Every Mainline Dragon Quest Game, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• The Dragon Quest series stands out for its classic JRPG essence, with colorful characters and fairy tale innocence.
• Akira Toriyama’s distinctive art design remains a constant throughout every Dragon Quest game.
• Dragon Quest games vary in quality, from MMORPG Dragon Quest 10 to the story-driven Dragon Quest 5.

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 it 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 games that have provided players with much enjoyment isn’t easy. Still, looking at the series objectively, each Dragon Quest title stands alone for several reasons.

Updated October 31, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: There is a feeling of magic that the Dragon Quest series manages to tap into. It’s lighthearted, and fun, but always compelling with great characters, worlds, and many memorable adventures across the long-running series. Ranking the games is challenging, but this updated list includes an additional entry and gallery images for each mainline game in the Dragon Quest series.

12 Dragon Quest 10

An MMORPG Transformed Into A Single Player RPG

• Platform: 3DS, Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, Wii, Wii U
• Released: 2012 Japan Only
• Developer: Square Enix

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 it is an interesting 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. An offline version was launched in 2022 but is currently restricted to Japanese territories. A translation project for Dragon Quest 10 makes it playable in English thanks to dedicated fans.

11 Dragon Quest 2: Luminaries Of The Legendary Line

A Challenging Sequel With Improved Mechanics

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 2 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.

10 Dragon Quest (1986)

A Dated But Fun First Entry In The Legendary Series

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 only launched on the NES, Game Boy Color, Android, and iOS.

9 Dragon Quest 3: The Seeds Of Salvation

An Innovative JRPG Ahead Of Its Time

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.

8 Dragon Warrior 7

One Of The Biggest JRPGs On The PS1

Dragon Warrior 7 launched on the PS1 in 2001 when the PS2 was already on the shelves. Despite being a massive game, it looked and felt dated when Final Fantasy 10 launched a few weeks later. Enix’s decision not to release it outside of North America and Japan further diminished its mainstream appeal. However, Dragon Warrior 7, known as Dragon Quest 7 in Japan, catered more to hardcore JRPG fans who appreciated lengthy stories and had the endurance for relentless random battles.

The seventh Dragon Quest is a challenging game on the PS1 and can potentially last players up to 100 hours, but it’s not the most accessible to newcomers or old-school fans of the classics. The amount of random battles will test the most dedicated fan’s patience, but it was still a standout JRPG on the PS1.

7 Dragon Quest 6: Realms Of Revelation

An Excellent Entry With A Dream And Real-World Mechanic

• Platform: Android, iOS, Nintendo DS, and Super Famicom
• Released: 2011
• Developer: Heartbeat and Square Enix

Dragon Quest 6 has all the features fans expect from the series. The class system is back and better than ever. The protagonists will explore three worlds plagued by an unknown evil, which makes it feel unique and fun to explore, and the characters are well-written, charming, and funny. The game begins with the protagonist waking up from a nightmare before getting woke up by his story and starting his journey.

Realms of Revelation is a solid entry in the series and fans of traditional JRPGs won’t be disappointed. It features a Real and Dreamworld mechanic that cleverly integrates. It’s surprisingly well-paced and the mechanics and progression open up to the player, keeping things interesting. Dragon Quest 6 has an excellent job system.

Players can change their class, retain the abilities earned, and move on to something else without spending too much time grinding. 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. The DS version features a better translation with quality-of-life improvements that utilize the handheld’s dual screen. For example, the maps of both worlds are displayed at the top.

6 Dragon Quest 7: Fragments Of The Forgotten Past

The Definitive Version Of Dragon Quest 7

Dragon Quest 7 is a lengthy game with substantial content on the PS1 and 3DS. Like the original, the game’s 70-plus hour length may attract or deter gaming fans, but the 3DS version’s portability makes it a better experience overall. Additionally, the 3DS version made the seventh Dragon Quest game accessible to European fans who missed it the first time without needing to import it.

The appeal of Dragon Quest 7 extends beyond its availability; it is an outstanding remake incorporating significant quality-of-life enhancements. The relentless random battles from the PS1 version have been removed with enemies that can be avoided. The visuals have been upgraded over the PS1 original with better-looking character models and more colorful environments. Dragon Quest 7’s story is still huge with a healthy amount of side quests and content, but the pacing feels better on the 3DS. It’s shorter than the original because random battles aren’t interrupting the party every three or four steps. Still, Dragon Quest 7 is the biggest game in the series and one of the best titles on Nintendo’s handheld.

5 Dragon Quest 4: Chapters Of The Chosen

Arguably The Best Character Development In The Series

Dragon Quest 4 has gameplay mechanics that make it unique in the series. The game is split into five chapters focusing on the hero and the supporting cast. This narrative structure was and still is groundbreaking and offers a unique way to build toward character development. The Octopath Traveler series has a similar method of character building and so does Final Fantasy 6.

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. Its story is straightforward, but the character chapters, excellent script, and the localization featuring multiple regional accents, make DQ 4 feel like a step up for the series.

4 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies

Engaging Story And Character With Effective Co-Op

Dragon Quest 9 has one unique feature that sets it apart from others in the series. Sentinels Of The Starry Skies has a cooperative story. There are a couple of kinks when playing multiplayer. The co-op mode will unlock after around 4-5 hours of playing through the story and it’s better short bursts. The loot and story progression is only saved on the host’s profile and there’s no way to transfer treasure and items to the guest player. Moreover, some parts of the game’s story are restricted to solo mode only. Despite that, co-op mode is a fun gimmick that runs surprisingly well for the most part.

Dragon Quest 9 tells a simplistic but engaging story that follows an angel trying to reclaim their wings and find their way back to heaven. The protagonist travels from town to town, helping the locals. The story develops quickly with rewards that keep the gameplay interesting. Visually, it’s one of the most impressive-looking and colorful games on the DS and holds up very well in the genre.

3 Dragon Quest 5: Hand Of The Heavenly Bride

A Sprawling Epic With Brilliant 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.

Again it’s an easy-to-pick-up and understand Dragon Quest story that does away with needless complexities but manages to tell one of the most gripping narratives in the series. It’s a familial story that takes players on a journey of love, loss, and reconnecting with loved ones to conquer the evil that has been stealing women and children for generations.

2 Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King

A Stunning PS2 Classic That Holds Up

The Dragon Quest series is one of the most popular in the world and a cultural phenomenon in Japan, but it wasn’t until Dragon Quest 8 that it reached a worldwide audience. Every mainline Dragon Quest game has something to offer JRPG fans, but the eighth installment in the series elevated the series to a new level and engaged with a new audience.

Dragon Quest 8 is a standout title on the PlayStation 2, it features beautiful graphics and a massive explorable world. The music and visuals hold up well and it remains one of the best and most beloved entries in the Dragon Quest series. The protagonist and his companions are on a quest to stop the evil jester and magician, Dhoulmagus, and break his curse. The jester casts a spell on the king and the princess, turning them into a frog-like troll and horse, respectively.

1 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

A Modern-Day Classic And The Best In The Series

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.

Dragon Quest 11 is everything fans have come to expect from the series and more, with a seemingly endless amount of things to do. The story doesn’t break any new ground, but there’s a lot to love with the character development and that well-paced narrative. Surprises and secrets are found in 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.

Dragon 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, and it is set to launch in November 2024. The 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.