New Dragon’s Dogma 2 patch introduces much-needed performance fixes and a new ‘Casual Mode’
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A significant update for Dragon’s Dogma 2 has been released, bringing a range of improvements to the game’s performance, stability, and gameplay. Back when the game launched, it shipped with its fair share of performance issues – most notably, a high number of NPCs causing havoc on CPU usage.
On a positive note, one of the key highlights of this new patch is the introduction of a Casual Mode. Designed for players who prefer relaxed gameplay, Casual Mode reduces inn fees, Ferrystone prices, and stamina consumption during out-of-battle dashes. Additionally, Pawns in Casual Mode will recover from Dragonsplague without triggering its most severe effects, even when the symptoms progress to a terminal stage.
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Performance and stability issues addressed in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Beyond Casual Mode, the patch also addresses several performance and stability issues. Players should notice improved frame rates in areas with high NPC density, such as town centers, as the developers have worked to alleviate CPU overload. The frequency of crashes has also been reduced.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the patch includes a balance tweaks and changes across various Vocations. Nearly every Vocation, with the exception of the Trickster, has received updates to their abilities and mechanics. These adjustments aim to create a more balanced and engaging gameplay experience for players of all skill levels.
Will this patch change negative sentiment?
The initial release of Dragon’s Dogma 2 was met with mixed reactions from both critics and players. While the game’s core gameplay mechanics and world-building were generally praised, the inclusion of microtransactions and performance issues on PC proved to be a significant point of contention.
The decision to include in-game purchases for items that could be easily obtained through regular gameplay was seen as a greedy and unnecessary move. This backlash contributed to the game’s “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam, and it has had a lasting impact on the perception of Dragon’s Dogma 2 overall. We will have to wait and see if this new patch can help repair some of the damage.
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