How to Save Your Progress in Dragon Quest 3 Remake

Key Takeaways

1. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake features a new save system, modernizing the gameplay experience while retaining the essence of the classic.
2. The Adventure Log system allows for up to nine save files, but with some limitations on mid-game loading.
3. Saving is primarily done at churches or with nuns throughout the game, with additional options like “Stop Adventuring” and fast-travel for convenient saves.

The Dragon Quest series has been a staple in RPG gaming for nearly four decades, and the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is the latest in the franchise to receive a fresh update. This remake keeps the heart and soul of the original while integrating some much-needed quality-of-life improvements, most notably a revamped save system. Gone are the days of clunky, outdated saving mechanics; Dragon Quest 3 Remake introduces several ways to save that are more user-friendly, bringing it in line with modern gaming expectations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the saving system in Dragon Quest 3 Remake. Whether you’re a series veteran or new to Dragon Quest, this guide will help ensure that your adventure is preserved just the way you want it.

Understanding the Adventure Log System

In Dragon Quest 3 Remake, saves are managed through a feature known as Adventure Logs. These are essentially save files that record the progress of your journey. Unlike the original and older remasters of the game, the remake allows players to create up to nine separate Adventure Logs. This gives you a degree of flexibility if you want to experiment with different choices or paths, but it also has a few restrictions.

How to Use Adventure Logs

When you start the game, you’ll be prompted to select an Adventure Log. Each log serves as a dedicated save file, allowing you to document separate progress points across different playthroughs or stages of your journey. Unfortunately, unlike more modern RPGs, Dragon Quest 3 Remake does not offer a mid-journey load option. This means you can only load your game from the title screen, which limits save-scumming (reloading to avoid unwanted outcomes).

If you want to revisit an earlier point, you can use a previous save in one of the other Adventure Logs, but note that this process is slower compared to contemporary autosave systems. Still, for those who enjoy taking multiple paths or simply want to have backup saves, Adventure Logs offer a nostalgic but effective way to keep track of your progress.

The Role of Churches and Nuns in Saving

Unlike RPGs that allow saving anytime and anywhere, Dragon Quest 3 Remake primarily uses churches and nuns as the places to save your game. Each town has at least one location where you can save, marked by a church symbol that resembles three arrows pointing upward somewhat like a trident or candelabra. This symbol will appear on your map, making it easy to locate saving spots as you travel through different towns and outposts.

How to Save at a Church

1. Find a Church or Nun: Look for the church symbol on your map as soon as you enter a town or outpost.
2. Speak to the Priest or Nun: Once you’re there, interact with the priest or nun. They’ll present you with several options.
3. Select “Confession”: Choose the “Confession” option to save your game to an Adventure Log.

This system might feel a bit old-school, but it maintains the immersive quality of the original game. Think of it as a ritualized aspect of your journey, reinforcing the importance of each save point. Plus, this setup adds a bit of strategic planning, as you’ll want to save whenever you’re near a church before heading off into more dangerous areas.

When to Save: Tips for Smart Saving

The game does offer an autosave feature, but it’s limited and cannot be fully relied upon to save progress in high-stakes situations like combat or dungeon exploration. With this in mind, here are a few pointers on when to save to ensure you don’t lose progress unexpectedly.

1. Before Leaving a Town or Outpost: Always save at a church or with a nun before you set out on your journey. This will minimize any potential loss of progress if things go sideways during exploration.
2. After Major Battles or Events: If you’ve just completed a challenging battle or storyline moment, head to the nearest church or outpost to lock in your progress.

Additional Saving Options: Fast-Travel and Stop Adventuring

For situations where you can’t easily reach a church or nun, Dragon Quest 3 Remake offers some alternative saving methods. Let’s look at these options in detail.

Fast-Travel to Save

One handy feature in the remake is the fast-travel system. By using an item called Chimera Wings, you can teleport to any town with a church or nun to save your game. This is especially useful if you’re deep into a dungeon or in a remote area where there are no save points nearby. Just make sure you’ve stocked up on Chimera Wings before heading out; they’re a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch and need to save.

Stop Adventuring Option

Another convenient save option in the remake is the Stop Adventuring feature. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Character Menu: Access this menu from your in-game interface.
2. Navigate to the Misc. Section: Scroll down until you find the Miscellaneous options.
3. Select “Stop Adventuring”: Choosing this option saves your progress to your Adventure Log and then takes you back to the title screen.

This feature acts as a “soft save” that you can use if you’re not near a church but need to pause your game. Just keep in mind that it will return you to the title screen, so only use this option when you’re ready to temporarily end your play session.

Why Dragon Quest 3 Remake’s Save System Stands Out

The revamped save system in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake strikes a balance between honoring the classic gameplay and adapting to modern RPG standards. For long-time fans, the church-based saving and Adventure Log setup bring back memories of traditional JRPG mechanics, while new players will appreciate the added convenience of multiple save files and alternative saving methods.

While it might not have the same instant-load flexibility seen in today’s games, the system rewards careful planning and immerses players in the game’s world. You’ll find yourself looking forward to each stop at a church, symbolically documenting your hero’s journey.

FAQs: Saving in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

Q: How many save files can I have in Dragon Quest 3 Remake?
A: The game allows for up to nine save files, known as Adventure Logs, giving you plenty of room to manage different progress points.

Q: Can I save my game anytime?
A: No, saving primarily happens at churches or with nuns in towns and outposts. However, you can use the “Stop Adventuring” option to save and return to the title screen if you’re not near a church.

Q: Is there a way to load a previous save mid-game?
A: Unfortunately, no. You can only load a saved Adventure Log from the main title screen, so make sure to save regularly at churches to avoid losing significant progress.

Q: Does the game autosave?
A: Yes, Dragon Quest 3 Remake has a limited autosave feature, but it’s recommended to save manually at churches whenever possible.

Q: How do I fast-travel to save?
A: You can use Chimera Wings, an item that lets you teleport back to any town with a church or nun for a quick save opportunity.