in a subterranean jail, where the Dragon’s voice echoes in the fog of lost memories.
- Single-Player Cooperation – Up to three mysterious otherworldly beings, known as Pawns, accompany the Arisen throughout their journey.
- Made with RE ENGINE – Capcom’s advanced RE ENGINE produces vividly detailed, high fidelity graphics combined with immersive physics and complex and reactive character AI to create a setting where decisions, and their consequences, come to life.
- Pre-order Bonus: Superior Weapons Quartet
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
