Dragon’s Dogma 2 Is the Game Version of a Classic Zelda Meme

Highlights

Pawns in Dragon’s Dogma 2 are crucial companions for players, providing assistance in combat and keeping them company throughout the game.
The iconic Zelda quote “It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this,” perfectly encapsulates the need for players to travel with Pawns in the dangerous world of Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Just like in The Legend of Zelda, players are encouraged to never travel alone in Dragon’s Dogma 2, as the game’s dangers require the support of Pawns to survive.

One of Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma series’ most notable features is its Pawn system, which allows players to travel with a full party of characters who all relentlessly dote on their beloved master, the Arisen. In one sense, Dragon’s Dogma‘s Pawn system doubles as a multiplayer component, in that players can hire the Pawns created by other players to travel with them, along with the Pawn they create themselves. However, the main appeal of Pawns is perhaps the assistance they provide players, both in and out of combat. Dragon’s Dogma 2 features the series’ iconic Pawn system once again, albeit an updated version, so players don’t ever have to worry about facing the dangers of the game’s world alone.

That’s really the whole purpose of Pawns — they not only keep players company but can also help them in a variety of ways. Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s world is chock-full of danger, with its emergent gameplay constantly proving itself to be a formidable foe as giant monsters seemingly appear out of thin air and threaten the livelihood of the player and their party, so Pawns are all but a crucial part of gameplay. As it turns out, this combination of open-world danger and the series’ Pawn system transforms Dragon’s Dogma 2 into the game version of a classic Zelda meme that is frequently used in a variety of scenarios.

In Defense of Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Learning Curve

Like its predecessor, Dragon’s Dogma 2 comes with a reasonably steep learning curve, but that is arguably a non-negotiable part of its DNA.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Perfectly Encapsulates a Classic Zelda Meme

One Classic Zelda Meme Is Used Often in Modern Media

“It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this,” is an epochal phrase first uttered by an old man in a cave in the original 1986 NES Legend of Zelda game, and has since become one of gaming’s most recognizable quotes. As players carefully navigate the maze-like paths of The Legend of Zelda, they eventually come upon a cave where an old man awaits them. Upon speaking with the old man, he presents players with their first sword and delivers the token phrase. From then on, players, as Link, venture back out into the world of The Legend of Zelda, ready to tackle foes with their newfound weapon.

The now-familiar phrase wasn’t at all comical when gamers first read it in 1986. Then, it was simply a line of text that indicated they would be facing dangers beyond what their unarmed hands could handle. However, the iconic quote is now used in a variety of video game memes, typically on top of a picture of isolated hands offering a miniature kitten or a cup of coffee to the viewer. Now it is accurately represented in Dragon’s Dogma 2, thanks to the challenge offered by its open world and the honorable Pawns that accompany players on their journey.

It’s Never Safe to Travel Alone in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Just as it was in The Legend of Zelda, it’s never safe to travel alone in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Rather than a sword as they received in the 1986 classic, Dragon’s Dogma 2 players can not only take up to three more “swords” with them but also the bodies that wield them. Capcom’s sequel to its 2012 cult hit could be considered even more dangerous than its predecessor, especially at night, so players are constantly encouraged to bring their Pawns with them or meet an unfortunate fate.

Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s Pawns can still be demanding and unpredictable, just as they were in the first game, but they are still more useful when kept around than when they are left behind. As the classic Legend of Zelda meme persists to this day, perhaps more will be created featuring Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s Pawns as what players should bring with them on their journey.