Dragon Quest 11 Walkthrough, Guide, and Gameplay
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Apr 26, 2023
Dragon Quest 11
Square Enix's Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the eleventh installment in the popular role-playing video game series. Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 4 in Japan in July 2017, the game was later made available worldwide for PlayStation 4 and Windows in September 2018. A definitive edition, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, was subsequently released for Nintendo Switch in September 2019, followed by versions for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in December 2020 and Stadia in March 2021.
When it was first announced for the Switch, the game was intended to be an entirely open-world experience, but the developers abandoned the idea in favor of a more focused story. To raise the profile of the Dragon Quest franchise in Western markets, the game was released with additional features, such as support for Windows, English voice acting, and 4K resolution. Later updates added an expanded plot and the option to enjoy an orchestral version of the game's soundtrack.
After its release, Dragon Quest XI was praised by critics for its narrative, characters, story, and localization, although some criticized the game's design as being too conventional. As of September 2020, the game had sold over six million copies. Additionally, the game's protagonist, the Luminary, has appeared in other media crossovers, including Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
The Luminary made an appearance as a downloadable character in the crossover fighting game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in 2018, with the related Yggdrasil's Altar stage and music tracks from the Dragon Quest series. An Amiibo figure of the Luminary was also released in 2020. Furthermore, a prequel to Dragon Quest XI featuring Erik and Mia, titled Dragon Quest Treasures, was launched in 2022.
Dragon Quest 11 Walkthrough
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 10:
Chapter 11:
Chapter 12:
Dragon Quest 11 Guide
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a classic turn-based Japanese role-playing game, complete with a multitude of genre-specific mechanics and conventions. Balancing grand-scale exploration and meticulous micromanagement, the game presents players with a lot to handle all at once, making for a satisfying challenge.
It’s a Slow Burn
The storyline of Dragon Quest 11 progresses at a leisurely pace, with hours of gameplay passing before players even acquire their first party member (and nearly ten hours until the third). While it's not necessary to engage in every monster battle or thoroughly explore every corner of the game, even focusing solely on the main plot is a time-consuming process. Embrace the game's unhurried rhythm and allow yourself to savor the experience at a leisurely pace.
Exploration is Rewarded
Take your time exploring the areas in Dragon Quest 11, as there are often hidden treasures to be found, such as sparkly spots and hard-to-reach chests. While most areas serve as a direct path from one point to another, players can find diversions and dead ends that often lead to valuable rewards, and it's worth checking behind buildings to find hidden treasure chests.
Grind but Don’t Fight Every Monster
The monsters in Dragon Quest 11 are endless, but it's important to choose the right time and place to grind for XP and items. As you traverse the overworld, you can avoid fights with monsters and choose which ones to fight. Once you have leveled up enough, it's best to start skipping fights to keep progressing through the story.
It's important to note that some monsters drop rare items or are required for side quests, so it's worth fighting them if you're looking for a specific loot or completing quests. However, if you find yourself getting bogged down in too many fights, don't be afraid to run away and come back later when you're more prepared. It's all about finding a balance between grinding for XP and enjoying the story and exploration aspects of the game.
Fight Your Way
Dragon Quest 11 is a turn-based RPG where players engage in fights with monsters in small arenas. Navigating menus to select actions for each team member can become a tedious task. However, the game allows players to manage each party member's Tactics, which is a way to decide how the party behaves during a fight. This includes choosing every action or fighting completely hands-off, and even a balanced blend of magic, abilities, and attacks with the Fight Wisely tactic. Using Tactics can help players fight the way that works best for them, making battles more enjoyable and efficient.
Check Your Map Constantly
The map in Dragon Quest 11 provides guidance on where to go next and shows adjoining areas. You can turn the camera while looking at the map to ensure you're pointed in the right direction. The map also shows sparkly spots that provide crafting supplies for the Fun-Size Forge.
The map also shows where you can find save points, which are crucial in case you need to take a break or if you encounter a tough enemy that you need to prepare for. It's also worth noting that certain areas may have hidden paths or secrets that are not immediately visible on the map, so it's always a good idea to explore thoroughly.
There is a Ton of Information on the Menus
Dragon Quest 11 has a lot of content to keep track of, including 400 monsters, 200 weapons, 100 materials, 44 side quests, and various locations and pep powers. However, players will only need to focus on specific items and move when necessary. The game's menu provides useful information, including Attributes that show each character's stats and spells, abilities, skills, and Pep Powers. The Miscellaneous option offers Traveller's Tips for controls and mechanics, a Quest Catalogue, and Info on game details such as the story and defeated monsters. The Item List also allows players to filter and find specific items, including where to find them and what enemies drop them.
Loot Everything
The game's best loot can be found in houses, as almost every accessible house in every city contains chests, wardrobes, bookshelves, or a combination of these items. While some NPCs may make comments about taking someone else's belongings, there are no negative consequences for doing so. This means that any unsecured item can be taken without repercussions. It can be time-consuming to search through every house in each city, but like sparkly spots, the effort is well worth it.
Use Your Fun-Size Forge Constantly
The Fun-Size Forge is Dragon Quest 11's crafting mechanic that lets you make gear using recipes and crafting materials you've gathered. You can use it at campfires found in the overworld, and every item forged well earns you Perfection Pearls that you can use to replay the minigame and improve the quality of an item. The Forge is useful throughout the game, as it gives access to better gear than you can buy early on and can also be used to sell items for money.
the Fun-Size Forge can be used to create items that are essential to progress the story, such as keys to unlock certain doors or necessary items to complete a quest. The Forge can also be used to upgrade equipment and weapons, making them even more powerful than before.
It's important to note that the crafting materials needed for the Forge can be found all throughout the world, from gathering spots in the wilderness to treasure chests in dungeons. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for these materials as you explore the world, as they can help you create some of the most powerful gear in the game.
Dragon Quest 11 Gameplay
Dragon Quest XI follows the series' traditional gameplay where players explore various worlds and engage in battles against monsters. The Nintendo 3DS version offers a unique style, with 3D graphics on the top screen and 16-bit style sprites on the bottom. Players can toggle between the two styles during gameplay. Similar to Dragon Quest IX, there are no random encounters on land, and players can see all enemies in the overworld. The game's battle system also features a free-form camera option inspired by Dragon Quest X, but it only offers visual benefits and doesn't affect gameplay.
Dragon Quest XI is a role-playing video game where players explore various worlds and engage in turn-based battles with a variety of monsters. The game features traditional RPG elements such as character customization, leveling up, and gathering items and equipment.
The game's combat system is turn-based, using a party of adventurers with different skill sets and abilities. Alongside the main storyline, players can participate in sidequests, explore towns, and complete mini-games. Dragon Quest XI received positive reviews for its gameplay mechanics, combat system, and overall design.
With the turn-based combat system and RPG elements, players can also traverse a large and intricate world filled with colorful and unique characters. The game also features a crafting system, where players can combine items to create new equipment and items to aid in their journey.
Exploration is a key component of the game, as there are many hidden areas and secrets to discover. The game also features a day and night cycle, which affects the behavior of monsters and can unlock new events and interactions with non-playable characters. Overall, Dragon Quest XI offers a classic RPG experience with modern gameplay elements and a vast world to explore.
Dragon Quest 11 Walkthrough - FAQs
Dragon Quest XI is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix. It is the eleventh mainline entry in the Dragon Quest series.
Dragon Quest XI is available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and PC.
The gameplay in Dragon Quest XI involves exploring worlds, fighting against various monsters, and completing quests. Players can freely toggle between 3D and 2D graphical styles, and the battle system features no random encounters.
Yes, Dragon Quest XI features the Fun-Size Forge crafting mechanic, the ability to ride on mounts and fly on a flying mount, and various mini-games such as horse racing and casino games.