Dragon's Dogma 2's controversial microtransactions are going away

Capcom’s fantasy role-playing game Dragon’s Dogma 2 launched in 2024 to critical acclaim, but the publisher was harshly criticized by players at the time for hawking microtransactions that went against the spirit of the esoteric action game. Now, more than two years later, Capcom says it’s yanking those controversial paid in-game items from digital storefronts.

The change in strategy comes shortly after Capcom announced Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, a long-awaited expansion for the game. In a post on the official Dragon’s Dogma X account, Capcom said, “To prepare for the release of Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, we’ll be discontinuing the Deluxe Edition of Dragon’s Dogma 2, as well as certain DLC items.” Those items will be pulled on June 24 at 5 p.m. PDT.

Many of the add-ons are single-use in-game items that enable features like new fast-travel locations, the ability to change characters’ appearance, and combat revives. Capcom was also selling various bundles of Rift Crystals, a currency in Dragon’s Dogma 2 that can be spent to summon high-level pawns from Riftstones and purchase items from pawn guilds.

Here’s the list of Dragon’s Dogma 2 DLC being removed next week:

A Boon for Adventurers – New Journey Pack
Harpysnare Smoke Beacons – Harpy lure items
Heartfelt Pendant – A Thoughtful Gift
Ambivalent Rift Incense – Change Pawn inclinations
Makeshift Gaol Key – Escape from Gaol
Art of Metamorphosis – character editor
Portcrystal – Warp location marker
Wakestone – Restore the dead to life
500 Rift Crystals
1,500 Rift Crystals
2,500 Rift Crystals

Capcom says it will still sell the Explorer’s Camping Kit and a collection of custom sounds that add original Dragon’s Dogma music to the sequel. Both items cost $2.99. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is also getting a permanent discount, Capcom said.

The controversy surrounding Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s microtransactions back in 2024 arose because of their design, not simply because Capcom was selling it. The company has a long history of selling in-game conveniences for titles like the Resident Evil remakes and Monster Hunter Rise. But the paid content in Dragon’s Dogma 2 clashed with the game’s intentionally challenging and restrictive design. Some of the items for sale were rare, expensive, or difficult to obtain in the game. Wakestones, for example, allow players to revive their character in the middle of combat, and are rare enough that players are advised to save them for use during only the most challenging encounters. Capcom was selling Wakestones for $0.99 each.

Now that players will have a new reason to revisit Dragon’s Dogma 2, Capcom seems more willing to hand out these conveniences for free. A recent update to the base game made fast travel more accessible with the addition of the reusable Eternal Ferrystone alongside other quality-of-life adjustments.

Just how much those changes will affect the heart and soul of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is up for players to decide. Capcom’s Dark Arisen expansion DLC launches on Oct. 9, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.