Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen goes live on Steam and Xbox at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET) tonight. PS5 follows at 9 p.m. PT, which is midnight ET, and the Switch 2 version is listed for October 9. If you already own Dragon’s Dogma 2, this is the expansion. If you don’t, it’s the base game plus the expansion in one box.
What the expansion adds
Capcom is sending you north to Norgan, a snowy region of Vermund that was abandoned years ago. You team up with a new character named Eir, who is chasing the secret of an undying Fallen Dragon, and along the way you dig up old relics and have them appraised to unlock new weapons and skills.
The second big piece lives back in the main map. Lost Rites adds 12 new dungeon challenges spread across the world you already know, with rare gear once held by past Arisen waiting in the depths. The character creator also picks up new hairstyles and tattoos, so your Arisen and main Pawn can get a fresh look before the trip.
Prices and which version to buy
The full package, Dragon’s Dogma 2 plus the Dark Arisen expansion, is $49.99 on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. If you already have the base game on PS5, Xbox, or Steam, the expansion by itself is $29.99. On Steam the $49.99 bundle also throws in the Explorer’s Camping Kit and the Music and Sound Collection, which swaps some music and effects for ones from the original Dragon’s Dogma.
On PC, this one is Steam only. It isn’t on GOG, but the original Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is, if you want an own-forever copy of where the series started.
Capcom says buying the bundle digitally lets you start the base game right away, so new players can get a head start before Norgan opens up. Digital pre-orders also get the Norgan Fashion Set (Northern Attire), but the window is short: it closes at 4:59 p.m. PT on Steam and Xbox, and 8:59 p.m. PT on PS5 and Switch 2.
The Switch 2 version
This is the first time Dragon’s Dogma 2 has been on a Nintendo system, and Capcom made it the complete game instead of a split purchase. Nintendo’s listing shows TV, tabletop, and handheld play, single player, and save data backup for Nintendo Switch Online members.
Free updates landed first
If you bounced off the base game, it’s worth another look. Capcom’s free title updates since June added an Eternal Ferrystone and more Portcrystals for faster travel, and the September update expanded saves to three slots per Arisen and added a Dragonsbaulk Draught that cures Dragonsplague. Those updates are already live on PS5, Xbox, and Steam.
FAQ
When does Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen unlock?
Steam and Xbox unlock Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET). PS5 unlocks at 9 p.m. PT (midnight ET). Nintendo lists the Switch 2 version for October 9 with no clock time on the store page.
How much does Dark Arisen cost?
The full package (base game plus expansion) is $49.99 on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The expansion alone is $29.99 if you already own the base game on PS5, Xbox, or Steam.
Is the Switch 2 version the complete game?
Yes. Capcom says the Nintendo Switch 2 version includes both Dragon’s Dogma 2 and the Dark Arisen expansion in one package. This is the first time the game has been on a Nintendo system.
The game is rated M, so this is one for grown-up Arisen. If you’re already juggling the Kingdom Hearts Collection this week, Norgan will wait for you. If not, tonight’s a good night to head north.