Dragon’s Dogma 2-like RPGs: Action Combat & Companions

If you’re looking for games like Dragon’s Dogma 2 that feature action combat and a companion system, the closest matches are Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, Monster Hunter: World, Dragon Age: Inquisition, and Final Fantasy XV. These titles share the core loop of real-time combat, a party of AI-controlled allies, and a world that encourages exploration. This article breaks down what makes each game similar, how companion systems differ, and what to consider when choosing your next adventure.

What Defines the Dragon’s Dogma Experience

Dragon’s Dogma 2 (and its predecessor) stands out for its “pawn” system—AI companions that fight alongside you, learn from your playstyle, and can be recruited from other players. The combat is action-oriented: you target specific body parts of large monsters, climb on them, and use vocations (classes) that change your moveset. The world is open, but travel feels dangerous, and your pawns chatter, help in battle, and carry loot. Any game that replicates this feeling needs three things: real-time combat with weight, a party that fights competently, and a world that rewards exploration.

Top Games with Action Combat and Companions

• Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen – The direct predecessor. Same pawn system, same combat, but a smaller world. If you haven’t played it, this is the obvious next step.
• Monster Hunter: World – Not a party in the traditional sense, but you can bring a Palico (cat companion) and fire SOS flares for human players. Combat focuses on big monsters with weighty weapons. No climbing, but the sense of scale is similar.
• Dragon Age: Inquisition – Real-time-with-pause combat, but you can play it fully action-oriented. Your party members have AI behaviors you can customize. The world is large and encourages exploration.
• Final Fantasy XV – Four friends on a road trip. Combat is action-based, and your companions fight automatically, use teamwork moves, and chat during travel. The open world is less dangerous but still fun.
• Code Vein – A souls-like with an AI partner who fights with you. Combat is challenging, but the companion makes it more forgiving than typical souls-likes.
• Outward – A survival RPG where you can recruit a companion (human or AI) to fight with you. Combat is clunky but deliberate, and the world is harsh.

How Companion Systems Differ

Companion systems vary significantly. In Dragon’s Dogma, pawns are fully AI-controlled and can be hired from other players. They learn from your actions and offer tips. In Dragon Age: Inquisition, you control your character but can issue commands to party members or let them act on their own. Final Fantasy XV has companions who are mostly autonomous but you can trigger team attacks. Monster Hunter: World has a Palico that supports you, but you cannot control it directly. Consider how much control you want: full AI (Dragon’s Dogma), tactical commands (Dragon Age), or semi-autonomous (FFXV).

Action Combat: Weight and Strategy

Action combat in these games ranges from methodical (Monster Hunter) to flashy (Final Fantasy XV). Dragon’s Dogma and Monster Hunter share a focus on monster weak points and positioning. Dragon Age: Inquisition allows you to pause and issue commands, which is less action-y but still real-time. If you want the climbing mechanic, only Dragon’s Dogma (both games) offers it. If you want deep weapon movesets, Monster Hunter is the best. If you want a more casual action feel, Final Fantasy XV is lighter.

Open World and Exploration

The sense of adventure is a huge part of Dragon’s Dogma. The world is dangerous, and fast travel is limited. Monster Hunter: World has large maps but they are more like hunting grounds than a connected world. Dragon Age: Inquisition has several large open zones. Final Fantasy XV has a big open world but it’s mostly empty. If you want a world that feels dangerous and mysterious, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is the closest. If you prefer a more structured exploration, Dragon Age is a good middle ground.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

One common issue is that AI companions can be stupid. In Dragon’s Dogma, pawns might fall off cliffs or fail to revive you. In Dragon Age, they might stand in fire. To mitigate this, you can customize their behavior (in Dragon Age) or simply accept the chaos (in Dragon’s Dogma). Another issue is difficulty: Monster Hunter and Code Vein are hard, so if you want a more relaxed experience, choose Final Fantasy XV or Dragon Age on easy. Also, some games have a lot of grinding (Monster Hunter), so be prepared for that.

How to Choose the Right Game for You

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want a direct sequel? Play Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen.
• Do I want deep combat with minimal story? Try Monster Hunter: World.
• Do I want a story-driven RPG with tactical options? Choose Dragon Age: Inquisition.
• Do I want a buddy road trip with light combat? Go with Final Fantasy XV.
• Do I want a challenging souls-like with a companion? Pick Code Vein.
• Do I want survival and exploration? Try Outward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 a direct sequel to the first game?
Yes, it is a direct sequel, but it takes place in a parallel world. You don’t need to play the first game to understand the story, but it helps to know the pawn system.

Can I play Dragon’s Dogma 2 with a friend?
No, there is no co-op multiplayer. You can only hire other players’ pawns, not play with them directly.

Which game has the best companion AI?
Dragon’s Dogma series has the most developed companion AI, as pawns learn from your actions and other players. Dragon Age: Inquisition also has good AI, but you need to set behaviors.

Is Monster Hunter World similar to Dragon’s Dogma?
Combat and monster design are similar, but Monster Hunter has no traditional companions (only a Palico) and no climbing on monsters. It’s more about hunting and crafting.

Are there any games with a pawn-like system?
Yes, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen has the exact same system. Code Vein has a partner system, but it’s more linear. Outward allows you to hire a companion, but they are not as integrated.

Which game is easier for beginners?
Final Fantasy XV is the easiest, with simple combat and a forgiving difficulty. Dragon Age: Inquisition on casual is also accessible. Monster Hunter and Code Vein are harder.

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