Dragon Quest 3 Remake Walkthrough: Essential Story Objectives and Key Locations

James1 week ago

Key Takeaways:

Flexible Progression with Key Objectives: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake allows for non-linear progression, letting players choose the order in which they tackle certain objectives, especially when collecting Orbs.
Iconic Boss Battles and Key Items: From defeating Archfiend Baramos to finding the Sphere of Light, this guide highlights essential items and battles, ensuring players stay on the main path.
Post-Game Exploration: After the main storyline, players can unlock a post-game dungeon and face Xenlong in the ultimate trial, pushing the journey beyond the final credits.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D’s Unique Quest Structure

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, a reimagining of the 1988 RPG classic, brings players into a world of open-ended exploration and strategic decision-making. Unlike some modern RPGs with linear quest lists, this game emphasizes objectives that reveal themselves as players progress through its mystical, story-rich world. From forming your party in Aliahan to facing Zoma in the Citadel, the journey is punctuated with unforgettable battles, intricate puzzles, and optional side quests. Let’s explore the essential objectives and get you ready to take on the Archfiend Baramos.

Essential Main Story Objectives and Key Boss Fights

1. Aliahan to the Path of Promise

Objective: Begin your journey by picking a party and preparing to explore the Path of Promise.
Location: Dreamer’s Tower
Key Item: Thief’s Key
Notes: Dreamer’s Tower introduces players to dungeon mechanics and the Path of Promise, leading you toward Romaria and unlocking further objectives.

2. Romaria and Skyfell Tower (Optional Dungeon: Underground Lake)

Objective: Head to Romaria to tackle your first major quest: defeat the notorious thief Robbin’ Ood at Skyfell Tower.
Key Items: Experience points and treasures in the Underground Lake
Notes: Underground Lake offers a fantastic spot for leveling up, especially if you’re preparing for the next series of battles. Awaken the northern sleeping city through exploration here.

3. Asham to the Pyramid

Objective: Travel to Asham, and continue to the Pyramid in Ibis for an extended dungeon quest.
Key Item: Magic Key
Boss: New boss exclusive to the remake
Notes: This multi-level pyramid introduces players to longer, more complex dungeons. The Magic Key acquired here is essential for progressing through other locked locations.

4. Portoga and Black Pepper Quest

Objective: Meet the King of Portoga and embark on a quest to retrieve Black Pepper, which is key to acquiring your ship.
Key Item: Black Pepper
Notes: Defeat Robbin’ Ood again in the Kidnapper’s Cave and rescue the kidnapped couple. With the ship, new locations and further objectives open up for exploration.

5. Ultimate Key and Six Orbs Quest

Objective: Collect the Ultimate Key and find each of the six Orbs.
Key Item: Ultimate Key (Shoal Shrine)
Locations: Edina (Boulder Puzzle), Theddon, Lanson, Jipang’s Cave
Notes: This part of the game allows for significant player choice. Begin your quest by solving puzzles, creating towns, and uncovering hidden Orbs through various dungeons and boss encounters like Orochi and Boss Troll. Assembling all six Orbs is necessary to access the final areas of the game.

6. Manoza, Fifer’s Spire, and the Phantom Ship

Objective: Reach Manoza and complete various objectives to unlock access to critical Orbs.
Key Items: Ra’s Mirror (Manoza Cave), Mod Rod, Boatsman’s Bone
Boss: Boss Troll
Notes: You’ll retrieve essential items like Ra’s Mirror to progress through these locations. Exploring the Phantom Ship unlocks additional plot points and provides the Lovers’ Locket for Olivia’s Promontory, crucial for advancing the story.

7. Shrine of Shackles and Maw of the Necrogond

Objective: Advance through the Shrine of Shackles and conquer the Maw of the Necrogond.
Key Item: Mountaincleaver
Notes: At the Shrine of Shackles, gain access to Mountaincleaver. With the Lovers’ Locket, you’ll uncover the path to Mt. Necrogond and eventually reach the final Orb in the Shrine of the Everbird.

8. Baramos’s Lair and Return to Aliahan

Objective: Fight through Baramos’s Lair and confront the Archfiend himself.
Boss: Archfiend Baramos
Notes: This climactic battle sets the stage for the true villain, Zoma. Upon victory, return to Aliahan to prepare for your next grand quest.

9. Castle of the Dragon Queen and Tantegel Castle

Objective: Fly to the mist-free area on the map, meet the Dragon Queen, and gather critical items.
Key Items: Sphere of Light (Dragon Queen), Sunstone (Tantegel)
Notes: The Sphere of Light is essential for the end-game, as it powers the hero’s attacks against Zoma.

10. Assemble the Rainbow Drop

Objective: Collect items from various locations and form the Rainbow Drop to access the final dungeon.
Key Items: Staff of Rain (Shrine of Spirit), Sacred Amulet (Tower of Rubiss), Rainbow Tear (Sanctum)
Notes: Collect the Staff of Rain and the Sacred Amulet, and combine them at the Sanctum to create the Rainbow Drop. This item is your gateway to Zoma’s Citadel, where the final confrontation awaits.

11. Zoma’s Citadel and the Final Battle

Objective: Defeat Zoma’s elite guard and face the villain himself.
Notes: This intense dungeon throws a series of bosses at you. With the Sphere of Light and Rainbow Drop, engage in the ultimate fight against Zoma.

Post-Game Exploration and Final Challenges

Once you complete the game, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has even more to offer. A portal in the Dragon Queen’s Castle opens to the Heavens, leading you to Cloudsgate Citadel and the ultimate post-game dungeon. Here, players face the supreme trial against Xenlong, unlocking the Temple of Trials for those daring enough to undertake the final challenges.

FAQs: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

What makes the HD-2D remake different from the original Dragon Quest 3?

The HD-2D remake revitalizes the classic game with stunning visuals, reimagined dungeons, and updated gameplay elements, including new bosses, challenges, and enhanced character designs.

Can I collect the Orbs in any specific order?

Yes, players are free to collect the Orbs in any order. However, certain Orbs require specific boss fights or progression checks before they become accessible.

How long does it take to complete the main storyline?

The main storyline typically takes around 20-30 hours, depending on exploration. For those tackling the post-game content, expect an additional 10-15 hours.

Are there additional classes or characters to unlock?

Yes, reaching Alltrades Abbey and the Tower of Transcendence allows players to unlock the Sage class, a versatile addition to any party.

Is there a way to replay the game with added difficulty?

While there’s no official “new game plus” mode, players can create new challenges by switching up classes, party members, and restricting certain items or skills for a more difficult playthrough.

How do I access the ultimate post-game dungeon?

After defeating Zoma, a portal opens in the Dragon Queen’s Castle. This leads to Cloudsgate Citadel and the final trial at the Temple of Trials, where Xenlong awaits.