Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen Vocations and builds: nine classes and pawn restrictions
Compare basic, advanced and hybrid vocations in the first Dark Arisen.
Edition covered
Dark Arisen expands the 2012 Dragon’s Dogma with Bitterblack Isle. Pictures are from the 2016 PC Dark Arisen publisher listing. This guide uses the first game’s nine-vocation system; Dragon’s Dogma 2 mechanics are excluded.
Start with a basic vocation
Fighter, Strider and Mage establish the opening playstyles. Later vocation changes let the Arisen develop other roles, so the starting choice is not a permanent class lock.
| Family | Vocations | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Fighter, Strider, Mage | Arisen and pawns |
| Advanced physical | Warrior, Ranger | Arisen and pawns |
| Advanced magical | Sorcerer | Arisen and pawns |
| Hybrid | Mystic Knight, Assassin, Magick Archer | Arisen only |
Pawns cannot take hybrid vocations
The Arisen can become Mystic Knight, Assassin or Magick Archer; pawns are limited to basic and advanced vocations. A party plan that requires a pawn Magick Archer cannot be built in this game.
| Term | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Character level | Overall growth from experience | Continue quests and combat |
| Vocation rank | Progress within a vocation | Earn discipline in that role |
| Active skill | Weapon or spell technique | Learn and equip in the relevant slot |
| Augment | Passive learned benefit | Equip useful ones after changing vocation |
Rank a vocation to learn its skills
Vocation rank and character level are separate progression systems. Earn discipline, learn skills at a suitable service and equip them; unlocking an ability does not automatically place it in an active slot.
Carry useful augments across vocations
Learned augments can support later vocation choices when equipped. Develop a practical build around the weapons and skills enjoyed rather than assuming a particular leveling history is required to finish the game.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher game manual | static.capcom.com |