Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen runs its entire gear progression through a single loop: explore Norgan, collect unidentified Relics and Spoils, haul them back to the Norgandian Settlement, and let Jiera reveal what you actually found. The stats on every piece are randomized, so one appraisal session can hand you the best weapon you've ever equipped, and the next can produce something you'll immediately vendor. Here's how to work the system instead of getting worked by it.
What are Relics and Spoils?
Relics and Spoils are Dark Arisen's replacement for the standard loot table. Rather than picking up a named sword with fixed stats, you collect an unidentified item that only becomes real gear after Jiera examines it. Both categories drop from the same sources, but the distinction matters once you're sorting through your inventory.
You pick them up from three places:
- Defeated enemies in Norgan, with stronger enemies dropping more than one
- Treasure chests in dungeons and ruins throughout the region
- Gathering nodes scattered across the map
Both types add weight to your carry load, which becomes a real problem during long expeditions when you're already hauling weapons, armor, and curatives. The game actively nudges you to return to the Norgandian Settlement regularly rather than hoarding a full inventory of unidentified items.
Relics add carry weight fast
How does relic depth work in Norgan?
Relic level scales with how deep into Norgan you go. Level 1 relics appear near the entrance and carry lower base stats. Push further in and the level climbs, bringing better stat floors and more passive slots on weapons. The tradeoff is that enemies in the deep areas hit hard enough to one-shot you if your gear hasn't kept pace.
The mistake most players make is grinding the entrance zone for safety and then wondering why their appraised gear keeps underperforming. Trust me on this one: accept the risk of pushing deeper early, appraise what you find, and use those stat bumps to push even further. The loop feeds itself.
| Norgan depth | Relic level | Reward quality | Enemy threat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance zone | Level 1 | Low base stats, fewer passives | Manageable |
| Mid region | Level 2 | Improved stats, more passive options | Dangerous |
| Deep areas | Level 3+ | High stats, skill upgrades possible | One-shot risk |
How to appraise Relics: step by step
Here's the short answer: take your unidentified items to Jiera in the Norgandian Settlement and pay a small number of Rift Crystals per appraisal. That's the whole process.
The full sequence:
- Collect Relics and Spoils while exploring Norgan
- Return to the Norgandian Settlement before your inventory gets too heavy
- Find Jiera and open her appraisal menu
- Select the items you want identified and confirm the Rift Crystal cost
- Review the revealed stats and decide what to equip, keep, or discard
One thing worth flagging: Rift Crystals are also the currency you spend to hire pawns. If you're regularly recruiting high-level companions from the Rift, keep a reserve specifically for appraisals. Running dry on crystals mid-expedition because you spent everything on pawn hiring is a genuinely annoying situation.
Jiera's appraisal menu
What rewards can you get from appraisal?
The randomized nature is the point. Every appraisal is a roll, and the range is wide. Possible rewards include:
- Weapons with randomized damage stats and passive effects (status buildup on enemies, improved skill behavior)
- Armor with randomized defense, health, and stamina bonuses
- Norgan Ducats, the expansion's equivalent of Seeker's Tokens from the base game
- Curatives and consumable healing items
- Gold
- Rare scrolls
The passive effects on weapons are where things get interesting. A Thief bomb can roll a passive that expands its blast radius across multiple hits. A Sorcerer's Blizzard can gain a duration of roughly 15 seconds with area-denial hail that freezes enemies. These aren't guaranteed, but they're the kind of outcomes that make the system worth farming seriously.
Can you influence which Relics drop?
Yes, to a degree. Your active vocation and the vocations of your pawns raise the drop rate for Relics tied to those vocations. Running a Thief with Thief pawns makes Thief-relevant weapon relics more likely to appear.
Obelisks in Norgan add a second layer. Each Obelisk offers a temporary buff that raises the drop chance for a specific vocation's Relics for one in-game day. If you're targeting gear for a particular build, hitting the relevant Obelisk before a farming run is worth the detour. For a full breakdown of every Obelisk location and what each one unlocks, the complete Obelisk locations and vocation skill guide covers it in detail.
The Relics of the Past quest: what it teaches you
This early side quest is Dark Arisen's tutorial for the appraisal loop. It unlocks after finishing Chilling Tidings, the expansion's opening main quest. Jiera marks two locations on your map as starting points for Relic collection, and completing the quest earns 3,000 XP plus whatever gear comes out of the appraisals you do to finish it.
The XP reward is fine for an early quest, but the real value is getting comfortable with the loop before Norgan's enemies start punishing you for carrying a full pack. Don't rush through it.
Common mistakes with the Relic system
After testing the loop across multiple vocation setups, a few patterns keep causing problems:
- Hoarding unidentified items too long. The weight penalty slows you down and limits what you can pick up from chests. Appraise often.
- Spending all Rift Crystals on pawn hiring. Keep a buffer for appraisals, especially before pushing into a new area of Norgan.
- Ignoring gear that doesn't match your current vocation. Appraised equipment that's wrong for your Arisen might be perfect for your Main Pawn or a vocation you plan to switch to later.
- Staying in the entrance zone. Level 1 Relics won't keep you competitive as Norgan scales up. Push deeper as soon as your gear allows.
- Skipping the Obelisk buff. One detour before a farming run can meaningfully shift your drop rates toward the gear you actually need.
If you're still getting up to speed with the broader Dark Arisen systems, the get overpowered fast guide for Norgan covers Offering Flames, augment slots, and the best early builds to pair with your Relic gear.
FAQ
Who appraises Relics in Dark Arisen?
Jiera, located in the Norgandian Settlement. She charges a small number of Rift Crystals per appraisal.
Are Relic stats fixed or random?
Randomized. The same Relic type can produce very different stat rolls. Two appraisals of what looks like the same item can yield gear with noticeably different usefulness.
What's the difference between Relics and Spoils?
Both are unidentified loot that require appraisal. They come from the same sources (enemies, chests, gathering nodes) and go through the same appraisal process with Jiera.
Do I need to complete Relics of the Past to keep farming Relics?
No. The quest introduces the system, but Relic farming continues throughout your time in Norgan regardless of quest status. Completing it just gives you 3,000 XP and a structured introduction.
Can I use Relic gear on my pawns?
Yes. Appraised equipment that doesn't suit your current vocation can still be equipped on your Main Pawn or saved for a vocation switch.
For everything else Dark Arisen has to offer, from dungeon walkthroughs to quest guides, the full Dragon's Dogma 2 guide collection has you covered.
