Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Passage of Time Mechanic Explained

By and large, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is more a remake than it is a sequel, utilizing a lot of the same mechanics of its predecessor as a result. Despite some new features in Dragon’s Dogma 2, it maintains the combat and exploration feel the franchise is known for. Another mechanic, Passage of Time, also finds its way into Dragon’s Dogma 2, although its purpose has it working primarily behind the scenes.

Passage of Time was a sort of hidden mechanic in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, but in Dragon’s Dogma 2, it is considerably more prominent. While both games are influenced by time in some ways, Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes it a bit more seriously, tying some of the game’s core elements to the passage of time. As such, it can be a bit challenging to become accustomed to, as there is no way to slow time or make it stop altogether.

Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Passage of Time Mechanic Explained

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, Passage of Time essentially makes it so that players can’t afford to sit around and do nothing, especially if they have accepted certain quests or have specific items in their inventory. Time is constantly on the move in Dragon’s Dogma 2, and it affects much more than the game’s day/night cycle. While other games, especially RPGs, have been known to abide by similar rules, some of this is a first for Dragon’s Dogma, and it can be notably more unforgiving than it is in other RPGs.

Passage of Time Can Bring the Night

Dragon’s Dogma‘s day is nothing like its night. Specifically, venturing out into the wilderness at night is highly discouraged. This is largely because at night, more enemies appear and some enemies even become stronger. Furthermore, it is entirely too dark to see anything outside the immediate vicinity. This is arguably the most significant way Passage of Time affects the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Passage of Time Can Affect Quests and NPCs

Firstly, most of Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s NPCs remain active at all times. This means that, not only can they not be found in the same place throughout each day, but they can also only be encountered at certain times of the day. This certainly plays into the game’s worldbuilding, but it can affect how quests play out as well. For instance, one side quest in Dragon’s Dogma 2 has players observing the daily routine of a particular NPC. As such, they must find him and follow his every move throughout the day. If they happen to lose him at any point, they will have no choice but to wait until the next day, unless they happen upon him by chance.

Some quests in Dragon’s Dogma 2 have a time limit attached to them, which the Passage of Time mechanic ultimately impacts. These quests will often continue to progress, even if the player chooses to do nothing, which is part of the game discouraging players from taking on too many quests at once.

Passage of Time Can Affect Certain Items and Structures

Passage of Time can also affect certain items in Dragon’s Dogma 2. For example, recovery items like apples can eventually ripen and become more beneficial. The downside, however, is that they can also spoil, leading to unfortunate results if consumed. Certain structures, like bridges, in Dragon’s Dogma 2 are also affected by Passage of Time, in that, if and when they are destroyed in the heat of battle, they will automatically regenerate over time.

There are plenty of other notable mechanics in Dragon’s Dogma 2, but Passage of Time is arguably one of its most influential. As a bit more now than the mere hidden mechanic it was in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, Passage of Time gives players a challenge beyond the game’s monsters.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

The long-awaited sequel to 2012’s action RPG, Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2 follows the Arisen, a hero whose heart is stolen by a powerful and massive dragon. Featuring a world 4x the size of its predecessor, Dragon’s Dogma 2 emphasizes customization and player control through its character creator, vocations system, and AI-controlled Pawns. 

Released

March 22, 2024

Genre(s)

Action RPG

Engine

RE Engine