Dragon's Dogma 2 has been criticized on Steam for microtransactions and other problems

Dragon's Dogma 2 arrived worldwide on Friday, but the overall response among audiences has been mixed. The game is being bombarded with negative reviews on Steam, mainly due to the increase in microtransactions, concerns about the game's performance (even before its debut, players are already planning to kill NPCs to improve FPS) and the presence of an extensive list of DLCs available on launch day.

In general, there is a general classification of “mixed”, With only about 40% of over 6,300 reviews so far being positive.

The main point of contention is microtransactions, With a total of 21 downloadable content (DLC) available for the game at launch. Most of this additional content consists of items from the game itself, such as Rift Crystals, Awakening Stones, Teleportation Crystals, and Camping Kits.

The huge volume of microtransactions can be attributed to the availability of different item packs, offering different items and power levels.

But for players who prefer a more challenging experience, it is possible to ignore most of these items as they can be obtained naturally throughout the game.

However, there is ongoing controversy regarding certain items, such as teleportation crystals and a consumable book called “The Art of Transformation”, which allows players to change the appearance of their characters.

In the 100+ hours I've spent in Dragon's Dogma 2, I haven't needed a single MTX. Character changes, camping equipment, awakening stones, rift crystals, port stones, etc.

All this is obtained only in the game. Literally, just play the game and you'll get all of these things.

— Fightincowboy (@Fightincowboy) March 22, 2024

Some players argue that the inclusion of microtransactions for these items, considering the limitations in the game, seems like a strategy to sell the game's core features. However, it is important to note that these items can also be obtained through traditional gameplay.

Finally, one microtransaction in particular, which provides a single-use key to escape from prison within the game, has drawn additional criticism, leading to discussions about the ethics of microtransactions and their impact on the player experience.