10 Best Dragon Quest Games in 2025: Take Your Pick
To say Dragon Quest is popular in Japan would be an understatement. In Japan, it’s not just a game series – it’s a cultural phenomenon. And it’s not hard to see why people are on the quest for the best Dragon Quest games, pun intended.
Dragon Quest’s classic, top-down RPG format has a way of pulling you in and never letting go.
Dragon Quest isn’t just one of the best RPG games, it’s your own personal adventure. With vibrant worlds, charming characters, and exciting battles, every entry offers something special.
I’ve played every single Dragon Quest game (yes, even a few Japanese-exclusive ones), and I can tell you – the more time you spend with these games, the more they reward you. But with so many titles to choose from, where do you even start?
That’s where I come in. I’ve ranked the best Dragon Quest games of all time, spanning multiple platforms, to help you find your perfect RPG adventure. Check out the latest deals along the way to start your adventure today!
Our Top Picks for Dragon Quest Games
The Dragon Quest series blends classic turn-based combat, heartfelt storytelling, and brilliant character design. These games take you on epic adventures, where you’ll rise from humble beginnings, face world-ending threats, and build lasting friendships along the way.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just starting your Dragon Quest series journey, these top picks show off the best the series has to offer. From emotional coming-of-age tales to grand battles against legendary foes, these games represent the best of the series.
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition – A perfect mix of classic RPG mechanics and modern design with an emotional story and expansive world.
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake – A stunning remake that revitalizes a classic with gorgeous visuals and offers immense freedom in exploration and party-building.
- Dragon Quest Monsters – A creature-collecting RPG with strategic depth, featuring team-building and battle mechanics that stand out from typical monster games.
- Dragon Quest Treasures – A lighthearted exploration game where you hunt treasure with Erik and Mia, supported by helpful monster companions.
- Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King – A timeless adventure with memorable characters, a vast world, and a rewarding alchemy system.
Looking for the perfect entry point into a mainline Dragon Quest game? Keep reading for a full breakdown of each game and to find your perfect starting point.
10 Best Dragon Quest Games
Some RPG series come and go with minimal impact in gaming history, but Dragon Quest is forever. The Dragon Quest series has stayed true to its roots, offering turn-based battles, charming worlds, and stories that feel like epic fairy tales.
Unlike many RPGs where grinding can feel like a chore, Dragon Quest makes every battle meaningful. The excitement of leveling up, unlocking new skills, and watching your party grow never loses its appeal.
While other RPGs may shift towards action-packed combat, Dragon Quest stays faithful to its strengths: strategic, turn-based gameplay that rewards patience and planning.
Whether you’re exploring the massive world of Dragon Quest VIII, building a legacy in Dragon Quest V, or looking for the first game that would offer something completely new, one thing’s clear – this series doesn’t follow trends; it sets them.
1. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2019 | Square Enix | 2D/3D Graphics Mode |
Looking for the perfect entry point into the Dragon Quest series? I’ve spent countless hours with this fantastic RPG game, and I can tell you it’s absolutely the way to go.
What I love most about the best Dragon Quest game is how it hooks you from the start – no tedious grinding or complex systems to learn. Instead, you’ll dive right into an epic adventure that feels both fresh and familiar.
The game nails that classic Dragon Quest charm while bringing modern conveniences that make it a joy to play. Trust me, the story will grab you from hour one, and the turn-based combat strikes that sweet spot between easy-to-learn and strategically deep.
You’ll love how the world unfolds at just the right pace, revealing its secrets and surprises exactly when you’re ready for them.
Get the best deal on Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition >
2. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| Nintendo Switch, PS5, PC | 2024 | Square Enix | Vibrant HD 2D Graphics |
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake revitalizes a classic (the third game in the mainline series) with stunning visuals. While the first Dragon Quest introduced the world to turn-based RPGs, Dragon Quest III perfected the formula, adding a job system and open-ended exploration.
I’ve played through the original Dragon Quest III multiple times, but this HD-2D remake takes everything I loved about this immersive open-world game and makes it even better. The visual overhaul isn’t just pretty – it breathes new life into every town and dungeon, making them feel like living paintings you can explore.
What really makes this game special is its freedom. Want to build your perfect party? Go for it. Feel like exploring the world your own way? The game won’t stop you. The combat system might be decades old, but it still feels fresh and engaging today.
If you’re wondering why Dragon Quest became such a beloved series, this remake shows you exactly why.
Find a great deal on Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake >
3. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| Nintendo Switch | Various (series) | Square Enix | Monster recruitment |
If you think Dragon Quest Monsters is just another monster collecting game, you’re in for a surprise. The Dragon Quest Monsters series is a spin-off from the main Dragon Quest games, focusing on collecting, breeding, and battling monsters. Think of it like Pokémon, but with a Dragon Quest flavor!
This Dragon Quest spin-off goes beyond simply catching creatures – it lets you scout and breed monsters to create powerful combinations. I’ve easily lost track of how many hours I’ve spent perfecting my teams!
What keeps me coming back to this great game is how every battle feels like a puzzle to solve. It’s not just about having the strongest monsters; you need strategy and smart team composition to succeed.
Whether you’re taking on tough bosses or battling other players, no two fights ever play out the same way. This dynamic, tactical gameplay offers a real, fun experience that makes them some of the most enjoyable Dragon Quest titles, perfect for fans who love the series’ charm and depth.
Get the latest deal on Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince >
4. Dragon Quest Treasures
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| Nintendo Switch | 2022 | Square Enix | Treasure-hunting adventure |
Here’s something different from your typical Dragon Quest adventure. Playing as Erik and Mia (two dragon quest heroes), you’ll explore floating islands and hunt for legendary loot. This game puts exploration front and center, it’s the first title and the only game that does this, making every discovery feel extra exciting and worthwhile.
In this enjoyable adventure game, you’re never alone. Your monster companions don’t just help in battles – they’re essential for reaching new areas and finding hidden secrets. It’s the perfect game if you want something more laid-back but still endlessly engaging.
Get a deal on Dragon Quest Treasures >
5. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| PlayStation 2, Nintendo 3DS, Mobile | 2004 | Level-5 | 3D cel-shaded world |
You know that feeling when a game just gets everything right? That’s Dragon Quest VIII for me. The cell-shaded visuals transformed the series into a living, breathing storybook, and honestly, it still looks gorgeous today. Every time I fire it up, I’m amazed at how timeless it feels.
What really makes this game special is its sense of pure adventure. This is a massive game that feels alive, with rolling hills that actually make you want to see what’s over the next ridge.
The alchemy system hooked me for hours – there’s something satisfying about hunting down ingredients to craft that perfect piece of gear. The good characters bring so much personality and, thanks to the great writing, the main character in Dragon Quest VIII is one of the best stories in the series.
If you love classic RPGs like Final Fantasy VII, you’ll appreciate the deep character development of Dragon Quest VII: Journey of the Cursed King.
6. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| SNES, PS2, Nintendo DS, Mobile | 1992 | Square Enix | Multi-generational narrative |
Looking for the most emotionally engaging Dragon Quest story ever told? Dragon Quest V hits different from any other game in the series. Instead of just saving the world, you’ll live an entire life – from childhood to adulthood – with choices that actually matter to your character’s future.
This was the first game to introduce the revolutionary monster recruitment system, which changed the series forever. You can befriend nearly any monster you fight and each creature adds its own personality to your team, making every playthrough unique.
This brilliant blend of personal storytelling and monster collecting keeps me coming back even decades later.
7. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| Nintendo DS | 2009 | Level-5 | True Multiplayer |
Dragon Quest IX (Sentinels of the Starry Skies, a DS version of the mainline Dragon Quest game) revolutionized handheld gaming when it hit the DS. Not only could you create your entire party from scratch, but you could experience true multiplayer in a traditional JRPG.
Back in 2009, being able to team up with three friends for dungeon crawling was absolutely groundbreaking.
The real magic happens when you’re exploring together, sharing discoveries and tackling challenges as a team. With endless downloadable quests and treasure maps to discover, it felt like having an MMO in your pocket.
No other RPG at the time offered this kind of social experience, and even today, few games match its blend of traditional RPG depth with multiplayer adventure.
8. Dragon Quest Builders 2
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Feature |
| PS4, Switch, PC | 2019 | Square Enix | Sandbox building elements |
Ever wondered what would happen if Dragon Quest had a baby with Minecraft? Well, that’s exactly what Builders 2 delivers, and it works much better than you’d expect. You’re not just placing blocks – you’re rebuilding an entire world while fighting off classic Dragon Quest monsters.
What makes this game special is how it balances creativity with purpose. Every town you build, every room you design, it all feels meaningful to the story. And when you add multiplayer into the mix? Magic happens.
I’ve lost track of how many hours I’ve spent building dream castles with friends. It’s the perfect blend of RPG adventure and creative expression.
Get the best deal on Dragon Quest Builders 2 >
9. Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Features |
| Nintendo DS, Mobile | 1992 | Chunsoft / Square Enix | Varied perspectives |
Think you know how RPG stories work? Dragon Quest IV flips the script by telling its tale through five distinct chapters, each starring a different hero. One minute you’re a merchant trying to strike it rich, the next you’re a princess breaking free from royal life. It’s like getting five games in one!
The genius of IV is how it brings all these seemingly separate stories together for an epic finale. While the original version’s AI-controlled party members could be frustrating, newer versions let you take full command in battle. It’s fascinating to see how each character’s individual journey weaves into the bigger picture. This game was way ahead of its time.
10. Dragon Quest Builders
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer | Unique Features |
| PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch | 2009 | Level-5 | Block-building mechanics |
Remember when Dragon Quest first reinvented itself by mixing RPG adventure with creative building? This fun game laid the foundation for everything that followed. As the legendary Builder, you’re not just stacking blocks – you’re bringing hope back to a world that’s forgotten how to create.
What makes this game special is how it pioneered the perfect balance between creativity and purpose. Every structure you build directly impacts the story and helps your villagers thrive.
While Builders 2 would expand on these ideas, there’s something beautifully focused about the original’s approach. It proved that building games could tell compelling stories, setting the stage for an entirely new kind of Dragon Quest adventure.
Get the best deal on Dragon Quest Buildfers >
FAQs
Which Dragon Quest has the best story?
Dragon Quest V is often praised for its emotional depth. Its multi-generational story of love, loss, and family is widely considered the best in the series.
Which Dragon Quest games are the hardest?
Dragon Quest III and Dragon Quest XI are among the toughest. DQIII challenges players with tough battles, while DQXI has some challenging endgame content.
Which Dragon Quest game has the best music?
Dragon Quest VIII is renowned for its exceptional soundtrack. Koichi Sugiyama’s orchestral compositions bring the game’s world and story to life.
How many hours to beat Dragon Quest?
Most Dragon Quest games take about 40-60 hours to beat. Completionists can spend much longer with side quests and exploring every corner of the world.
How does Dragon Quest compare to Final Fantasy?
Dragon Quest focuses on traditional turn-based RPG mechanics, lighthearted storytelling, and a consistent art style. Final Fantasy experiments with gameplay mechanics, settings, and more cinematic storytelling.
