[Top 10] Games Like Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen (Games Better Than Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen In Their Own Way)

While Dragon's Dogma offers a lot of content, and a great reply value, some may want to experience something new while still getting that Dragon’s Dogma feel. Unfortunately, the game brings such a unique air to its gameplay, that it can be quite difficult to find something similar. I've curated this list from games I've experienced first-hand, that will try and scratch the Dragon's Dogma itch. 
 

10. Pokemon Arceus  (Nintendo Switch)

Pokemon Arceus is the latest Pokemon title that brings a new experience to the series by creating an open world. It introduces a new mechanic for capturing and battling with your monster friends, by having the character see and interact with the wild creatures. Explore the Hisui region with your colorful companions, and discover the mysteries throughout the land.  

Last in the top 10, yet still making the cut, pokemon Arceus may seem like a bit of a far cry from Dragon’s Dogma. However, with this pokemon title, in particular, you explore a land that is mostly devoid of human life, battling all types of creatures while relying on your allies (Pokemon) to get you through the journey. Sound familiar? While the combat may be quite different, the Japanese roots from both games will inspire a nostalgic feeling while playing.   

9. New Assassin Creed Games  (PlayStation, Xbox, Microsoft Windows)

From Assassins Creed Odessy to the most recent, Valhalla, the series has implemented a much more RPG-based system. Exploring large maps while completing missions and leveling up. Each game takes place in a different time period and location allowing each of the titles to have its own theme, while still utilizing most of the same mechanics.    

You will mostly fight against humans in the game, but the Assassins Creed series has also made a habit of allowing some supernatural creatures and elements bleed into their games. Some of the epic creature boss battles can feel extremely similar to DD (Dragon’s Dogma). Compared to DD, however, the AC games are far more developed and offer many more quests and optional story elements.    

8. The Witcher Series  (PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows)

The Witcher Series is another open-world RPG in which your hunt and slay monsters of all varieties. You play the character, Geralt of Rivia, who is one of the last monster slayers. Utilize magic, traps, and skill with a sword, to defeat or overcome the diverse bestiary you will come across. This world is also not a set story, allowing you to make choices and changes to the world and characters around you.     

Slaying monsters is the obvious comparison to the games, but also the setting. Set in a typical medieval-based high fantasy, while also giving a dark grimace to the setting, that makes both titles feel more realistic and unique. While the combat is different in both series, the solitude in the witcher series makes it a very different feel, then getting to fight with your pawns in DD.

7. Way Of the Samurai Series  (PlayStation, Microsoft Windows)

The way of the samurai is a semi-realistic hardcore RPG. The game is set in different times throughout mostly the feudal era of Japan, allowing the players to have their character be anyone. With its punishing yet exploitable combat and completely missable story, the game gives an odd and mysterious ambiance.      

While DD may not be as punishing and has a much more fantastical fantasy setting compared to the Way of the Samurai series, it is difficult not to compare the two. Often in both games, you will just wander into the story rather than be told a cohesive one. You will also find yourself against foes that you are not meant to face, and must master the free combat system of both games if you wish to escape with your life. 

6. Dark Souls Series  (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows)

The namesake for incredibly difficult games, the Souls series has always drawn those who love dark fantasy and punishing gameplay. In today's age, we are offered many titles that are souls-like however there is no replacing the original, which brings forth brilliant combat and a world teeming with backstory if you have the eye for the details.       

Often times DD is compared with the souls series. While being quite different from each other, the story and world of both games are melancholy and gripping. Both titles are difficult in their own style, and both offer boss fights that you will never forget. Essentially the Dark Souls series is just one long Bitter Black Isle from DD.  

5. Elden Ring  (PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows)

The inheritor of the Souls Series, Elden Ring takes everything that was loved from Dark Souls and made it bigger. This open-world, Fromsoft title, broke into the presses filled with praise and accolades. Venture into the unforgiving, yet beautiful world to battle against demigods and monsters. 

Much like Drak Souls, Elden Ring is another title that shares its bruting and gorgeous atmosphere. However, Elden Ring is simply more similar to DD based on its open world. “The roads are safer than the brush, but still we’d best stay wary”. 

4. Shadow of Mordor/War  (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Microsoft Windows)

Set in the Lord of the Rings universe, this two-game series offers a fun insight into the world, while also allowing the player to have fun battling against hordes of Orcs and Uruk-hai. Playing quite similarly to the aforementioned title of the Assassin's Creed Games. Scale structures, utilize stealth, battle against forts, and strongholds filled with recruitable foes.         

The series often involves a much more coherent story and mechanic system than DD, however, the love of having customizable and recruitable allies is somehow so rare in games, that this title gets its place on the Top 10 list. The hype of the Shadow of War castle sieges compares directly to the thrill of fighting along with your pawns against a boss whose engagement will scorch the battlefield you fight on. This bond lingers and grows as you play through the game with your favorite orc/pawn.

3. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild  (Nintendo Switch, Wii U)

Offering legend of Zelda fans an experience they either always wanted, or simply something for them to enjoy. This title brings the game series from a pseudo-open world to one that is fully actualized. Explore the dilapidated world of Hyrule, after Ganon had emerged and ravaged the land. Find rare weapons and armor, discover pockets of civilization, and stomp out this imposing threat.           

If DD was a bit too dark for your taste, the light-hearted yet still intimidating world of Hyrule may suit your fancy. While unable to customize your character besides what armor you wear. Its rigorous item and weapon management will bring you back to your days of trekking through Gransys. Through DD, it can feel extremely lonely even with your pawns, but in Breath of the wild finding those safe bastions through the corrupted world, really feels like a reassuring presence.    

2. Monster Hunter Series  (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows)

A 20+ game series, stretching back to the early 2000s, over many different console generations, dwells the Monster Hunter series. A game where the one and only goal is to hunt deadly creatures of nightmarish proportions. Craft weapons and armor from defeated foes, only to allow you to best even stronger ones. Play the style of your choice and ally with friends to feel these great beasts.            

If what inspired you to play DD, was the manga/anime Berserk. Then nothing encapsulates the essence of going against hulking monstrosities, then the Monster Hunter series. While the series may not fit the tone you're looking for, all you have to do is play some of your favorite music, and slay some monsters with weapons that could only be used as such. Even the titular Dark Souls series can't quite complete the feel that this game gives when you mount and gouge into the gargantuan adversary.

1. Shadow of the Colossus  (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3)

The Granddaddy of cult classic games, Shadow of the Colossus. Its name, just as towering as the enemies you encounter within it. The goal of the game is to slay the massive colossi within the game, empty and oppressive landscape. Your only solace in the game is your horse and your sword, the rest is up to your tenacity and wit, to fell these god-like creatures.         

Shadow of the Colossus is not the most similar in gameplay or world. What it does, is it takes the feeling you feel in DD, and ramps it up to a dream-like level. You are in a world that is beyond your comprehension, and you, a mere human, must do battle for a reason that is foreign to you. You are chosen, and you must accomplish this prophetical task.