Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake: Release Date, Time, Gameplay and Everything You Need to Know
Key Takeaways:
- Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake releases on November 14, 2024, with stunning visuals and new gameplay features.
- Expect revamped turn-based combat, a range of vocations, and fresh story episodes, including content on Ortega’s adventure.
- Pre-order benefits include in-game items to enhance your journey, with platform-specific release times and preload details.
The much-anticipated Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is on its way, promising fans a chance to revisit the beloved JRPG classic with a modern twist. This guide covers everything players need to know about the remake’s official release date, platform availability, preloading information, new features, and gameplay insights.
Dragon Quest 3 Remake Release Date and Platform Details
Release Date
The Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is set to launch globally on November 14, 2024. This remake brings enhanced graphics and fresh content to one of the most iconic JRPG titles of all time.
Supported Platforms
The game will be available across several major platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
- PC (Steam)
Platform-Specific Release Times
While official worldwide release times haven’t been confirmed by Square Enix, expected release times for each platform are:
- Nintendo Switch & PlayStation 5: Available at 9:00 PM PST (12:00 AM EST on November 14) on November 13, 2024.
- Xbox Series X/S: Expected to match the PlayStation 5 release at 12:00 AM EST on November 14 (9:00 PM PST on November 13).
- PC (Steam): Likely to launch at 12:00 PM EST on November 14, based on previous Square Enix releases.
Pre-Loading Information
Preloading has not been confirmed across all platforms, though some players report limited access. If Square Enix or platform stores officially enable preloading closer to launch, expect the download to be available up to 48 hours before release day.
What to Expect from Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
This reimagining of Dragon Quest III is rendered in HD-2D, an art style that brings modernized depth and vibrancy to classic 2D environments. Alongside these enhanced visuals, players can dive into a host of new features, including additional character stories, updated character designs, and even a new class.
An Overview of the Story
In Dragon Quest 3, players take on the role of the child of the legendary hero Ortega, setting out to complete their late father’s mission and vanquish the villainous Archfiend Baramos. Alongside familiar faces and new allies, players will journey across a richly detailed world of towns, caves, dungeons, and kingdoms.
New Story Content: Ortega’s Adventure
Fans of the original game will enjoy additional scenes focusing on Ortega, the protagonist’s father, which offer more background on his heroic journey and the challenges he faced. Players will also encounter fresh villains, expanding the narrative in meaningful ways.
Explore the Expansive World of Dragon Quest 3
Notable Locations
The world of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is filled with diverse locales, each with its own culture, mysteries, and inhabitants. Key locations include:
- Portoga: A bustling port city known for its expert shipbuilders and traders.
- Jipang: Also called the “Golden Country,” this island nation is adorned with cherry blossom trees and ruled by the enigmatic Pimiko.
- Ibis: A desert kingdom rich in unique flora and ruled by a beautiful queen.
Additional Areas and Secrets
Beyond these locations, players can discover hidden spots marked by trees or rocks, some concealing treasure, gold, or even friendly monsters.
Day-Night Cycle and Exploration
As you explore, the game’s dynamic day-night cycle will reveal different interactions, treasures, and story events, adding depth to the journey. Villagers may provide clues, and dungeons may hold valuable items necessary to progress.
Gameplay: Turn-Based Combat and Team Management
Classic Turn-Based Battles
The Dragon Quest series’ turn-based combat returns, allowing players to direct a party of four characters. As usual, battles are tactical, allowing ample time to strategize. The remake even offers speed customization for combat, letting players tailor the pace to their preference.
Character Party and Vocations
Your journey begins with the protagonist and can include up to three additional party members. Players can recruit characters at Patty’s Party Planning Place and customize their names, appearances, hair colours, voices, and vocations.
Vocations: Choose Your Adventure Style
Each party member’s vocation, or job class, determines their abilities, spells, and role in the party. Here’s a look at some of the vocations in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake:
- Hero: Exclusive to the protagonist, the Hero class balances offense and defense with access to powerful spells like Kazap.
- Warrior: Tanky and tough, warriors use heavy weapons and shield their allies in combat.
- Martial Artist: Agile and powerful, these fighters land critical hits often.
- Mage: Skilled spellcasters with elemental attacks like Kafrizz and support spells.
- Priest: Healers who restore HP, cure ailments, and resurrect allies.
- Merchant: Treasure experts who can find items and increase post-battle gold.
- Gadabout: Unpredictable but sometimes beneficial, they provide unexpected boosts.
- Thief: Stealthy and skilled at finding hidden treasures, with abilities like “Nose for Treasure.”
- Monster Wrangler (New Class): Unique to the remake, Monster Wranglers wield creature-based abilities, making them versatile in battle.
Advanced Vocations: Sage
The coveted Sage vocation is reserved for characters who reach certain conditions and gain enlightenment, enabling access to both Priest and Mage spells, making them highly versatile.
Vocational Flexibility at Alltrades Abbey
At Alltrades Abbey, characters can switch vocations, reverting to level 1 but retaining previously acquired spells. This flexibility allows characters to master multiple vocations, gaining new skills and spells with each shift.
New Game Features: Monster Arena and Helping Hands
The remake introduces Monster Arenas, where players can pit their friendly monsters in tournaments to win prizes and gold. With Helping Hands, players can share party members across save files, allowing for even more party customization.
Personality System
Each character has a personality that influences stat growth. The protagonist’s personality is set at the beginning of the game, while companions’ personalities are determined when recruited. Players can change personalities later with specific items.
Pre-Order Bonuses
Pre-ordering Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake comes with special in-game items:
- Elevating Shoes x1
- Seed of Strength x3
- Seed of Defence x3
- Seed of Agility x3
- Seed of Life x3
- Seed of Magic x3
These items help give players an early advantage, boosting stats like HP, MP, and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Dragon Quest 3 Remake release?
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake releases on November 14, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
What time does Dragon Quest 3 Remake release on each platform?
The expected release times are:
- Nintendo Switch & PS5: November 13, 2024, at 9:00 PM PST (12:00 AM EST on November 14)
- Xbox Series X/S: Expected to align with PS5 release at 12:00 AM EST on November 14
- PC (Steam): Likely at 12:00 PM EST on November 14
Will there be preloading for Dragon Quest 3 Remake?
Preloading is anticipated but not officially confirmed for all platforms. Players should check their platform’s store closer to release day for preload availability.
Can I change my character’s vocation?
Yes, players can change vocations at Alltrades Abbey once characters reach level 20. A character will restart at level 1 in the new vocation but retain previously learned skills.
What’s the difference between this remake and the original Dragon Quest 3?
This HD-2D remake adds improved graphics, voice acting, new story content on Ortega, a fresh class (Monster Wrangler), and new gameplay features like the Monster Arena and Helping Hands.
