With nearly 40 years of history, Dragon Quest isn’t just the father of turn-based RPGs—it’s also one of the most influential franchises in gaming history. In 2025, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and a new generation of HD-2D remakes, we’re facing an unbeatable opportunity to start (or revisit) this iconic series.
But with so many games available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the question arises: where should you start with Dragon Quest in 2025? Here’s our guide based on real experience, community opinions, and data confirmed by official sources.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – The Best Way to Start
If you’ve never played Dragon Quest, this title is the most complete, accessible, and modern entry. Its story is standalone, requires no prior knowledge of the series, and combines epic storytelling, exploration, turn-based combat, and memorable characters.
We’ve played it on Nintendo Switch for countless hours and can confirm it’s one of the best AAA ports on the console. Performance is excellent, loading times are brief, and it features exclusive functions like:
- 2D retro mode to experience the entire story with classic aesthetics
- Orchestrated music, something that wasn’t available in previous versions
- Voice acting in Japanese or English
- Additional content and quality-of-life improvements that make it a complete experience for new and veteran players alike
🔹 Ideal for: those seeking a great standalone adventure, with classic JRPG style but modern technology.
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Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake – The Classic That Defined the Series
Available since November 2024, this remake is one of the most important releases in the series in recent years. Dragon Quest III has always been a benchmark: it introduced the class system, party customization, and a fully explorable world. This new version does it justice with HD-2D graphics, gameplay improvements, and spectacular atmosphere.
The story is part of the Erdrick trilogy, but works perfectly as a standalone game. While some moments have a greater impact if you know Dragon Quest I and II, it’s not mandatory to play them first. The remake modernizes the interface, improves navigation, and makes the game’s pacing much more fluid.
🔹 Ideal for: those who want to experience a classic RPG with modern presentation, or prefer to start with the series’ origins.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake – The Visual and Narrative Conclusion of the Foundational Trilogy
This title, confirmed for 2025, will bring together the remakes of Dragon Quest I and II in a single release. Both will be developed with the same graphics engine and visual style as DQIII HD-2D, allowing players to experience the entire trilogy with aesthetic and narrative coherence.
📌 Important: according to the Japanese eShop, there will be no upgrade between Switch and Switch 2, nor will progress be shareable between versions. We recommend choosing carefully from the start which platform you’ll play on.
Although not yet available, it’s expected to include the same improvements as the DQIII remake: more agile combat, intuitive navigation, and quality-of-life adjustments that make playing these classic titles much more comfortable.
🔹 Ideal for: those who have already played DQIII HD-2D or want to complete the trilogy with modern presentation.
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What About the Other Dragon Quest Games on Nintendo Switch?
Currently, these games are also available:
- Dragon Quest I, II, and III (classic versions): ports of the mobile versions with minimal improvements. Only recommended if you don’t plan to play the remakes.
- Dragon Quest Treasures: light exploration spin-off with a more family-friendly tone and simple mechanics.
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince: focused on monster breeding, Pokémon-style, but with a stronger narrative focus.
- Infinity Strash: The Adventure of Dai: action game based on the anime, with real-time combat and linear structure.
While all have their appeal, none reach the depth, design, or presentation of Dragon Quest XI S or DQIII HD-2D.
Which Dragon Quest Should You Play First on Switch?
After analyzing the available titles and those coming soon, here’s our recommended route:
Suggested Playing Order:
- Dragon Quest XI S – To discover the Dragon Quest universe with a modern and complete experience
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake – To explore the narrative and gameplay origins of the series
- Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake – To complete the Erdrick trilogy with coherent presentation
Do you enjoy turn-based RPGs, epic stories, and worlds full of adventure? This is the perfect time to join the Dragon Quest saga. With Nintendo Switch 2 now available and a solid lineup, 2025 will be an unforgettable year for genre fans.
