TO
Theory Of Powers

Breaking Insight: Why Pawn Inclinations Can Make or Break Your Adventure in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Breaking Insight: Why Pawn Inclinations Can Make or Break Your Adventure in Dragon’s Dogma 2

If you’ve been diving into Dragon’s Dogma 2, you’ve probably realized something quickly — your Pawn isn’t just a companion. It’s your lifeline, your strategy partner, and sometimes… your biggest frustration.

The difference between a smooth, tactical adventure and chaotic combat often comes down to one thing:

Pawn Inclinations.

These hidden behavioral traits determine how your Pawn fights, reacts, supports, and even prioritizes actions. Choosing the right one can completely transform your gameplay experience.

Let’s break down what Pawn Inclinations are, how they work, and which one fits your playstyle best.

What Are Pawn Inclinations?

Pawn Inclinations are AI behavior presets that influence how your Pawn acts in combat and exploration. Think of them as personality-driven combat styles.

They affect:

  • Combat positioning
  • Target priority
  • Support behavior
  • Resource usage (healing, buffs, etc.)
  • Decision-making in battles

Unlike traditional companions in RPGs, Pawns learn and adapt — but their core behavior is heavily shaped by their inclination.

The Main Pawn Inclinations Explained

1. Calm — The Tactical Thinker

This inclination focuses on strategy and survival.

Behavior:

  • Maintains distance from enemies
  • Uses skills efficiently
  • Avoids unnecessary risks
  • Focuses on weak points

Best For:

  • Players who prefer controlled, methodical combat
  • Ranged builds like archers or mages

Why Choose Calm?
If you want a Pawn that behaves intelligently and doesn’t rush into danger, Calm is one of the safest and most reliable options.

2. Straightforward — The Aggressive Fighter

This is the “no hesitation” combat style.

Behavior:

  • Charges directly into battle
  • Prioritizes offense over defense
  • Deals consistent damage
  • Less concerned about positioning

Best For:

  • Players who like fast-paced, aggressive gameplay
  • Tank or melee-focused builds

Why Choose Straightforward?
Perfect if you want your Pawn to stay on the front lines and keep enemies occupied.

3. Kindhearted — The Support Specialist

If survival is your priority, this inclination shines.

Behavior:

  • Focuses on healing and buffs
  • Protects allies
  • Revives fallen teammates quickly
  • Avoids direct confrontation

Best For:

  • Players who need consistent support
  • Solo adventurers relying heavily on Pawns

Why Choose Kindhearted?
It’s the ideal choice for players who want a dependable support system.

4. Simple — The Explorer

This inclination is less combat-focused and more about interaction with the world.

Behavior:

  • Picks up items frequently
  • Engages with the environment
  • Acts more independently
  • Less focused on combat efficiency

Best For:

  • Exploration-heavy players
  • Resource collectors

Why Choose Simple?
Great for players who enjoy discovering secrets and gathering materials — but not ideal for tough battles.

Which Inclination Fits Your Playstyle?

Choosing the right inclination depends entirely on how you play.

If You’re a Melee Fighter

Go with Straightforward

  • Keeps enemies busy
  • Supports close-range combat
  • Adds pressure during fights

If You’re a Mage or Ranged Player

Choose Calm

  • Maintains distance
  • Plays strategically
  • Protects you from unnecessary chaos

If You Prefer Safety and Support

Pick Kindhearted

  • Keeps you alive longer
  • Handles healing and revives
  • Reduces difficulty in long fights

If You Love Exploration

Try Simple

  • Helps gather resources
  • Interacts with the world
  • Enhances discovery

Can You Change Pawn Inclinations?

Yes — and you should.

Pawn Inclinations are not permanent. They can evolve based on:

  • Your commands during combat
  • How you play
  • Items or systems that influence behavior

This means your Pawn can adapt over time, but it also means you need to guide them carefully if you want consistent behavior.

Best Inclination Combinations

While your main Pawn has a primary inclination, your full party setup matters too.

Balanced Team Setup

  • Main Pawn: Calm
  • Support Pawn: Kindhearted
  • Frontline Pawn: Straightforward

This creates a well-rounded team with offense, defense, and support.

Aggressive Team Setup

  • Main Pawn: Straightforward
  • Secondary Pawns: Straightforward / Calm

Ideal for players who want fast combat and high damage output.

Survival Setup

  • Main Pawn: Kindhearted
  • Others: Calm

Perfect for long battles and difficult encounters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Inclinations

Many players overlook this system and end up with inefficient Pawns.

2. Wrong Role Assignment

A Kindhearted Pawn won’t perform well as a frontline fighter.

3. Not Adjusting Over Time

As your playstyle evolves, your Pawn should too.

Why Pawn Inclinations Matter So Much

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, combat is dynamic and unpredictable. You’re not just controlling one character — you’re leading a team.

A well-aligned Pawn can:

  • Save you in critical moments
  • Control the battlefield
  • Enhance your strengths

A poorly aligned Pawn can:

  • Waste abilities
  • Ignore important threats
  • Make fights harder than they need to be

Final Thoughts: Build a Pawn That Matches You

Pawn Inclinations are more than just AI settings — they’re the personality of your adventure.

The best choice isn’t about what’s “strongest.”
It’s about what complements your playstyle.

  • Want chaos and aggression? Go Straightforward.
  • Prefer strategy and control? Choose Calm.
  • Need survival and support? Pick Kindhearted.
  • Love exploring every corner? Try Simple.

In the end, your Pawn is a reflection of how you play.

Choose wisely — because in Dragon’s Dogma 2, the right companion doesn’t just follow you…