Dragon's Dogma 2 is here over a decade after Capcom's original fantasy RPG first released, and its stunningly massive world has left many newcomers and longtime fans alike with various questions regarding gameplay features. From the Arisen's many Vocations and their quirks to Pawns and Riftstones, you may be wondering how certain mechanics work in the sequel. One such mechanic found in both the first game and its successor is that of Rift Crystals, a currency that stands out amid the usual gold you spend at vendors in-game.
Unlike gold, you'll only use Rift Crystals in certain situations for very particular items. You won't spend these on armor, ingredients, or weapons, but rather on Pawn-related goodies and items that allow you to change choices you've previously made like your own appearance or your main Pawn's personality. This may make you think that Rift Crystals are exceedingly rare or that they are impossible to obtain outside of purchasing them as DLC, but you'll find that neither of these scenarios is truly the case.
To try and help you learn more about Rift Crystals in Dragon's Dogma 2, including how they function and how you can most efficiently farm them, we've compiled all of our thoughts on the matter here. Whether you're a hardened Dragon's Dogma fan wondering what Rift Crystals are useful for in the sequel or are a new player hoping to learn the ins and outs of this unique currency, we've got you covered below.
Rift Crystals in Dragon's Dogma 2
Rift Crystals in Dragon's Dogma 2 are a form of currency, but they differ greatly from the gold you'll usually use at most in-game shops. Unlike gold, Rift Crystals are used for anything and everything related to Pawns. For instance, if you'd like to hire a new Pawn but are hoping for one that's reached a higher level than you have yourself, you'll have to spend a certain amount of Rift Crystals on them. This amount scales depending on how much higher the Pawn is in level than you, and it's also not the only place you can spend your Rift Crystals.
If you're looking to change your appearance, you'll have to spend some Rift Crystals on The Art of Metamorphosis. If you want to alter your Pawn's Inclination, you'll need Rift Crystals. For the most part, you'll spend any Rift Crystals you obtain at Riftstones themselves or at Pawn Guild vendors nearby. Nothing that you purchase with them is necessary, but the Rift Crystals are useful to have in case you'd like high-level Pawns or wish to change something that's otherwise not alterable.
How to Get Rift Crystals in Dragon's Dogma 2
There are a few different methods of obtaining Rift Crystals in Dragon's Dogma 2. Thankfully, they're quite easy to pick up passively without you even thinking about them as you make your way through the game. You get Rift Crystals as loot from many enemies and monsters that you defeat, for one. You can also gather the currency from certain treasure chests.
As you traverse the immense RPG's map, you'll come across broken Forgotten Riftstones, too, as shown below that provide you with Rift Crystals once repaired. These may give you a free high-level Pawn once you repair them as well if you're lucky.
Another simple way to farm Rift Crystals is to send your Pawn out via online play with objectives. Every time another Arisen hires your Pawn and later finishes playing with them, your Pawn will return to you with Rift Crystals as well as other possible gifts.
If you find that you're still short on the currency while playing, you can also pay for relevant DLC which gives you Rift Crystals. Capcom sells bundles of 500, 1,500, and 2,500 Rift Crystals for real-life money on platforms such as Steam. We'd recommend waiting to purchase these bundles if you haven't played for long as you may find you accumulate Rift Crystals quite quickly via the other ways we discuss here.
