Dragon’s Dogma 2’s long-awaited DLC, Dark Arisen, is almost here, with a new section of the world to explore with a wholly original story, as well as some general quality-of-life changes to the base game that fans have wanted for a while. There’s a lot to be excited about, but you need to know when you can get your hands on it.
The launch times for this DLC vary quite a lot between both regions and platforms, so we’ve got the full details here in one place, so you know when you can get playing – and how you might be able to play early.
Xbox Series X/S and Steam launch times – DD2: Dark Arisen
Source: Capcom
If you’re playing on Xbox or PC, you’ll be getting the DLC in a simultaneous global release at 8pm ET on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Here’s what that means for time zones around the world:
Thursday, October 8:
- 5pm PT
- 6pm Central
- 8pm ET
- 9pm BRT
Friday, October 9:
- 1am BST
- 2am CEST
- 3am AST
- 5:30am IST
- 8am CST
- 9am JST
- 11am AEDT
- 1pm NZDT
This also means that players on these platforms cannot perform the New Zealand trick.
PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 launch times – DD2: Dark Arisen
Source: Capcom
On PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, the game is launching in a staggered fashion, becoming available at midnight local time on Friday, October 9, 2026 around the world. The only exception to this is those in Pacific time zones, which, due to server regioning, will get the game at 9pm on Thursday, October 8 instead.
However, this means that if you use these platforms, you can perform the New Zealand trick to play early.
How to play early with the New Zealand trick – DD2: Dark Arisen
To do the New Zealand trick, you need to register a new account with whichever platform holder you’re using, and during account setup, select New Zealand as your region. This will give you access to the regional store.
If you then pre-order Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen through this account (note that on Nintendo’s eStore this requires a credit/debit card registered in New Zealand), then you will get access to the game when it hits midnight in New Zealand, rather than your local region, meaning you can play the game sooner than normal – up to 20 hours earlier if you live on the west coast.