Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Launched November 14 Bringing Classic JRPG to Modern Platforms

The legendary Erdrick Trilogy finally got the HD-2D treatment it deserved when Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake dropped on November 14, 2024. Square Enix brought the 1988 classic to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Windows, rebuilding the foundation of modern JRPGs with the same gorgeous visual style that made Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy instant classics.

The Beginning of Erdrick's Legend Returns

This wasn't just another remaster—Square Enix completely rebuilt Dragon Quest III from the ground up using the HD-2D engine. The iconic story remained untouched: on your sixteenth birthday, the King of Aliahan summoned you with a mission that would define a generation of RPG fans. Your father Ortega failed to defeat the archfiend Baramos years ago. Now the burden fell on you to complete his quest and save the world.

What made this release special was how it preserved everything that made Dragon Quest III a masterpiece while modernizing the experience. The HD-2D visuals combined 2D pixel art characters with stunning 3D environments, creating that perfect nostalgic-yet-modern aesthetic. The dynamic day-night cycle transformed towns and dungeons, with NPCs following realistic schedules and monster encounters changing based on the time.

Ten Vocations, Infinite Party Combinations

The vocation system returned in full force with ten distinct character classes. Beyond the Hero protagonist, players assembled parties from Warriors, Martial Artists, Priests, Mages, Merchants, Thieves, Gadabouts, Sages, and the new Monster Wrangler class. Every JRPG fan knew the joy of theory-crafting the perfect four-person party composition, and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake delivered that classic experience with enhanced flexibility.

The world exploration hit differently with HD-2D visuals. Traversing the massive overworld—packed with towns, castles, caves, and towers—felt fresh even for veterans who'd played through the original multiple times. Ship-based naval exploration opened up the map progressively, with treasure hunting in dungeons rewarding thorough exploration just like it did back in 1988.

Collector's Edition and Special Content

Square Enix went all-out with the Collector's Edition, packing in character and monster acrylic blocks alongside a collectible storage box. Digital buyers weren't left out either—the game launched with bonus items including the Strength Ring, Dragon Scale, Words of Wisdom, and the fan-favorite Cat Suit equipment. Multiple trailers leading up to launch showcased the painstaking detail Square Enix put into recreating every location and monster from the original.

The success spoke for itself—by December 2024, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake had moved over 2 million units worldwide. That's the kind of reception that proved classic JRPGs still resonated with modern audiences when treated with the respect they deserved. The remake didn't try to reinvent Dragon Quest III; it elevated the original vision with contemporary production values.

Completing the Erdrick Trilogy

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake served as the narrative beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy, and Square Enix wasn't stopping there. With Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launching October 30 for 2025, fans finally had a path to experience all three games in the stunning HD-2D style. For JRPG enthusiasts who grew up with these games, this was the remake treatment the series always deserved.

Game Information

| Game Information | | | --- | --- | | English Name | Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake | | Japanese Name | ドラゴンクエストIII そして伝説へ… HD-2Dリメイク | | Original Release | February 10, 1988 (Famicom) | | Remake Release | November 14, 2024 | | Developer | Square Enix, Artdink | | Publisher | Square Enix | | Platforms | Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Windows | | Genre | JRPG, Role-Playing | | Vocations | Hero, Warrior, Martial Artist, Priest, Mage, Merchant, Thief, Gadabout, Sage, Monster Wrangler |

For more information about Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, visit the official Dragon Quest website.