Summary
- Use the "Go" Pawn command in Dragon's Dogma 2 to find quest objectives with the help of knowledgeable Pawns.
- Dragon's Dogma 2 Pawns offer versatile assistance in combat and quest completion, but sometimes require player input.
- Experiment with different Pawn commands to uncover hidden functions and optimize gameplay in Dragon's Dogma 2.
A hidden mechanic in time-sensitive quests in Dragon's Dogma 2, players will need to use every tool at their disposal to find and finish as many quests as possible.
The best tool in Dragon's Dogma 2 is its Pawn system. Pawns can offer help in a wide variety of situations: they'll fight alongside the Arisen in combat, carry items for them, and even offer pertinent gameplay tips. Pawns essentially serve as all-around companions, and can prove useful in any number of situations. One of those can help complete quests more quickly and accurately, but it requires a little input from the player, in a way that isn't immediately clear.

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Dragon’s Dogma 2 Pawns Will Point Out Quest Objectives
How To Use Pawn Commands In DD2
Although tutorials don't make it obvious, using the “Go” Pawn command can help players find quest objectives in Dragon's Dogma 2. Players can hire out their custom Main Pawns, and other players may spend Riftstones to recruit them as allies. If a Pawn completes a quest with another player, they'll come back with newfound knowledge of it.
Once a Hired Pawn has already done a certain task with their creator, or a Main Pawn has done it with an employer, they'll where its objectives are located. Simply give them the right command, and they'll lead the way.
Pawn commands can be issued with the D-Pad when playing with a controller, or with number keys 1-4 on a keyboard.
The same goes for hidden treasure. If a Pawn has already found a cache with one player, they'll its location on the Dragon's Dogma 2 map when they're hired by another. However, Pawns are known to move pretty quickly, so be ready before accepting or denying their offers.
Pawns will usually ask before running towards a quest objective, or otherwise providing aid. Players can accept or deny Pawns' offers to help by issuing different commands in Dragon's Dogma 2. In that case, the player can consider the "Go" command equivalent to saying "yes" - if a Pawn ever makes a request, like asking the Arisen if they can lead the way or help with a particular task, "Go" signals their approval. "To me" is equivalent to saying "no," and if the player uses it, the Pawn will leave the Arisen to their own devices.

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Other Hidden Uses For Pawn Commands In Dragon’s Dogma 2
With Pawns in the party, the player can issue them a wide variety of commands. While some of their purposes may seem obvious, most commands have multiple uses that may not be apparent at first glance. For example, the "Go" command seems like a simple order to rush into battle, but it can also be used to ask knowledgeable Pawns to lead the way. But the other Pawn commands are just as flexible, and Dragon's Dogma 2 is just as secretive about their hidden functions.
The table below explores the different Pawn options, what they do, and their hidden uses. While issuing a command isn't necessarily a guarantee that a Pawn will complete the requested task, executing the order will become their first priority. It'll even take precedence over any Inclinations they might have, so they can help encourage a Straightforward Pawn who's reluctant about healing to experiment a bit with their skills.
Pawn Command |
Controls (Console/PC) |
Effect |
Hidden Uses |
---|---|---|---|
"Go!" |
Up/1 |
Pawns rush forward |
Use when asg Pawns to tank in combat, asking for guidance in the field, or approving offers to help |
"To me!" |
Down/2 |
Pawns gather around the Arisen |
Use when the Arisen casts healing or buffing area of effect spells, refuses help from a Pawn, Pawns navigate narrow cliffs, or Pawns need to avoid AoEs |
"Help!" |
Left/3 |
Pawns heal the Arisen, or attract enemies away from them |
None; use only to have Pawns heal and buff the party |
"Wait!" |
Right/4 |
Pawns stay behind the Arisen |
Use to assign the Arisen to a tank role, or avoid combat |
Note that most commands have distinct uses in and out of combat - but some commands, like "Help," are pretty much identical whenever they're issued. The "Wait" command should be used carefully in combat, as it may cause Pawns to retreat and leave the player fighting alone. Still, when coupled with the "Help" and "To me" commands, this can help keep weaker Pawns out of the line of fire, allowing a tankier Arisen to take the brunt of the blows.
The Pawn system in general, and the Pawn command system specifically, requires a fair bit of experimentation on the player's part. There are a wide variety of hidden uses for each command, going far beyond what they seem to be on the surface. Through trial and error, players can discover which commands work best in different situations. Experimentation can reveal many hidden mechanics in Dragon's Dogma 2.
The Sequel to Dragon's Dogma and its expansion, Dark Arisen, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an action-adventure RPG game from the developers at Capcom. Players will create their protagonist, the "Arisen," as they embark on a journey to slay a Dragon that threatens the world. ed by otherworldly beings known as Pawns, the Arisen will utilize melee weapons and spells as they battle against various types of foes.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
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