Dragon’s Dogma 2 races – all playable options and does your choice matter?

Dragon’s Dogma 2 races – all playable options and does your choice matter?
Antony Terence Updated on by

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You’ll meet all sorts of interesting characters in Capcom’s RPG and some of them may be from different races in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Here’s what you need to know about playable races and what in-game differences you can expect from this choice.

If you need some help with the game’s bestiary of monsters, read up on the best daggers in Dragon’s Dogma 2 and how to find the Riftstone of Fellowship to hire pawns.

Dragon's Dogma 2 races: An image of the player's character. Image captured by VideoGamer.
You get to pick your race in Dragon’s Dogma 2’s character creator. Image captured by VideoGamer.

All races in Dragon’s Dogma 2 explained

There are two playable races in Dragon’s Dogma 2 – Humans and the Beastren. You can pick between them in the game’s character creator. Character creation involves tinkering with a variety of sliders to pick between body types, facial features, limb structures, and more. Your pawns can also be either Human or Beastren. There is a third Elf race but you cannot create a character who is an Elf. Sure you can get pointy ears but you cannot speak Elvish. Read on to learn more about each of these races in Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Humans race overview

The Human race is centered around the kingdom of Vermund, where Queen Regent Disa supports the false Arisen on the throne. As the true Arisen, your role will be crucial in shaking up the hierarchy of this kingdom. Steeped in politics, expect the first portion of the game to have quests related to discovering more about those in power and their secrets with the help of Brant. Expect people to treat you like a regular person as long as you don’t cast spells and harm them.

Dragon's Dogma 2 races: An image of Beastren folk in the village of Harve. Image captured by VideoGamer.
Some people don’t take too kindly to Beastren in Vermund. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Beastren race overview

As for the Beastren, they occupy the region of Battahl and are led by High Priestess Nadinia. They don’t worship the Arisen and instead follow the Lambent Flame. The Beastren are more durable than their human counterparts, with a rough life amidst steep canyons, ancient ruins, and desert landscapes. Their catlike appearance can be gained by the Arisen and their pawns as well. Picking a Beastren character also lets you modify their fur.

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Your race does not affect your stats

Instead, the frame of your character, their weight, and the size of their limbs affect certain stats like endurance and carrying weight.

Dragon's Dogma 2 races: An elf in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.
You’ll meet your first Elf right in Vernworth in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Elven race overview

Sheltered in the Sacred Arbor village to the northwest of Ventworth, the Elves tend to mind their own business. A few like Glyndwr roam outside this remote village and can be interacted with in your native tongue. As for Elves, you’ll need help with translating Elvish.

Does picking a race matter in Dragon’s Dogma 2

While some NPC dialogue may vary, your quest will largely remain the same in DD2 irrespective of which race you pick. And with only two options to pick from, this shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. One snag you may run into is crossing the Checkpoint Rest Town’s border. While you have a permit that allows Beastren in, you’ll need a Beastren Mask from Ibrahim’s Scrap Store to pass through with the same permit if you are a human. As a Beastren, you won’t face an issue here.

Just remember that even the Art of Metamorphosis in Dragon’s Dogma 2 won’t help you change your race after you create a character. Instead, you’ll have to stick to basic changes by visiting a Barberie or using items like dyes in DD2. Each race has its own unique culture and beliefs, grounding your playable character’s larger-than-life quests in daily struggles. As for vocations, both races can pick classes like the Fighter, the Thief, and the Mage, meaning that you’ll get to determine your playstyle without worrying about this decision.

That covers everything you need to know about races in Dragon’s Dogma 2. For more on customizing your Arisen, check if you can hide your helmet in DD2 and how to unlock all vocations in Dragon’s Dogma 2. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is out on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 races FAQs

Can you change your race after starting a DD2 save?

No, you cannot change your race.

Will more races come to DD2 later?

There is no confirmation of the arrival of more races in Dragon’s Dogma 2 via DLC.