Dragon Quest 3 Remake: How to Unlock the Magic Key and Overcome the Pyramid Puzzle

Key Takeaways

1. Navigate the Pyramid’s Puzzle for the Magic Key: Players must solve the children’s rhyme puzzle to unlock barriers in the Pyramid, but be prepared for unexpected battles.
2. Strategic Battle Preparation is Essential: A surprise boss, the Ripper of the Rift, awaits right before obtaining the Magic Key, so plan your party’s healing and buffs wisely.
3. Unlock Hidden Treasures with Keys: Once acquired, the Magic Key and other keys unlock powerful treasures and rare equipment in the game’s world, enhancing your journey.

For fans of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, reaching the iconic Archfiend Baramos is no easy feat. Players must travel to various lands, solve puzzles, and defeat challenging foes. One key obstacle stands in the form of a sealed passage west of Romaria. To progress, the Hero must obtain the Magic Key, hidden deep within a perilous Pyramid in the desert north of Ibis. This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire the Magic Key, solve the Pyramid’s button puzzle, and tackle the new boss introduced in the HD-2D remake.

Finding the Magic Key in the Pyramid

To proceed through the world of Dragon Quest III, the Hero needs the Magic Key, which can open previously inaccessible doors and unlock new pathways. This key is hidden within a Pyramid a dungeon filled with treasures, deadly traps, and a new boss battle added for the remake.

Preparing for the Pyramid

Before diving into the Pyramid, players should be well-prepared. This area is crawling with tough enemies, including Canniboxes treasure monsters that pack a punch and can take down unprepared parties. Stock up on healing items and make sure your party’s equipment and spells are up to the challenge. Once ready, head north of Ibis to find the entrance to the Pyramid.

The Children’s Rhyme: A Cryptic Clue to the Button Puzzle

Upon entering Ibis Castle, you might notice children singing a peculiar rhyme near the throne room. It goes:

“Old King Faro had four buttons, and two of them he blessed…
First the eastest of the east, and then the westest of the west…
The others he considered worse, and placed upon each one a curse…
So touch them not, by Faro’s crown! Or we will all come tumbling down!”

This rhyme might sound like nonsense at first, but it holds the key to navigating the Pyramid’s button puzzle. Make sure to memorize it or take note, as this clue will be essential in unlocking the path to the Magic Key. If you forget the rhyme, a child within the Pyramid can remind you, though this encounter raises questions about why the child is in such a dangerous place.

Exploring the Great Pyramid

The Pyramid is a multi-level maze filled with traps and treasures. To reach the Magic Key, follow these steps:

1. First Floor: Navigate to the upper-right section of the map and locate a staircase leading up.
2. Second Floor: Head south until you hit a dead-end, then travel west to find another set of stairs.
3. Third Floor: After ascending, head north to find a barrier blocking your path. This is where the button puzzle comes into play.

The Pyramid is worth exploring thoroughly, as you can find treasures and valuable items along the way. However, be prepared for random encounters and challenging battles at nearly every turn.

Solving the Button Puzzle

When you reach the barrier on the third floor, you’ll notice four buttons in the room. According to the children’s rhyme, only two buttons should be pressed. Here’s how to solve the puzzle:

• Step 1: Ignore the two middle buttons; they are cursed, according to the rhyme.
• Step 2: Press the right (east) button in the eastern corner and the left (west) button in the western corner.

Once the correct buttons are pressed, the barrier will disappear, allowing you to access the treasure room containing the Magic Key.

The Ripper of the Rift: A New Boss Battle

In a twist exclusive to the HD-2D Remake, players now face a new boss, the Ripper of the Rift, immediately before obtaining the Magic Key. This boss is no pushover, and if your party isn’t fully healed, you might find yourself in trouble.

Tips for Defeating the Ripper of the Rift

1. Use Kabuff and Magic Barrier: These spells are crucial for boosting your party’s defense and resisting the Ripper’s magical attacks.
2. Target the Khyss Minions First: The Ripper is accompanied by Khyss minions. Taking them out early will make the fight significantly easier by reducing the number of incoming attacks.
3. Heal Up Before Entering the Room: Make sure your party is in top shape before triggering the battle, as the Ripper can quickly overwhelm a weakened party.

Once the Ripper of the Rift is defeated, you can finally claim the Magic Key, an essential item for progressing in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.

The Magic Key and Other Essential Keys in Dragon Quest III

The Magic Key is just one of three powerful keys found throughout the game. Each key unlocks specific doors with valuable loot and hidden treasures. Here’s an overview of each key and its use:

• Thief’s Key: This key is typically the first one players acquire. It can open Red Doors and is obtainable by speaking to the Old Man at the end of Dreamer’s Tower.
• Magic Key: The key you retrieve from the Pyramid. It opens Silver and Red Doors and grants access to additional areas and treasures previously out of reach.
• Ultimate Key (Final Key): This all-powerful key opens all doors in the game, including special treasure rooms and secret areas. You can find it in the Shallows Shrine after using the Bottomless Pot to raise the shrine.

Each of these keys is instrumental in uncovering hidden items, rare equipment, and secret locations that enrich your journey and prepare your party for the final showdown with Archfiend Baramos.

Revisiting Areas with the Magic Key

Once you’ve acquired the Magic Key, it’s worth revisiting previously explored areas, as many places with locked doors now hold valuable loot accessible only with the Magic Key. This can include rare weapons, armor, and unique items that will bolster your party’s strength and resilience.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake brings a fresh experience to a classic title, adding layers of difficulty and new content, like the Ripper of the Rift boss battle, that keeps even seasoned players on their toes. Navigating the Pyramid, solving the button puzzle, and unlocking the Magic Key all make for an engaging quest that blends nostalgia with innovation.

The additional depth brought by the HD-2D graphics and updated mechanics not only honors the legacy of the original but also revitalizes it, offering fans both old and new an unforgettable adventure.

FAQs

Q: What does the Magic Key unlock in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake?
A: The Magic Key can open both Silver and Red Doors, granting access to new areas and treasure rooms that contain valuable items and equipment.

Q: How do I solve the button puzzle in the Pyramid?
A: To solve the button puzzle, press the east button on the east side and the west button on the west side. Avoid the two middle buttons, as they are cursed according to the children’s rhyme.

Q: Who is the Ripper of the Rift, and how can I beat it?
A: The Ripper of the Rift is a new boss introduced in the HD-2D Remake, encountered just before obtaining the Magic Key. Use Kabuff and Magic Barrier for defense, target the Khyss minions first, and heal up before the battle.

Q: Are there other important keys besides the Magic Key?
A: Yes, there are two other essential keys the Thief’s Key, which opens Red Doors, and the Ultimate Key, which opens all doors in the game, including secret areas with rare items.

Q: Should I revisit areas after obtaining the Magic Key?
A: Definitely! The Magic Key unlocks new doors in previously explored areas, often leading to powerful equipment and rare treasures that are valuable for progressing further in the game.