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- Best overall: Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4
- Best premium: Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5
- Best for co-op hunting: Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch
- Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is the better fit for a solo fantasy adventure with an AI-controlled party.
- Dauntless is no longer playable because its online servers have shut down.
- Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter: World offer active hunting-style alternatives with online co-op.
- Choose a game by platform, preferred combat style and whether you want solo play or multiplayer.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is the stronger playable pick over Dauntless for Black Friday 2026: it delivers a complete solo action RPG, while Dauntless servers are shut down. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around games you can still play and the platforms they support.
The biggest difference is the adventure structure. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen pairs a customizable hero with AI-controlled companions, while Dauntless centered on online monster hunts. For similar co-op hunting, look at Monster Hunter Rise or Monster Hunter: World. For a long solo journey, Dragon's Dogma 2 and Elden Ring offer other strong directions.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's platforms and player modes so shoppers can match a pick to their console.
- Prioritized action RPGs with clear solo, co-op or hunting identities relevant to the Dragon's Dogma-versus-Dauntless search.
- Checked official product information for supported player counts, weapon options and game structure.
- Used review themes and owner feedback to identify strengths, trade-offs and suitable player types.
- Excluded Dauntless from the playable product picks because its online servers are shut down.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Players | Key count | Game type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – Nintendo Switch | Portable solo adventuring | 1 | 9 vocations | Action RPG |
| Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4 | PS4 solo RPG fans | 1 | 9 vocations | Action RPG |
| Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 – PlayStation 5 | Modern solo fantasy adventure | 1 | 10 vocations | Open-world action RPG |
| Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch | Portable co-op hunting | Up to 4 online | 14 weapon types | Action hunting RPG |
| Capcom Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne Master Edition – PlayStation 4 | Co-op hunts and a large campaign | Up to 4 online | 14 weapon types | Action hunting RPG |
| Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5 | Current-generation co-op hunting | Up to 4 online | Solo and online modes | Action hunting RPG |
| Bandai Namco Elden Ring – PlayStation 5 | Challenging open-world fantasy | 1 solo; up to 3 online | 10 starting classes | Open-world action RPG |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – Nintendo Switch
The Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – Nintendo Switch is the best portable solo fantasy RPG for players who want a party-driven quest, with 9 vocations to shape combat. The Switch edition keeps the original adventure's defining Pawn system intact.
Best for: Portable solo adventuring
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- Vocations
- 9
- Game type
- Action RPG
- Large fantasy world and layered quests
- Pawn companions add tactical party play
- Portable format suits short or long sessions
- No online co-op
Is the Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for solo players who want portable fantasy action, 9 vocations and AI party companions. Pick it over Dauntless if a complete single-player adventure matters more than online hunts.
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#2
Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4
The Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4 is the best living-room version for players who want a focused solo RPG, with 9 vocations and Pawn companions. The game emphasizes exploration, party setup and weighty fights over multiplayer sessions.
Best for: PS4 solo RPG fans
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Players
- 1
- Vocations
- 9
- Game type
- Action RPG
- Distinct vocation-based combat
- Pawn system fills out the adventuring party
- Dark Arisen adds a substantial dungeon area
- No co-op mode
Is the Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4 suits players who want a story-led solo action RPG with 9 vocations and AI companions. The Capcom Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 4's party system gives combat a different feel from Dauntless's former team-based hunts.
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#3
Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 – PlayStation 5
The Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 – PlayStation 5 is the best modern Dragon's Dogma pick for players seeking a sprawling solo adventure, with 10 vocations to unlock and master. The Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 – PlayStation 5's open-world travel and companion system build on the series' signature party combat.
Best for: Modern solo fantasy adventure
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1
- Vocations
- 10
- Game type
- Open-world action RPG
- Broad vocation selection
- Reactive world encourages exploration
- Pawn companions support varied party builds
- Solo-only structure lacks co-op hunts
Is the Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Capcom Dragon's Dogma 2 – PlayStation 5 is worth a look for players who want a current-generation solo RPG, 10 vocations and a large world to explore. Choose it for party-based fantasy combat, not for Dauntless-style multiplayer.
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#4
Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch
The Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch is the best portable co-op hunting pick for players who want fast monster battles, with 14 weapon types. The bundle pairs the base game with its major expansion for a deep hunt-and-upgrade loop.
Best for: Portable co-op hunting
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- Up to 4 online
- Weapon types
- 14
- Game type
- Action hunting RPG
- Four-player online hunts
- 14 weapon styles support varied builds
- Portable play works well for group sessions
- Hunt repetition is central to progression
Is the Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch is a solid pick for portable action and online hunts with up to 4 players. The Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch's 14 weapon types make it a better fit than Dragon's Dogma for players focused on co-op monster battles.
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#5
Capcom Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne Master Edition – PlayStation 4
The Capcom Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne Master Edition – PlayStation 4 is the best complete hunt-focused package for players who want co-op progression, with up to 4 hunters in an online hunt. The Master Edition combines the base game and Iceborne expansion.
Best for: Co-op hunts and a large campaign
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Players
- Up to 4 online
- Weapon types
- 14
- Edition
- Base game plus Iceborne
- Online hunts support teams of 4
- 14 weapon types give combat plenty of variety
- Expansion adds a large postgame journey
- The full progression loop takes commitment
Is the Capcom Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne Master Edition – PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Capcom Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne Master Edition – PlayStation 4 suits players who want a substantial co-op hunting game with up to 4 hunters per online hunt. The edition includes the base game and Iceborne expansion for a more complete package.
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#6
Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5
The Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5 is the best current-generation pick for players after cinematic monster hunts, with online sessions for up to 4 players. The Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5's changing environments and connected story structure make it a natural alternative for Dauntless fans seeking team hunts.
Best for: Current-generation co-op hunting
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- Up to 4 online
- Game type
- Action hunting RPG
- Play modes
- Solo and online multiplayer
- Supports online hunts with up to 4 players
- Dynamic environments add variety to expeditions
- A strong fit for players who enjoy hunting loops
- Online play is central to the group experience
Is the Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5 is a strong pick for PS5 players who want team hunts for up to 4 players and a modern hunting-RPG structure. The Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds – PlayStation 5 offers a playable online alternative to Dauntless's discontinued service.
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#7
Bandai Namco Elden Ring – PlayStation 5
The Bandai Namco Elden Ring – PlayStation 5 is the best exploration-heavy pick for players who want challenging solo fantasy combat, with 10 starting classes. The Bandai Namco Elden Ring – PlayStation 5's open world rewards curiosity and build experimentation rather than repeating structured monster hunts.
Best for: Challenging open-world fantasy
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1 solo; up to 3 online
- Starting classes
- 10
- Game type
- Open-world action RPG
- Large world with optional routes and discoveries
- Build variety supports many combat approaches
- Online features add cooperative and competitive play
- Combat difficulty is demanding
Is the Bandai Namco Elden Ring – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Bandai Namco Elden Ring – PlayStation 5 is a strong choice for players who want a challenging fantasy world, 10 starting classes and optional online play. Choose it for exploration and build freedom rather than the party-focused story of Dragon's Dogma.
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Is Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen better than Dauntless?
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is the better playable pick in 2026 because it offers a complete solo RPG with 9 vocations, while Dauntless servers are shut down. The two games also aim at different kinds of action: Dragon's Dogma builds a fantasy journey around one hero and a party of AI companions.
Dauntless focused on online monster hunts and cooperative play. Its shutdown means it is no longer an option for a new Black Friday gaming session. Players who want that hunt-and-upgrade rhythm should check Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter: World or Monster Hunter Wilds instead. Players who want a character-led adventure with exploration and party tactics should start with Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen.
What kind of game is Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen?
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a single-player action RPG built around 9 vocations, open-ended exploration and a party of AI-controlled Pawns. Players create a hero, recruit companions and change combat roles as new challenges demand different tactics.
Combat rewards close attention to enemy size and positioning. Characters can climb larger foes, use ranged attacks or lean into magic and support skills. The Dark Arisen edition adds Bitterblack Isle, a dangerous dungeon area with tougher enemies and additional progression. Expect a fantasy road trip and RPG build choices rather than online hunting parties. Worth it for most players who want a solo adventure with a distinct companion system.
Is Dauntless still playable in 2026?
Dauntless is not playable in 2026 because its online servers have shut down. The free-to-play action RPG depended on that service for its monster-hunting loop, so shoppers should not treat it as an active alternative to Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen.
For group hunts, Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds provide playable options with online multiplayer. For a solo fantasy campaign, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen and Dragon's Dogma 2 offer companion-based adventures. Check each game's current platform listing and online requirements before buying, especially when shopping for a physical copy or an older console edition.
Which games feel closest to Dauntless?
Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds are the closest picks here for players who want repeatable monster hunts, gear progression and online groups of up to 4. Those games focus on studying large creatures, choosing equipment and coordinating attacks with other hunters.
Monster Hunter Rise is a great fit for portable hunts and quick movement. Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne offers a large combined campaign on PlayStation 4. Monster Hunter Wilds targets current-generation PlayStation 5 players and delivers a more modern presentation. Dragon's Dogma combat has large monsters too, but its core loop is a solo RPG journey rather than a dedicated co-op hunt.
Which game should I buy for solo play or co-op?
Choose Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen or Dragon's Dogma 2 for solo play, and choose a Monster Hunter game for online hunting with up to 4 players. That split captures the main choice behind the Dragon's Dogma versus Dauntless search: story-led fantasy or team-focused creature hunts.
The Switch edition of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is the portable solo pick, while its PlayStation 4 version suits players who want the same adventure on a home console. Dragon's Dogma 2 is the newer-feeling solo option on PlayStation 5. For co-op, Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak brings portable multiplayer; Monster Hunter Wilds is the PS5 option. Match the game to your platform and preferred group size first.
Buying Guide
Pick your play style first
Choose Dragon's Dogma for a solo campaign with AI companions. Choose Monster Hunter for repeated hunts and online teams of up to 4. Dauntless is no longer playable, so compare active alternatives instead.
Match the game to your console
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen appears in this guide for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Dragon's Dogma 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds are represented by PlayStation 5 editions. Confirm the exact platform on the listing before checkout.
Check whether co-op matters
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen and Dragon's Dogma 2 are single-player games. Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds support online sessions for up to 4 players.
Compare editions and included content
Monster Hunter: World + Iceborne Master Edition bundles the base game and expansion. Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak pairs the base game and expansion. Read the edition name carefully to avoid buying content you already own.
Choose a comfortable challenge level
Elden Ring is built around demanding combat and open-ended discovery. Dragon's Dogma games offer role changes and party support. Monster Hunter asks players to learn weapon moves and enemy patterns through repeated hunts.
FAQ
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen vs Dauntless: which game is better?
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is the better playable choice in 2026 because Dauntless servers are shut down. Pick Dragon's Dogma for a solo fantasy campaign with 9 vocations and AI companions. Choose a Monster Hunter title if online monster hunts are the priority.
Can you still play Dauntless in 2026?
No. Dauntless is no longer playable because its online servers have shut down. Players searching for similar cooperative monster hunts should look at Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter: World or Monster Hunter Wilds, each of which offers online multiplayer.
Is Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen a multiplayer game?
No. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a single-player action RPG. Its Pawn system provides AI-controlled companions rather than human co-op teammates. Players who want online hunts with a group should choose a Monster Hunter game from this guide.
Which game is closest to Dauntless for co-op hunting?
Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds are the closest options in this guide. Each supports online hunts for up to 4 players, with weapon choices and monster-focused progression that suit players looking for cooperative action.
Should I buy Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen or Dragon's Dogma 2?
Choose Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen for its established solo adventure, portable Switch option or PlayStation 4 edition. Choose Dragon's Dogma 2 for PlayStation 5 and 10 vocations. Both focus on solo fantasy combat with AI companions, not online co-op.
Which game is best for portable monster hunting?
Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak – Nintendo Switch is the portable hunting pick. The bundle includes a large action-RPG experience, 14 weapon types and online hunts for up to 4 players. It suits players who want handheld play and group battles.