Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion: How to Start the DLC

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion can be started early in the main story by reaching Vernworth and speaking with Brant at the tavern. Capcom producer Naoto Oyama confirms that both Forsaken Dominion and Lost Rites are accessible through Brant after arriving in Vernworth, so existing players do not need to finish the base-game story first.

The two halves of the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion have different recommended starting levels. Capcom recommends around level 40 for Forsaken Dominion and level 20 for Lost Rites, but those are guidance rather than hard locks. Players can accept the expansion content earlier if they want a tougher experience.

How to start the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion

• Install Dark Arisen and update Dragon’s Dogma 2 to the latest patch.
• Progress the main story until you reach Vernworth.
• Go to The Stardrop Inn in Vernworth at night and speak with Captain Brant.
• Choose “About the new Arisen…” to begin Chilling Tidings, the quest leading to Norgan and Forsaken Dominion.
• Choose “About the uncovered ruins…” to begin Lost Rites, the 12 dungeon challenges across the original map.
• Use level 40 for Forsaken Dominion and level 20 for Lost Rites as recommended starting points.

Those are the confirmed launch dialogue options for the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion. Both appear when you speak with Captain Brant at The Stardrop Inn at night after reaching Vernworth. The Norgan story begins with Chilling Tidings; the Lost Rites option starts the separate dungeon activity.

Do you need to finish Dragon’s Dogma 2 first?

No. The Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion is designed to become available early in the base game’s story. Capcom says both major expansion contents can be accessed after arriving in Vernworth and speaking to Brant.

New players can begin the DLC after reaching Vernworth without completing the original campaign. However, players already in the Unmoored World cannot access the new Brant conversations until New Game+. Be aware that entering New Game+ resets story and quest progress, so check your current save before committing to that change.

Forsaken Dominion starting level

Capcom recommends level 40 for the Forsaken Dominion side of the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion. Forsaken Dominion sends the Arisen into Norgan, the snowy northern region, with a new story involving Eir and the undying Fallen Dragon.

The level 40 number is a recommendation for the beginning of the content, not a cap on how hard the later expansion becomes. Capcom says difficulty ramps up as players progress.

Lost Rites starting level

Lost Rites is the lower recommended entry point in the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion, with Capcom suggesting level 20. It adds 12 dungeon challenges across the main game world with rare equipment linked to past Arisens.

Because Lost Rites starts lower than Forsaken Dominion, a newer character can reasonably explore those challenges before committing to the harsher Norgan storyline.

Can you start below the recommended level?

Yes. Capcom explicitly says players can access the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion below the recommended levels. The studio wants the level guidance to help players choose their own path rather than operate as a locked requirement.

Going in early simply means accepting more difficult combat. If a level 20 character enters content tuned around level 40, the game is not necessarily bugged when enemies feel punishing.

What does Forsaken Dominion add?

Forsaken Dominion is the new story area in the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion. Norgan is a long-abandoned snowy region where the Arisen works with Eir to investigate the Fallen Dragon.

Relics found there can be appraised to unlock powerful equipment and skills. The region also introduces new and altered enemies designed around the colder environment and the darker second half of the story.

What are Lost Rites?

Lost Rites are 12 dungeon challenges included in the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion. They are spread through the existing main area rather than being another single new continent.

The dungeons hold rare equipment and give returning players a reason to revisit the base game’s world. Because they are separate from Forsaken Dominion, Brant effectively opens two different expansion paths.

What if Brant does not start Dark Arisen?

If the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion option does not appear on October 9, first confirm that the expansion entitlement is installed, the base game is updated and your save has actually reached Vernworth.

Brant appears at The Stardrop Inn at night, so return after dark if he is absent. If your character is in the Unmoored World, you must progress to New Game+ to access the DLC conversation. Otherwise, restart the game after the DLC unlock time and confirm the expansion is installed before checking again.

Best way to begin the Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion

For a returning character, the easiest Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion route is to update the game, load a Vernworth save, speak with Brant and choose between Lost Rites or Forsaken Dominion based on your level. Around level 20 suits Lost Rites, while around level 40 is Capcom’s starting recommendation for Norgan.

New players do not need to rush. The Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Expansion is accessible early, but reaching Vernworth with a functional vocation, Pawns and basic equipment will make the first Dark Arisen steps much smoother.

Official source: Capcom: Dragon's Dogma 2 community Q&A