Dragon’s Dogma 2 Removes Microtransactions Two Years Later

Capcom is getting rid of microtransactions in Dragon’s Dogma 2, more than two years after their initial launch sparked one of 2024’s biggest player outcries. Interestingly, none of the paid items were pay-to-win. This decision comes on the heels of several post-launch fixes, including the recent addition of free infinite fast travel after years of complaints. It shows Capcom is still working hard to improve the game’s image ahead of its Dark Arisen expansion.

When Dragon’s Dogma 2 launched in March 2024, it included about 20 optional DLC items on Steam. These consisted of extra Rift Crystals, item packs, and various convenience unlocks that players could already acquire through normal gameplay. The backlash came on fast and hard, driving the game’s Steam review score to a mixed rating that it hasn’t been able to shake off. As of mid-2026, it sits at 66% positive from 59,462 reviews.

The criticism felt out of proportion to the actual issue. No microtransactions locked away essential content or offered competitive edges. They were simply shortcut purchases for items that anyone could earn through gameplay. Capcom messed up the timing by launching a $69.99 RPG with a storefront of paid shortcuts right when players were already fed up with that model.

Removing these microtransactions makes sense strategically. With the Dark Arisen expansion launching on PS5 in October 2026, Capcom clearly wants to improve the base game’s reputation before a new influx of players arrives. At this point, scrapping the microtransactions won’t cost Capcom much. The revenue from those items has long dried up, but it does eliminate a recurring point of criticism for the game.

The big question is whether this action will actually boost Steam reviews. The game currently has 3,557 concurrent players, which is a modest but steady number for a single-player RPG that’s two years old. Reviving the reviews is possible; Capcom has successfully turned around other titles before. However, it often takes time for players to update their old reviews, and that doesn’t always happen.

By The Numbers

Steam Review Score	66% positive
Total Steam Reviews	59,462
Current Steam Price	$69.99
Current Concurrent Players	3,557
Time Since Launch	~27 months (March 2024)

Community feelings are still mixed. One Steam reviewer commented before the Dark Arisen DLC announcement: “I write this review in hopes to discourage people who may buy the game ahead of time… do yourself a favor and wait for the reviews to roll in.” The fact that such a warning exists for a game that’s getting free content updates and removing microtransactions shows just how deep the initial trust issues ran.

What To Watch

• Keep an eye on whether Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Steam review score improves after the microtransaction removal, especially if Capcom runs a sale before the Dark Arisen launch.
• Watch how the Dark Arisen expansion’s October PS5 release is priced and packaged. If Capcom repeats any of the day-one DLC patterns, the backlash will be swift.
• See if other publishers take this as a warning: Dragon’s Dogma 2’s long recovery from cosmetic microtransactions suggests that the reputational damage can outweigh the revenue benefits.