GamesRPGDragon’s Dogma 2Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns and how they workWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesRPGDragon’s Dogma 2Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns and how they workWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Capcom)

Jump to:Inclinations and how to changeVocations and specializationsHiring pawns and using RiftstonesForgotten Riftstones and unique pawnsBest pawn party composition
Jump to:Inclinations and how to changeVocations and specializationsHiring pawns and using RiftstonesForgotten Riftstones and unique pawnsBest pawn party composition
These immortal characters travel between realms and exist solely to serve the true Arisen (that’s you). They aren’t just mindless husks dragging their feet as they follow you through the underbrush; they can gather items, lead you to hidden treasures or quest locations, and even provide information to make your travels easier.
The pawn you create at the start of the game will stick with you to the end, so granting them the skills and personality you deem most valuable is key. Additionally, making them bulky will boost their carry weight, and that’s a blessing. Making them hot also helps since you have to look at them for 40+ hours, and since they’ll be adventuring with other players, giving them a stupid name might earn you bonus points.
All in all, pawns keep you company, carry your junk, kick monster butt, give great high fives and elbow bumps, and serve as connections to the Dragon’s Dogma 2 community. Here’s how they work.
Pawn inclinations and how to change them

Once you’ve designed your ultimate companion, you have to choose their inclination. This dictates the more intricate parts of their personality and behaviour.
There are four pawn inclinations:
The inclination you choose for your main pawn is entirely up to you and your playstyle, but adding pawns with different inclinations as you explore can provide some much-needed balance to your party. You’ll also hear the same voice lines over and over with pawns of the same type, so it’s better to mix it up.
If you’d like to change your pawn’s inclination, the earliest time to do so is in Vernworth. Beside the Riftstoneyou’ll find a merchant called Neomith selling Rift Incensethat lets you alter your pawn’s inclination for 2,000 RC a pop.
Pawn vocations and specializations
Image1of2You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Image1of2You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Image1of2
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)
You can purchase new vocations for your pawn at the guild(Image credit: Capcom)
Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Tomes let you change pawn specializations(Image credit: Capcom)
Specializations are skills only pawns can acquire that help give them an increased level of independence. For example, the Chirurgeon specialization allows a pawn to use curatives on you and the other pawns in your party. Through doing certain quests in the game, such as helping Flora craft fruit roborant in Melve then finding her in Vernworth market, you can gettomes that will let you apply a specific specializationto one of your pawns.
How to hire pawns and use Riftstones
Image1of2You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
Image1of2You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
Image1of2
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)
You can hire pawns from Riftstones(Image credit: Capcom)
Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
Or you can find and recruit them while exploring(Image credit: Capcom)
When interacting with a Riftstone, you’re also able to set apawn quest. This is a task given to your main pawn while he’s hanging out with another player. You can decide on what the task is—like killing a specific monster, for example—and set a reward for the Arisen who completes it. This is a great way to earn valuable rewards passively.
It’s important to remember thatother players' pawns in your party will not level up. Once you outlevel your guest pawns, it’s best to find a Riftstone and swap them for stronger ones. When you surrender a pawn, you can also give them a farewell gift from your inventory to take back to their master. Try to be nice and not slip me a dirty doo-doo handkerchief after my pawn saved your butt from a hulked-out cyclops.
Forgotten Riftstones and unique pawns
Image1of2Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Image1of2Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Image1of2
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Touching a Forgotten Riftstone either repairs it or gives you a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
Only specific Forgotten Riftstones will grant a unique pawn(Image credit: Capcom)
You’ll sometimes stumble onForgotten Riftstoneswhile out in the wilds. When interacting with these ruined artifacts, one of two things will happen: either the Riftstone will be restored and useable again, or a ridiculously high-level pawn will be summoned, causing the Riftstone to disappear for good. You’ll be able to hire this pawn for free regardless of their level and the high quality of their gear.
So what’s the best pawn party composition?
(Image credit: Capcom)

While you could technically create a party of all Fighters for Hulk Hogan levels of smackdown, you’ll quickly find that balance is key. Actually, no, not balance exactly—you just really need a Mage in your party at all times, no matter what.
Not only can these spellcasters heal you, but they can imbue your weapons with an element. This is crucial. Many enemies in Dragon’s Dogma 2, such as slimes and phantoms, can only be wounded when you’re wielding elemental damage. There’s no reason to leave the magic user at home when the world is so full of things they could hurt. Not to mention, the Mage Meister’s Teaching is the Celestial Paean spell, which grants partywise damage reduction and infinite stamina.
Besides your compulsory Mage,having a Fighter or Warrior is also important for keeping enemies occupied in melee, especially if you’re playing a spellcaster. But besides that, party composition is all down to you.
The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals
More about rpgCD Projekt Red boss says ‘around 100’ Witcher 3 designers still work at the company, while the Witcher 4’s story director is ‘the same person since Witcher 1’Watching an all-romances speedrun of the legendarily janky Fallout: New Vegas is a delightLatestPlayers are still finding edge-case Baldur’s Gate 3 scenes, like one where you play as a kidnapped Astarion even if you made your own player-characterSee more latest►
More about rpgCD Projekt Red boss says ‘around 100’ Witcher 3 designers still work at the company, while the Witcher 4’s story director is ‘the same person since Witcher 1’Watching an all-romances speedrun of the legendarily janky Fallout: New Vegas is a delightLatestPlayers are still finding edge-case Baldur’s Gate 3 scenes, like one where you play as a kidnapped Astarion even if you made your own player-characterSee more latest►
More about rpgCD Projekt Red boss says ‘around 100’ Witcher 3 designers still work at the company, while the Witcher 4’s story director is ‘the same person since Witcher 1’Watching an all-romances speedrun of the legendarily janky Fallout: New Vegas is a delight
More about rpg
CD Projekt Red boss says ‘around 100’ Witcher 3 designers still work at the company, while the Witcher 4’s story director is ‘the same person since Witcher 1’Watching an all-romances speedrun of the legendarily janky Fallout: New Vegas is a delight
CD Projekt Red boss says ‘around 100’ Witcher 3 designers still work at the company, while the Witcher 4’s story director is ‘the same person since Witcher 1’
CD Projekt Red boss says ‘around 100’ Witcher 3 designers still work at the company, while the Witcher 4’s story director is ‘the same person since Witcher 1’
Watching an all-romances speedrun of the legendarily janky Fallout: New Vegas is a delight
Watching an all-romances speedrun of the legendarily janky Fallout: New Vegas is a delight
LatestPlayers are still finding edge-case Baldur’s Gate 3 scenes, like one where you play as a kidnapped Astarion even if you made your own player-characterSee more latest►
Latest
Players are still finding edge-case Baldur’s Gate 3 scenes, like one where you play as a kidnapped Astarion even if you made your own player-character
Players are still finding edge-case Baldur’s Gate 3 scenes, like one where you play as a kidnapped Astarion even if you made your own player-character
Players are still finding edge-case Baldur’s Gate 3 scenes, like one where you play as a kidnapped Astarion even if you made your own player-character
See more latest►
Most PopularHow to use the Sacrificial Heart in Path of Exile 2How to make Mushroom Pizza in Disney Dreamlight ValleyFallout season 2—what we know about the next season set in New VegasHow to unlock Sally in Disney Dreamlight ValleyHow to find a Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2Best Witch starter build in Path of Exile 2If you’re struggling to look cool instead of cute in Infinity Nikki, don’t miss these hidden clothing merchantsHow to get more spirit in Path of Exile 2Best Sorceress starter build in Path of Exile 2How to obtain Bedrock Crystal in Infinity NikkiHow to get units in Marvel Rivals
Most PopularHow to use the Sacrificial Heart in Path of Exile 2How to make Mushroom Pizza in Disney Dreamlight ValleyFallout season 2—what we know about the next season set in New VegasHow to unlock Sally in Disney Dreamlight ValleyHow to find a Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2Best Witch starter build in Path of Exile 2If you’re struggling to look cool instead of cute in Infinity Nikki, don’t miss these hidden clothing merchantsHow to get more spirit in Path of Exile 2Best Sorceress starter build in Path of Exile 2How to obtain Bedrock Crystal in Infinity NikkiHow to get units in Marvel Rivals
Most PopularHow to use the Sacrificial Heart in Path of Exile 2How to make Mushroom Pizza in Disney Dreamlight ValleyFallout season 2—what we know about the next season set in New VegasHow to unlock Sally in Disney Dreamlight ValleyHow to find a Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2Best Witch starter build in Path of Exile 2If you’re struggling to look cool instead of cute in Infinity Nikki, don’t miss these hidden clothing merchantsHow to get more spirit in Path of Exile 2Best Sorceress starter build in Path of Exile 2How to obtain Bedrock Crystal in Infinity NikkiHow to get units in Marvel Rivals
Most Popular
How to use the Sacrificial Heart in Path of Exile 2
How to make Mushroom Pizza in Disney Dreamlight Valley
Fallout season 2—what we know about the next season set in New Vegas
How to unlock Sally in Disney Dreamlight Valley
How to find a Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2
Best Witch starter build in Path of Exile 2
If you’re struggling to look cool instead of cute in Infinity Nikki, don’t miss these hidden clothing merchants
How to get more spirit in Path of Exile 2
Best Sorceress starter build in Path of Exile 2
How to obtain Bedrock Crystal in Infinity Nikki
How to get units in Marvel Rivals
HARDWARE BUYING GUIDESLATEST GAME REVIEWS1Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads2Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop3Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most4Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands5Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested1Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits2Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback3WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review4Ikea Utespelare desk review5Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review
HARDWARE BUYING GUIDESLATEST GAME REVIEWS1Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads2Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop3Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most4Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands5Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested1Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits2Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback3WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review4Ikea Utespelare desk review5Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review
HARDWARE BUYING GUIDESLATEST GAME REVIEWS1Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads2Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop3Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most4Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands5Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested1Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits2Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback3WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review4Ikea Utespelare desk review5Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review
HARDWARE BUYING GUIDESLATEST GAME REVIEWS1Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads2Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop3Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most4Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands5Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested1Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits2Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback3WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review4Ikea Utespelare desk review5Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review
HARDWARE BUYING GUIDESLATEST GAME REVIEWS
1Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads
1Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads
1
Best Steam Deck accessories in Australia for 2025: Our favorite docks, powerbanks and gamepads
2Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop
2Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop
2
Best graphics card for laptops: the mobile GPUs I’d want in my next gaming laptop
3Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most
3Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most
3
Best mini PCs in 2025: The compact computers I love the most
4Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands
4Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands
4
Best 14-inch gaming laptop: The top compact gaming laptops I’ve held in these hands
5Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested
5Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested
5
Best Mini-ITX motherboards in 2025: My pick from all the mini mobo marvels I’ve tested
1Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits
1Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits
1
Thank Goodness You’re Here! review: An anarchic treasure trove of jokes and skits
2Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback
2Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback
2
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island review—like juggling chainsaws on horseback
3WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review
3WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review
3
WD Black SN850X 8 TB NVMe SSD review
4Ikea Utespelare desk review
4Ikea Utespelare desk review
4
Ikea Utespelare desk review
5Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review
5Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review
5
Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini wireless mouse review