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)

Dragon�s Dogma 2 pawns - Riftstone

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

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Incense

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Warrior

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Chirurgeon’s Tome

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Inside a Riftstone

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Recruiting a pawn

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Riftstone in the wilderness

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 pawns - Forgotten Riftstone on map

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)

Dragon’s Dogma 2 - A Pawn at a riftstone

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.

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