New Dragon's Dogma 2 patch is nerfing the RPG's divisive Dragonsplague by making it easier to recognize before it's too late

Dragon's Dogma 2 Dragonsplague pawn with red eyes in cutscene
(Image credit: Capcom)

A new update for Dragon's Dogma 2 will effectively nerf the dreaded Dragonsplague disease, which has been a headache for players since launch.

The disease can wreck towns and even cities, killing off scores of characters if the player lets it spread through to the point of lethal infection in their Pawns. Despite players chucking their Pawns into rivers and killing them to stop the Dragonsplague, many were still left frustrated with the disease and its brutal consequences.

Now, Capcom has pledged an update that will change Dragonsplague at some point later this month. "Reducing the infection frequency of Dragonsplague and adjusting the signs of Pawns infected with Dragonsplague to be more noticeable," the patch notes for the update read below, adding that the symptomatic glowing, red eyes will be far more noticeable once the update hits.

There have been differing reactions to news of the changes. "Nerfing something that rarely happens and its also the most unique mechanic of the game is very disappointing," one player responded on Twitter. "Nah it’s definitely the right move unless they change what it does. There’s NOTHING fun about Dragonsplague," responded another.

Modders have even attempted to do something about the disease in the past, going so far as to manufacture a mod that displays big red letters over Pawn's faces to show how far Dragonsplague has progressed. That wasn't everyone's cup of tea either - it can be argued that Dragonsplague is one of the best features of Dragon's Dogma 2 because it underscores the uneasy and unsettling nature of Capcom's sequel. Nonetheless, it seems Capcom has seen enough to alter the disease.

If you're looking for a slightly lighter guiding hand when it comes to the disease, read up on our Dragon's Dogma 2 Dragonsplague guide for more. 

Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.