How to Find and Conquer the Golden Claw Challenge in Dragon Quest 3 Remake

Key Takeaways:

1. The Golden Claw, a rare and powerful item, is hidden deep within the Pyramid north of Ibis and requires careful planning to retrieve.
2. Challenges such as limited access to magic and an increased encounter rate make the quest for the Golden Claw one of the game’s more difficult side objectives.
3. Strategic preparation, including party composition and equipment, can significantly enhance your chances of a successful retrieval and escape.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has brought a new layer of excitement to the classic RPG, enhancing visuals and gameplay while maintaining the charm that makes it unforgettable. One of the most intriguing side quests in this remake is obtaining the Golden Claw, a powerful weapon for your Martial Artist. While not essential for completing the game, the Golden Claw is a treasure that adds a layer of difficulty and satisfaction for players who love a good challenge. Hidden within the depths of the Pyramid north of Ibis, this quest demands careful preparation, strategy, and a keen sense of adventure.

Why Retrieve the Golden Claw?

While the Golden Claw isn’t necessary to complete Dragon Quest III, it holds an allure for completionists and hardcore players alike. This item isn’t just any weapon; it’s tailored specifically for the Martial Artist class, enhancing their combat effectiveness significantly. Plus, if you ever need extra gold, the Claw can be sold for a considerable sum.

However, its true value lies in the journey itself. Venturing into the Pyramid and enduring the perils of the quest will test your skills and patience. But don’t worry; with the right preparation, you can overcome the trials awaiting you.

Retrieving the Claw: Initial Tips and Preparations

One of the key decisions when aiming to retrieve the Golden Claw is timing. Players have two options:

1. Attempting it Early: For those who love a challenge, you can try getting the Golden Claw during your first visit to the Pyramid. Be warned, though this requires a high level of skill, as you won’t have access to some of the abilities or advantages that become available later.
2. Post-Alltrades Abbey Attempt: If you prefer a safer approach, consider waiting until after you visit Alltrades Abbey. This allows you to switch classes and level up newer members. In Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, levelling up fully restores HP and MP, which can be a lifesaver during this tough dungeon crawl.

Regardless of when you decide to retrieve it, having a clear strategy and preparation for what lies ahead will make the journey far more manageable.

Finding the Golden Claw: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Golden Claw is hidden in a secret passage within the Pyramid, which is filled with narrow halls and deceptive rooms that can leave players feeling disoriented. Here’s a simple guide to navigating this maze and uncovering the Claw.

1. Head to the Pyramid’s Left Side: The Golden Claw is located in the basement, accessible from the Pyramid’s exterior upper left side.
2. Navigate the Basement’s Maze: This area is full of seemingly empty rooms and passages. Don’t let this deter you; there’s a method to the madness.
3. Locate the Secret Passage: In the upper left-hand room, you’ll notice two pillars. Interact with the left pillar this will open a hidden passage leading you deeper into the Pyramid.
4. Claim the Golden Claw: At the end of this path lies a sarcophagus. Open it, and the Golden Claw is yours! However, be warned: taking it triggers a curse that complicates your escape.

The Cursed Challenges of the Golden Claw

The Golden Claw’s curse adds extra challenges that make retrieval difficult, even for experienced players. Here are the primary challenges you’ll face and strategies to overcome them:

1. Magic Seal in the Basement

• In the Pyramid’s basement, all magic is sealed, which means you cannot use spells like Evac to escape or Boom to damage multiple enemies. Healing spells are also unusable, making battles much riskier.
• Strategy: Bring a Monster Wrangler if possible. This class has non-magical skills, such as Soothing Song and Emergency Groom, which can heal party members without relying on spells. Stock up on healing items and assign them to party members who can use them effectively.

2. Increased Enemy Encounters

• Upon acquiring the Golden Claw, the encounter rate with enemies significantly increases. In earlier versions of Dragon Quest III, this could result in a battle every single step! However, in the HD-2D Remake, the rate has been toned down though it still doubles, making escape more challenging.
• Strategy: Equip party members with weapons that can hit multiple enemies, such as boomerangs and whips. This will allow you to clear out waves of enemies quickly. Additionally, any item that can cast spells when used (and isn’t blocked by the magic seal) is invaluable here, allowing characters with weaker attacks to contribute.

3. Plan an Escape Route

• Once you retrieve the Golden Claw, making a swift exit is vital. With magic sealed and enemy encounters frequent, even the most prepared parties can struggle.
• Strategy: Prioritize defeating single enemies with powerful attacks rather than trying to wound multiple enemies. Reducing the number of foes per battle will improve your survival odds. Also, bring plenty of Herbs and other consumables to manage HP.

Tips for Success: Optimizing Your Party and Equipment

1. Party Composition

• Choose a balanced team. Having a Martial Artist to wield the Golden Claw is an obvious choice, but a Monster Wrangler can provide invaluable non-magical support.
• A strong Warrior or Thief can also help absorb damage and provide physical attacks that are unaffected by the magic seal.

2. Essential Equipment

• Equip characters with weapons that have area damage, like boomerangs or whips, as they can be crucial for surviving the increased enemy encounters.
• Consider giving each character items that cast spells when used, especially for characters who may lack offensive power. These items bypass the magic seal and can turn the tide in battle.

The Exit: Breaking the Curse

Once you escape the Pyramid, the curse’s effects are lifted, and you’ll be free to enjoy your new weapon without the downside of extra encounters. You’ll emerge from this adventure not only with the Golden Claw but also with the satisfaction of overcoming one of the most difficult challenges in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.

FAQ

1. Is the Golden Claw worth the trouble?

• For completionists and players with a Martial Artist in the party, the Golden Claw’s power is worth it. The journey also tests your strategy skills and offers a rewarding challenge.

2. Can I use the Golden Claw on other classes?

• The Golden Claw is best suited to the Martial Artist class, as it enhances their combat abilities. Other classes may not gain as much benefit from it.

3. What happens if I sell the Golden Claw?

• The Claw sells for a high price, so if you need gold more than power, it’s an option. However, you’ll miss out on its combat benefits for the Martial Artist.

4. What’s the best level to attempt this quest?

• Levels around or after visiting Alltrades Abbey are recommended, as this will allow you to level up and switch classes as needed for a better-equipped team.