The Godsbane in Dragon’s Dogma: A Comprehensive Guide
Using the Godsbane in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a mechanic with diverse applications and significant consequences, depending on the context. Primarily, it’s a tool for self-inflicted death, serving as a means to reset certain encounters, farm loot, or ultimately conclude the game after achieving the Seneschal status. The repercussions vary from simply retrying a challenging fight to triggering a game-altering ending, including setting your pawn’s destiny in motion. The Godsbane is an important tool, but it must be used with caution.
The Godsbane’s Many Uses and Their Consequences
The Godsbane, acquired during the post-game content after defeating the Dragon, becomes a pivotal item with multiple functionalities. Understanding these functions is crucial for navigating the complexities of Dragon’s Dogma’s endgame.
Loot Farming and Encounter Reset
One of the most common applications of the Godsbane is in loot farming within the Everfall and Bitterblack Isle. These locations are filled with challenging enemies and valuable rewards. By saving the game before opening a chest or engaging a boss, players can experiment with different approaches or reload for better loot drops.
Here’s the process:
- Save your game before interacting with the chest or boss.
- Open the chest or defeat the boss.
- If the loot or outcome isn’t satisfactory, use the Godsbane to kill your Arisen.
- Select “Retry” from the main menu.
- The game will reload to your previous save, allowing you to repeat the process until you get the desired result.
This method is faster than quitting the game to the main menu and reloading from there, making it a popular choice for players seeking specific items or optimal gear.
The “True” Ending: Becoming the Seneschal and Choosing Your Fate
After defeating the Dragon and progressing through the post-game content, you’ll eventually face the Seneschal, the being responsible for overseeing the cycle of the world. Upon defeating the Seneschal, you inherit this role.
Here, the Godsbane presents a crucial choice:
- Remaining as the Seneschal: You can choose to maintain the cycle, watching over the world for eternity.
- Ending the Cycle with the Godsbane: By stabbing yourself with the Godsbane, you relinquish the role of Seneschal, completing the final quest and freeing your pawn.
This act of self-sacrifice sets in motion the pawn’s new life, allowing them to exist independently and pursue their own destiny. This is widely considered the “true” ending of the game.
The “Bad” Ending: Failing to Kill Yourself as Seneschal
After defeating the Seneschal and inheriting the position, failing to use the Godsbane properly or making an incorrect choice can lead to a “bad” ending. In this scenario, the Arisen can become trapped, unable to fully sever their connection to the cycle.
The Dragon’s Death Ending
Achieved by defeating the Dragon in the main story. This is necessary for unlocking the post-game content and accessing the “true” ending.
Sacrificing Your Beloved
Sacrificing your beloved in Dragon’s Dogma grants you a trophy. After that, the game lets you retry that fight with Grigori. However, it does not grant access to New Game+.
Understanding the Importance of Affinity
Affinity plays a crucial role in Dragon’s Dogma, particularly regarding the “beloved” system. The NPC with whom you have the highest affinity at certain points in the game will be considered your beloved, influencing cutscenes and story events.
Romance Options
While Dragon’s Dogma doesn’t feature a traditional romance system with elaborate courtship rituals, affinity dictates who your Arisen is closest to. There are many NPCs who can become your beloved, regardless of gender. Some popular options include:
- Aelinore
- Julien
- Selene
- Madeline
- Reynard
- Mercedes Martin
- Quina
Ultimately, the choice of beloved is up to the player, as affinity can be manipulated through quest completion, gifting, and dialogue choices.
Dragon’s Dogma’s Legacy
Dragon’s Dogma remains a unique and beloved action RPG, known for its engaging combat, dynamic pawn system, and morally ambiguous choices. The Godsbane, with its multifaceted uses and profound implications, exemplifies the game’s commitment to player agency and narrative complexity.
Further Learning
To explore the educational applications of gaming and learn more about the impact of games on society, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does the Godsbane do?
The Godsbane is a special weapon that allows the Arisen to commit suicide. It’s used primarily to reset encounters for loot farming and to end the game after becoming the Seneschal.
2. How do I get the Godsbane?
You obtain the Godsbane during the post-game content, after defeating the Dragon. It’s part of the Seneschal’s questline.
3. Is there a “best” ending in Dragon’s Dogma?
Many players consider the ending where you stab yourself with the Godsbane as the Seneschal to be the “true” or best ending, as it frees your pawn.
4. Can I marry my pawn in Dragon’s Dogma?
No, you cannot marry or romance your pawn. Pawns are not considered to be capable of romantic feelings.
5. What happens if I sacrifice my beloved?
If you sacrifice your beloved to the Dragon, you receive a trophy. You can then retry the battle with the Dragon.
6. Can I get a New Game+ after sacrificing my beloved?
No, sacrificing your beloved does not give you a New Game+.
7. What is the best class in Dragon’s Dogma for a solo playthrough?
The Magick Archer and Mystic Knight are often considered the best for solo runs, due to their versatility in both physical and magical combat.
8. Are there any other romance options I should consider?
Many NPCs can become your beloved. Explore different quests, gifts, and dialogues to see which characters resonate with you.
9. How many endings does Dragon’s Dogma have?
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen has 5 endings.
10. Can you play Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen after the ending?
No, the game ends after the final main quest. However, New Game+ lets you replay from the start with your current level and equipment.
11. What is the most powerful weapon in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen?
The Devil’s Nail hammer has the highest physical damage output in the game.
12. Can I get banned for modding Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen?
While you won’t typically be banned, your pawn can be trade-banned if its stats are significantly modded beyond acceptable parameters.
13. Is Holy the best element in Dragon’s Dogma?
Holy is generally considered the most versatile element, as few enemies are resistant to it.
14. What is the purpose of the pawn system in Dragon’s Dogma?
The pawn system allows you to create a customizable companion to fight alongside you, as well as hire pawns created by other players.
15. What is affinity, and why is it important?
Affinity represents your relationship with NPCs. The character with the highest affinity at certain points becomes your “beloved,” influencing story events.