How to start Dark Arisen
Install the expansion and current game update, reach Vernworth through Seat of the Sovran, then speak to Captain Brant at the Stardrop Inn at night. Norgan and Lost Rites have separate dialogue routes; neither requires finishing the base campaign.
This guide covers the 2026 expansion for Dragon's Dogma 2. Compare it with the 2013 Dark Arisen game.
Start the Norgan story
- Confirm the base game and Dark Arisen entitlement belong to the same platform account, and let the game update finish.
- Advance the base story to Vernworth during Seat of the Sovran. Rest until night and find Captain Brant at the Stardrop Inn.
- Ask Brant about the new Arisen, the Norgan route described by Fextralife's Obelisk guide.
- That unlocks the first expansion quest, Chilling Tidings.
- Track Chilling Tidings in the quest log and follow its objectives until the griffin journey into Norgan.
Level guidance, with the source attached
Producer Naoto Oyama's official Q&A recommends level 40 for Norgan and level 20 for Lost Rites. These are starting recommendations, not hard locks: the same answer says players can enter below them.
For Lost Rites instead, ask Brant about the uncovered ruins. Fextralife's trial guide directs you to Devilkin Hollow in Darkhorde Cave. Clear it and open the reward chest to obtain the Proving Ground Compass for the other early dungeon locations.
If the dialogue is missing, check expansion ownership and installation first, then the active quest log and Brant's nighttime location. Do not erase a save or begin New Game Plus just to look for a missing DLC option.
Questions
Does Dark Arisen change the main game before I start it?
Title Update 4.0, which shipped with the expansion, changes the base game for everyone who installs the patch. The Norgan quest itself still has to be started.
Must I reach level 40 to enter?
No. CAPCOM calls level 40 for Norgan and level 20 for Lost Rites recommendations and explicitly allows lower-level attempts.