Highlights
- Dragon Quest 10 is a unique MMORPG entry in the series, but its lack of a Western release disappoints fans.
- Dragon Quest 6 offers a job system and fun world exploration, but its story falls short compared to other titles.
- Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is a visually stunning game with memorable characters, despite a cliché story.
Akira Toriyama helped design one of the most incredible RPG worlds ever. Very few series can compare to the colorful cast of heroes and villains from the Dragon Quest franchise that have helped Dragon Quest become a standout JRPG series. Like any gaming series, there are highs and lows to each installment. The mainline series avoids falling into the worst category, but not all Dragon Quest games are created equal.
Ranking the Dragon Quest series that has provided players with much enjoyment isn't easy. Still, looking at the series objectively, each Dragon Quest title stands alone for several reasons.
Updated September 23, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn: The Dragon Quest series is rightly considered one of the most popular RPG series ever. Taking a lighter and more humorous approach to the genre than Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest's identity is unmistakable, with each entry taking an old-school approach while feeling new each time. Like Final Fantasy, every new Dragon Quest feels like an event for fans of JRPGs, and fans eagerly await the Dragon Quest 12 and the new adventures. This list has been updated to include tables so fans know where they can play the best Dragon Quest games in the main series.
11 Dragon Quest 10
|
Release Date |
August 2, 2012, Japan only |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, PC, PS4, Switch, Wii, and Wii U |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
N/A |
|
Standout Feature |
The MMORPG provides a nice change of pace to the series |
Dragon Quest 10 is the only game in the series to be an MMORPG rather than a single-player RPG. In many ways, Dragon Quest 10 utilizes the MMORPG genre creatively.
At the very start of the game, players design their characters - only for them to perish. The player then starts the process over again, except they choose another race for their soul to inhabit. While the beginning is an exciting narrative twist, especially for an MMORPG, the story falls short of the other mainline Dragon Quest titles. The lack of a Western release is also a major disappointment to fans of the series.
10 Dragon Quest 2: Luminaries Of The Legendary Line
|
Release Date |
1990 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, Game Boy Color, NES, MSX, MSX2, Mobile, PS4, Super Famicom, Switch, and Wii. |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
16.5 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
The compelling lore and world-building |
Dragon Quest 2 is a classic. It may be harsh to compare the older Dragon Quest games to the newer entries, but the second installment in the series stands its ground quite well. Following Dragon Quest 1 was no small feat, but the sequel polished the RPG mechanics to make it a more enjoyable experience.
As is often the case with revisiting older games, Dragon Quest 2: Luminaries Of The Legendary Line can be a slog. This is because of the outdated mechanics and the brutal difficulty. Dragon Quest II is considered one of, if not the most brutal Dragon Quest game, which can make the 16-hour adventure a testing experience. The Japanese version launched in 1987, but Western audiences had to wait until 1990 for its NES release as Dragon Warrior 2.
9 Dragon Quest 6: Realms Of Revelation
|
Release Date |
February 14, 2011 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, Nintendo DS, and Super Famicom |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
41 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
The job system and world exploration |
Dragon Quest 6 has all the features fans expect from the series. The class system is back and better than ever. The world is unique and fun to explore, and the characters have the usual charm of most in the series.
However, the weakest aspect of Dragon Quest 6 is the story. Some titles in the series do struggle to break away from certain clichés. Despite this, Realms of Revelation is worth a play for its unique world and characters. Dragon Quest 6 was initially launched in Japan in 1995. However, Western audiences had to wait until 2011 to play its remake on the DS.
8 Dragon Quest 7: Fragments Of The Forgotten Past
|
Release Date |
August 26, 2000 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
73 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
The epic campaign length gives the story all the time it needs to develop and flourish. |
Dragon Quest 7 is long, which is a good and bad thing. At over 70 hours, Dragon Quest 7 comes packed with quests to complete and areas to explore. This also means that players will be subjected to hours of grinding. Leveling up classes can also be a bit of a chore, but these small nit-picks do not stop Dragon Quest 7 from being a fun game to complete.
Dragon Quest 7 was an enormous commercial success in Japan, becoming the best-selling game on the PS1. This success resulted in the game becoming the first main series entry in the Dragon Quest series to be launched outside Japan since Dragon Quest 4. Hitting North American stores as Dragon Warrior 7, the PS1 version differs significantly from the 3DS remake. The new translation and quality of life improvements on the handheld remake make Fragments of the Forgotten Past the best.
7 Dragon Quest
|
Release Date |
August 1989 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, Famicom, Game Boy Color, Mobile, MSX, MSX2, NES (First North American launch), Nintendo 3DS, PC-9801, PS4, and Switch |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
9 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
The historical significance and intrigue of seeing where it all began |
Dragon Quest is the game that started it all. It is wonderfully nostalgic to go back and play the first game. The game is not as polished as others in the series, but it still holds up pretty well. More importantly, the game has to get extra points for being the starting point for one of the best RPG series.
For those looking to dive into the Dragon Quest series for the first time, the first entry may appear to be the perfect starting point. However, the game is dated today and can be a struggle to endure, even for pre-existing fans. Consequently, starting with the modern entries before seeing how it all began is the best approach. Despite being released on multiple Japanese platforms, the English versions of Dragon Quest 3 only launched on the NES, Game Boy Color, Android, and iOS.
6 Dragon Quest 4: Chapters Of The Chosen
|
Release Date |
NA version October 1992 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, NES, Nintendo DS, and PS4 |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
27 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
A lengthy campaign and a wide range of optional side quests |
Dragon Quest IV has gameplay mechanics that make it unique in the series. The game is split into five chapters that focus on a different hero. This narrative structure is phenomenal and one that other games should try and replicate.
Players connect with their companion characters as they see their entire backstory through their eyes. The last chapter is dedicated to the main character, who is joined by four beloved characters from the preceding chapters.
5 Dragon Quest 3: The Seeds Of Salvation
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Release Date |
July 7, 2001, for the GBA |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, Game Boy Color, iOS, NES, Nintendo 3DS, PS4, Switch, and Super Famicom (Japan only) |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
28 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
The groundbreaking day and night cycle and immersive world |
Dragon Quest 3 is one of the most popular titles in the series, and it's clear to see why. The game added several new mechanics, breaking new ground with a title far ahead of its time. The original DQ3 was released in 1988 on the Super Famicom in Japan; However, the acclaimed JRPG wasn't launched in the West until 2001 for the Game Boy Color.
Innovations like the day and night cycle in Dragon Quest 3 were genre-defining and made the world feel immersive. It also heavily expanded on the open-world aspects of the first two games, giving it the feel of a sprawling epic. A 2D HD remake of Dragon Quest 3 is currently in development.
4 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
|
Release Date |
|
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Nintendo 3DS, PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, Stadia, Xbox One |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
56.5 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
Visually stunning world with memorable and timeless art design |
The newest installment in the series Dragon Quest 11 spectacularly carries the torch. The graphics are jaw-dropping, the enemies are goofy, and the characters are incredibly charming. Moreover, with a definitive edition launching with an orchestral soundtrack and a 16-bit style 2D mode, DQ11 is one of the best JRPGs in a generation.
DQ11 is everything fans have come to expect from the series and more, with a seemingly endless amount of things to do. The only drawback is that the story is a little cliché. The narrative can still offer surprises with its beautiful world and traditional combat system. Fans of DQ11 should look at Dragon Quest: Treasures, a prequel starring Erik and Mia in their youth.
3 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies
|
Release Date |
July 11, 2010 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Nintendo DS |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
48.5 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
DQ9 is one of the best-looking and lengthiest games to grace the Nintendo DS |
Dragon Quest 9 has one unique feature that sets it apart from others in the series. Sentinels Of The Starry Skies has a full cooperative story. There are a couple of kinks when playing multiplayer.
The loot and story progression is only saved on the leading profile. Despite that, co-op mode runs surprisingly well. There are very few cooperative RPGs around, and Dragon Quest 9 manages to tell an engaging story that players can play with a friend.
2 Dragon Quest 5: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride
|
Release Date |
February 17, 2009 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, Nintendo DS, PS2, and Super Famicom (Japan only) |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
30.5 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
The memorable story and characters |
Dragon Quest 5 might be one of the greatest RPGs of all time. While other entries in the series can water down their story somewhat, Dragon Quest 5 shakes things up by having one of the best stories in the series.
Throughout the game, players believe they are the prophesied chosen one that will defeat the great evil. This multi-generation story tells an epic that keeps players on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
1 Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King
|
Release Date |
November 27, 2004 |
|---|---|
|
Platforms |
Android, iOS, and Nintendo 3DS |
|
Time To Complete The Main Story |
62 hours |
|
Standout Feature |
DQ8 is one of the most accessible entries in the series, making it the perfect starting point for new players |
Dragon Quest 8 was a return to form for the series. Every mainline Dragon Quest game ranged from good to great, but the eighth installment in the series elevated the series to a new level and brought in more fans than ever.
Interesting characters? - check. Engaging story? - check. Cute hamster sidekick? - check. Throw in some arena monster wars, a gorgeous open world, and graphics that still hold up today, and it becomes the best Dragon Quest game to date.
Dragon Quest Quest Titles In Development
There are currently two more mainline Dragon Quest games in development. Dragon Quest 3 is getting an HD-2D remake in the style of Octopath Traveler. A date is yet to be announced, but it will get a global launch. The recently announced Dragon Quest 12 also lacks a release date, but Square Enix has trademarked Flames of Fate, and all signs point to a darker entry in the series.
Fans of the Dragon Quest anime will be happy to know a console game based on the popular anime and manga series Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventures of Dai has been confirmed for September 28, 2023.