Dragon Quest 3 Remake: Unlocking the Temple of Trials

Key Takeaways:

1. The post-game content in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers challenging dungeons, powerful foes, and exclusive rewards for seasoned players.
2. To unlock the hidden Temple of Trials, players must navigate through intense dungeons, defeat Xenlon the dragon, and make a secret wish.
3. The Temple of Trials presents unique challenges, each requiring specific item setups, equipment, or class changes to succeed.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake might seem like a relatively short journey compared to other modern RPGs, but don’t let that fool you. The game’s post-game content is packed with intense challenges for those looking to test their mettle. After defeating the Lord of the Underworld and seeing the credits roll, a whole new adventure awaits with difficult dungeons, a ferocious dragon, and even a secret Temple of Trials that only the most dedicated players can unlock.

This guide will walk you through the various post-game challenges, from revisiting the Castle of the Dragon Queen to uncovering the hidden Temple of Trials. If you’re ready for some hardcore gameplay, read on for everything you need to know to conquer the toughest content Dragon Quest III has to offer.

Post-Game Challenges in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

After defeating the final boss and unlocking the post-game, players are rewarded with the chance to revisit certain areas and face even tougher enemies. Here’s what to expect from these new trials.

Returning to the Castle of the Dragon Queen

Once the main storyline is complete, players can return to the Castle of the Dragon Queen. Here, a portal awaits, providing access to a series of newly challenging dungeons. This portal transports the player to various familiar locations filled with stronger enemies and hidden treasures.

In these post-game dungeons, players will need to retrace their steps through areas like the Pyramid, the Faerie Cave, and the Maw of the Necrogrond. But beware: these locations are far more treacherous than before. Many enemies here can take two actions per turn, cast debilitating spells like Twack, and employ paralyzing gas attacks. With high HP, agility, and defense, these foes require strategy and patience to defeat.

Surviving these dungeons isn’t easy, especially when random encounters can quickly overwhelm unprepared parties. Make sure to equip powerful items that can be used in place of spells (as casting spells can sometimes be blocked). Carefully manage your resources, as getting through these areas will be a true test of endurance.

Reaching Cloudsgate Citadel and Preparing for Citadel Tower

After slogging through the challenging dungeons, players will arrive at Cloudsgate Citadel, a safe haven where they can rest, stock up on items, and prepare for the next phase of their journey. This is an excellent opportunity to save your game and make any last-minute preparations.

Once ready, players can set their sights on Citadel Tower. Although this tower isn’t as lengthy as the previous dungeons, it’s filled with difficult random encounters that can end a player’s progress if they’re not vigilant. The real challenge, however, awaits at the top of Citadel Tower the formidable dragon, Xenlon.

Battling Xenlon: The Dragon of Legends

Xenlon is, without a doubt, one of the toughest battles in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. This dragon demands both a strong strategy and an optimized party to defeat. However, the rewards for victory are well worth the effort.

To earn Xenlon’s favor and obtain one of his exclusive wishes, players must defeat him within a set number of turns. For the first wish, you need to conquer Xenlon in under 35 turns. As players continue to challenge Xenlon for additional wishes, the turn requirement becomes even stricter, pushing players to perfect their strategy.

Making a Secret Wish: Unlocking the Temple of Trials

After defeating Xenlon, players are presented with a few wish options. However, to unlock the Temple of Trials, there’s a secret step: scroll to the bottom of the wish list to find a blank space. Selecting this hidden option will surprise Xenlon, who wasn’t expecting anyone to discover it. Nonetheless, he honors the request, and this wish grants access to the Temple of Trials.

Entering the Temple of Trials

With the Temple of Trials now unlocked, players can return to the Castle of the Dragon Queen, zoom back to Aliahan, and take to the skies on Ramia. By flying north, players will discover an anomaly in the sky a portal leading to the Temple of Trials.

This temple is no ordinary dungeon. Inside are the most challenging monsters in the game, each one capable of ending the hero’s journey in an instant. To make things more difficult, the temple presents a series of unique trials, each with specific requirements for completion.

The Four Portals of the Temple of Trials

At the center of the Temple of Trials, you’ll find a sealed door surrounded by four portals. Each portal leads to a different trial with its own distinct challenges. Here’s a breakdown of each portal and the trials players must overcome.

1. Southwest Portal: The Spirit’s Demand for Items
   • In this trial, players encounter a spirit that demands specific items, often in quantities like four or twenty-five of something. Meeting these demands requires careful inventory management, as the spirit will continue to ask for more items after each round.
2. Northwest Portal: The Boomerang and Claw Challenge
   • In the northwest portal, party members can only use boomerangs or claws as weapons. Any other weapon type will render the character nearly useless, causing them to deal minimal damage while taking massive amounts of damage in return. Ensuring everyone is properly equipped for this challenge is key to survival.
3. Northeast Portal: The Axe and Staff Challenge
   • Similar to the northwest portal, this trial restricts players to using axes and staves. Any party member wielding a different weapon type will face dire consequences. Players might need to visit Alltrades Abbey to adjust their class setups so everyone can participate in this trial.
4. Southeast Portal: The Rare Item Trial
   • This portal requires players to present rare items, such as the Sword of Kings, an Auroral Helmet, and a special whip that can only be obtained by collecting mini-medals. Gathering these rare items may require additional exploration and mini-game completion to acquire.

Successfully completing all four trials will grant access to the central door, where the ultimate challenge awaits.

Tips for Conquering the Temple of Trials

Surviving the Temple of Trials is no easy feat. Here are some strategies to help you overcome its toughest challenges:

• Optimize Your Party Composition: Make sure your party is well-balanced, with members specializing in healing, offense, and support. Equip characters with items that can be used to cast spells, as some areas might block regular spell casting.
• Stock Up on Healing Items: Given the scarcity of safe zones, having plenty of restorative items is crucial. Items like Yggdrasil Leaves, which can revive fallen party members, are essential for survival.
• Utilize Class Changes: Some trials require specific weapons or items, so changing classes at Alltrades Abbey can be beneficial. Reassign roles to match the requirements of each trial and ensure that everyone can contribute effectively.
• Save Wisely: Always save your progress at Cloudsgate Citadel before entering the Temple of Trials. This way, you can quickly reload if things go wrong.
• Patience and Persistence: The Temple of Trials is designed to test players’ resilience. Don’t get discouraged if you fail on your first attempt adjust your strategy, refine your tactics, and try again.

FAQ

1. What is the reward for completing the Temple of Trials?

• Completing the Temple of Trials grants players access to exclusive items and powerful equipment that aren’t available elsewhere in the game. The trials also serve as the ultimate test of skill, rewarding players with the satisfaction of conquering Dragon Quest III’s most challenging content.

2. How do I unlock the Temple of Trials?

• After defeating Xenlon at Citadel Tower, scroll to the bottom of the wish menu and select the blank space to make a secret wish. This unlocks the Temple of Trials.

3. Do I need to change my class to complete the Temple of Trials?

• In some trials, specific weapons are required, which may necessitate a class change. Visit Alltrades Abbey to adjust your party’s roles and equipment as needed to meet each trial’s demands.

4. Can I replay the Temple of Trials?

• Yes, players can revisit the Temple of Trials after completing it. This allows you to farm rare items or challenge yourself to improve your performance.

5. Is the Temple of Trials available in the original Dragon Quest III?

• No, the Temple of Trials is a feature unique to the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest III, adding new content and challenges for veterans and new players alike.