Dragon’s Dogma 2 Big Patch Notes: New Game?
Yes, the big Dragon’s Dogma 2 patches add new gameplay features and fixes, but they do not add a traditional New Game+ mode. The game already includes a New Game+ option from the start, and the major title updates focus on performance, difficulty options, and quality-of-life improvements rather than introducing a separate new game mode.
What the Major Patches Actually Add
Capcom has released several large title updates for Dragon’s Dogma 2 since its launch. The most significant patch, often referred to as the “big” update, arrived in late 2024 and included:
- A new Casual difficulty mode that reduces damage taken and makes stamina consumption more forgiving.
- An option to start a new game from the main menu without deleting your current save (you can have multiple save slots).
- Improved DLSS and FSR support for better performance on PC and consoles.
- Various bug fixes for quests, NPC behavior, and crashes.
Later patches added more features like the ability to change your character’s appearance at any time using the Art of Metamorphosis book, and a performance mode on consoles that targets 60 FPS by reducing some graphical effects. None of these patches introduce a new game mode beyond the existing New Game+ system.
How New Game+ Works in Dragon’s Dogma 2
New Game+ is available from the very beginning of Dragon’s Dogma 2, not as a post-patch addition. After you complete the main story, you can start a new playthrough that carries over:
- Your character’s level, vocation ranks, and learned skills.
- All equipped gear and items in your storage (but not quest items).
- Gold and rift crystals.
- Your main pawn and its knowledge.
You also keep your map exploration progress and some key items like the Ferrystone. However, you lose quest progress, and the world resets to its initial state. The main difference from a fresh save is that you retain your power and can tackle the story again with higher difficulty enemies in some areas (enemy scaling is not a major factor, but you’ll face the same foes).
Why People Confuse Patches with New Game+
The confusion likely comes from the patch that added the ability to start a new game from the title screen without overwriting your current save. Before this update, you could only have one save file, and starting a new game required deleting your progress. The patch introduced multiple save slots, which made it easier to replay the game from scratch. But this is not a new game mode; it’s just a save management feature. Some players also mistake the Casual difficulty as a new game type, but it’s just a difficulty toggle you can switch at any time.
How to Start a New Game+ Run
To begin a New Game+ playthrough:
- Complete the main quest “Legacy” and watch the credits.
- After the credits, you’ll return to the main menu.
- Select Continue on your completed save file.
- Choose New Game+ from the options presented.
- Confirm that you want to start a new journey with your existing character.
You can also start a completely fresh game from the title screen by selecting New Game and choosing an empty save slot (available after the patch).
What the Patches Don’t Include
Despite the size of the updates, they do not add:
- A Boss Rush or Horde Mode.
- A New Game++ with increased enemy scaling.
- Any story DLC or new quests.
- A New Game+ exclusive area or dungeon.
If you’re hoping for a substantial expansion like the Dark Arisen DLC from the first game, that hasn’t been announced. The patches are primarily performance and quality-of-life improvements, not content expansions.
Common Misconceptions About the Patches
One common misconception is that the big patch adds a “New Game” button that resets your progress. Actually, it adds a save slot system so you can have multiple characters. Another misconception is that Casual difficulty makes the game too easy—it only reduces damage taken by about 50% and slows stamina drain, but enemies still hit hard if you’re underleveled. Also, some players think the performance mode is exclusive to PS5 Pro, but it’s available on all current-gen consoles and PC (via DLSS/FSR settings).
Comparing the Big Patch to Previous Updates
The “big” patch (typically version 1.050 or later) is larger than earlier hotfixes that just addressed crashes and quest bugs. It included the most requested features: multiple save slots, Casual difficulty, and performance improvements. Later patches (like 1.060 and 1.070) added smaller tweaks like adjusting pawn behavior and fixing specific quest glitches. The size of the patch is measured in gigabytes, but that’s mostly due to recompiled assets for performance, not new content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dragon’s Dogma 2 have New Game+?
Yes, New Game+ has been in the game since launch. You unlock it after beating the main story. You carry over your level, gear, and pawn, but the world resets. It’s not added by any patch; it was always there.
What is the big patch in Dragon’s Dogma 2?
The big patch is a major title update that added Casual difficulty, multiple save slots, improved DLSS/FSR performance, and many bug fixes. It’s the largest update since launch and is often called the “big” patch by the community.
Can I start a new game without losing my save?
Yes, after the big patch, you can start a new game from the title screen and it will create a separate save slot. Your existing save remains intact. Before the patch, you could only have one save file.
Is there any new content in the patches?
No, the patches do not add new quests, areas, or enemies. They focus on gameplay options, performance, and bug fixes. The only new feature that feels like content is the Casual difficulty mode, which changes the game’s challenge.
Will there be a Dark Arisen style expansion?
Capcom hasn’t announced any story DLC or expansion for Dragon’s Dogma 2. The patches are free updates, not paid expansions. If an expansion comes, it would be a separate announcement.
Does the patch fix the performance issues on PC?
The big patch improved DLSS and FSR implementations, which helps with frame rates on compatible hardware. It also fixed some CPU bottlenecks. However, performance still depends on your system specs, and some areas remain demanding.
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