Dragon’s Dogma 2 Developers Amazed by Players’ Passion for Customization

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is set to receive an expansion later this year, and Capcom is rolling out several updates to the base game in preparation. While some changes, like the nerfs to Dragonsplague, aren’t exactly welcome, others, particularly the enhancements to character customization, are pretty exciting—even if they came about in a rather amusing way.

In a recent interview with the game director and producer, they discussed the upcoming Dark Arisen expansion and the various changes players can expect. Kinoshita mentioned that some updates, such as the increase in Ferrystones, were directly influenced by player feedback. When asked if any feedback caught them off guard, Kinoshita revealed a surprising insight: he didn’t realize how much players enjoy dressing up their characters.

“I initially thought most players were focused on the realistic adventure aspect of the game. But we received feedback indicating that many players actually prefer customizing their looks over just picking the best gear based on stats like defense or strength,” he explained. “We assumed the focus was on realism, but it turns out a lot of players wanted more stylish items and options for character customization. That surprised me.”

He even posed a question to players about their preferences for fancier gear, chuckling at the thought.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 boasts a wide array of outfits, many of which can be customized in terms of color and patterns, and some are genuinely stylish. However, the challenge lies in the fact that armor not only alters the appearance of the player and their Pawns but also comes with attached stats. Unfortunately, many of the most visually appealing outfits have subpar stats. This often leaves players stuck wearing gear that makes them look ridiculous, simply because it offers better performance. Early in the game, options are limited, and with a tight budget for upgrades, players frequently find themselves wandering around in less-than-flattering attire.

Character customization has become a beloved feature in many games, with players dedicating hours to perfecting their avatars. So, it’s a bit surprising that no one on the Dragon’s Dogma 2 team anticipated that players might be frustrated by their Arisen flaunting their assets while on serious quests. I initially thought it was a deliberate joke.

The Dark Arisen expansion will introduce new armor sets that hopefully strike a balance between aesthetics and stats, along with fresh customization options, including 21 new hairstyles. However, if you’re just starting out, you might still have to endure some questionable leather gear for a while.