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# Bundle or expansion? How to buy Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen without paying twice

Dark Arisen came out on October 9, and a lot of people are stuck on the same question: $49.99 or $29.99? The store page doesn't make it clear which one you need, and there are two prices and only one name.

The short answer

* You own Dragon's Dogma 2 on PS5, Xbox or Steam: buy the expansion for $29.99.
* You don't own it: buy the bundle for $49.99. It includes the base game.
* You're on Switch 2: the bundle is the only version.

Teaser is here: ​​ [Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen - Main Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmKyRay8hGc)

## Why the name is confusing

If “Dark Arisen” rings a bell, you're probably remembering the 2013 expanded re-release of the first Dragon's Dogma. This one is built differently. On PS5, Xbox and Steam, Dark Arisen is an add-on that does nothing without the base game. The $49.99 “Dark Arisen” product is that add-on sold together with the base game. On Switch 2, DD2 is arriving for the first time, so only the bundle exists there.

## What's inside

The main attraction is Norgan, a snowy region in the north that nobody has lived in for ages. The story there is called Forsaken Dominion: you team up with a new character, Eir, to find out what's going on with the undying Fallen Dragon.

Back on the familiar map you get twelve new dungeons called Lost Rites. The character creator gets new options too.

Title Update 4.0 arrives the same day, with Hard Mode and quality-of-life changes. Earlier title updates this year were free for everyone, so check the patch notes to see what 4.0 needs the expansion for. Capcom has also added a new batch of Official Pawns with names like Toy Leon and Knockoff Ryu.

## New to DD2? The bundle is the cheaper route

Capcom spent June getting the store ready. The expansion was announced at a Nintendo Direct that month. Within weeks, the Deluxe Edition of the base game disappeared, along with most of the paid shortcut items from launch, such as Wakestones, which bring dead characters back to life. The base game also got a permanent price cut. It launched at $69.99, and in Europe it now costs €39.99.

Here's what that does to the math, in euros. The base game plus the expansion bought separately is €69.98. The bundle is €49.99, so you save about €20. Check the base game's price in your region: as long as it's above $20, the bundle is cheaper.

If the microtransactions were why you skipped DD2 at launch, most of them are gone now.

Watch also: [Austin strongly recommends: 'Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen' (Review)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbMJGb85pBY)

## Already own DD2? Three things before you buy

* Level 40 is recommended for Norgan, though you can walk in earlier.
* To start the DLC, talk to Captain Brant at the Stardrop Inn in Vernworth at night. He gets two new dialogue options: one for the Norgan story, one for Lost Rites.
* If your save has already reached the Unmoored World, the DLC stays locked until you start New Game+.

## Is it worth it?

Two early reviews are out. Vice calls it a must-play with enough content to pass as a standalone game. RPGFan calls it the definitive Dragon's Dogma sequel, though it says the story is basic. Two reviews aren't a verdict, so player reviews on Steam will tell you more in a few weeks.

Buy it if you liked DD2 and wanted a reason to go back, or if you're new and the bundle costs less than the base game plus the expansion. If you dropped DD2 early because it didn't click, an expansion to that same game is a hard sell.

On Switch 2, check performance reports before you buy, since the bundle is the only way to get the game there.

Hooked on the game? Get it 18% off via the link: https://bit.ly/47QqOvb.

Confused about Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen's pricing? Learn whether to buy the $29.99 expansion or $49.99 bundle, how to start the DLC, and what's in Update 4.0.

Dragon's Dogma 2 Dark Arisen Buyer's Guide: Price & DLC

$49.99 vs. $29.99 explained: Clearing up Capcom's confusing storefront pricing, Switch 2 launch details, and how to access the new snowy region of Norgan.

Bundle or Expansion? How to Buy Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Without Paying Twice

Stupid Never Dies launches on October 21 for PC and PS5 at $49.99! Discover its "Style Eat" combat, Capcom roots, and why it rejects modern $70 AAA game formulas.

Stupid Never Dies Preview: $50 Zombie Brawler Launch

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$70 for a Game? Stupid Never Dies Wants to Sell You Zombie Chaos for $50 Instead

The world is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and at the heart of this revolution lies blockchain technology. Blockchain has the potential to disrupt numerous industries and redefine how businesses operate. Its decentralized and transparent nature offers unparalleled security and trust. As we delve into the transformative potential of blockchain, it becomes evident that this technology is set to revolutionize the IT landscape. In this article, we will explore some of the latest news and predictions that highlight the immense impact blockchain is set to make in 2023 and beyond.

## 1. Blockchain and Healthcare: Revolutionizing Access and Security

Blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize healthcare records access and security. By streamlining identity management and anchoring medical records on the blockchain, individuals can gain ownership and control over their sensitive health information. This breakthrough addresses concerns over privacy, security, and access, offering patients newfound empowerment over their medical data.

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![Photo from FreePik](img/cctv-security-technology-with-lock-icon-digital-remix.jpg "Photo from FreePik")

## 2. AI Machines and the Crypto Fueled Future

The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology is anticipated to drive stunning growth in the crypto world. As AI machines leverage blockchain's financial capabilities, we might witness a paradigm shift, with networks tracking not only monthly active users (MAUs) but also monthly active machines (MAMs). This convergence holds the potential to reshape the future of crypto as we know it.

According to Dailyhodl.com, a veteran crypto venture capitalist predicts that AI machines will dominate blockchain activity. This prediction highlights the growing importance of AI in the blockchain ecosystem and its potential to revolutionize various industries. AI-powered blockchain applications can automate processes, improve efficiency, and enable new business models. From autonomous vehicles to smart homes, AI machines powered by blockchain will be at the forefront of technological advancements in the coming years.

![Photo from FreePik](img/humanoid-robot-working-with-machine-factory-ai-generative.jpg "Photo from FreePik")

## 3. Empowering Innovators: Partisia Blockchain Foundation's Grants Program

Partisia Blockchain Foundation is taking a proactive approach to address blockchain limitations. In their July 2023 update, they unveiled the Grants Program, offering up to 3 million $MPC tokens to pioneering builders in the blockchain space. By supporting innovative solutions that surpass existing blockchain limitations, the foundation is driving forward the development of a more robust and versatile blockchain ecosystem.

The Partisia Blockchain Foundation's Grants Program aims to foster innovation and collaboration in the blockchain industry. By providing financial support to talented individuals and teams, the foundation is empowering innovators to push the boundaries of blockchain technology. This initiative will not only accelerate the development of groundbreaking blockchain solutions but also contribute to the overall growth and maturity of the blockchain ecosystem.

![Photo from FreePik](img/portrait-smiling-young-businesswoman-with-light-bulb-icon-standing-office.jpg "Photo from FreePik")

## 4. Overcoming Blockchain Limitations: Solutions for a Brighter Future

As blockchain gains momentum, it is essential to address its limitations to fully unleash its potential. Some of these limitations, as highlighted by Cryptopolitan, include scalability, running costs, privacy and security concerns, regulatory compliance risks, and interoperability challenges. To combat these obstacles, industry experts propose solutions such as addressing scalability issues, reducing energy consumption, enhancing privacy and security measures, managing regulatory compliance, and improving interoperability between blockchain networks.

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Another challenge is the high running costs associated with blockchain networks. The energy consumption of blockchain networks, particularly proof-of-work (PoW) based networks like Bitcoin, has raised concerns about the environmental impact of blockchain technology. To mitigate these concerns, researchers are exploring alternative consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake (PoS), which require significantly less energy.

Privacy and security are also major concerns in the blockchain space. While blockchain offers transparency and immutability, it can be challenging to ensure the privacy of sensitive data stored on the blockchain. To address this issue, researchers are developing privacy-enhancing technologies, such as zero-knowledge proofs and secure multiparty computation, which allow for secure and private transactions on the blockchain.

Regulatory compliance is another area that needs to be addressed for blockchain technology to reach its full potential. As blockchain becomes more mainstream, governments and regulatory bodies are taking an interest in the technology. To ensure widespread adoption, it is crucial to develop frameworks and regulations that balance innovation and consumer protection.

Lastly, interoperability between blockchain networks is a key challenge that needs to be overcome. Currently, different blockchain networks operate in isolation, making it difficult to transfer assets and data between them. To enable seamless interoperability, researchers are exploring various solutions, such as cross-chain bridges and interoperability protocols, which allow for the transfer of assets and data across different blockchain networks.

![Photo from FreePik](img/successful-business-people-with-ideas.jpg "Photo from FreePik")

## 5. Blockchain Predictions for 2023

CoinDesk presents 23 compelling predictions for blockchain in 2023. These predictions provide insights into the future of blockchain technology and its impact on various industries. Some of the highlights include the movement of capital from centralized to decentralized financial applications, the rise of non-financial blockchain use-cases, and the projected billion-dollar business value for the banking industry through blockchain-based cryptocurrencies.

In 2023, we can expect to see increased adoption of blockchain technology in financial services. Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the way we transact, store value, and access financial services. With its decentralized and transparent nature, blockchain can eliminate intermediaries, reduce costs, and enhance security. This will pave the way for new financial applications, such as decentralized lending platforms, peer-to-peer payments, and cross-border remittances.

## Conclusion

The year 2023 is poised to witness significant milestones in the evolution of blockchain technology. With its impact resonating across healthcare, AI, finance, and various other sectors, the transformative potential of blockchain is becoming more evident than ever. As we tackle the challenges and leverage the solutions, the blockchain revolution continues to pave the way for a more secure, decentralized, and efficient future. Embracing this paradigm shift, industries and innovators are set to unlock unprecedented opportunities, shaping a new era of technological advancement and progress. The future of blockchain technology is bright, and the possibilities are limitless. It's time to embrace the transformative power of blockchain and unlock its vast potential for a better tomorrow.

Unleashing the Power of Blockchain: A Vision for 2023

Embracing the Blockchain Revolution: Unleashing the Future of 2023 and Beyond!

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