Saturday, 11 July 2026
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Dragon Quest

The Dragon Quest franchise is in its 40th anniversary year, with multiple game releases, merchandise lines, and a major exhibition planned. Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams has restarted development with a new subtitle, and Dragon Quest Monsters 4 (also titled Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World) launches December 3 on multiple platforms.

Synthesized from 29 Yomimono stories · updated 3d ago

Dragon Quest turned 40 on May 27, 2026, with creator Yuji Horii, former series director Jin Fujisawa, and the official Final Fantasy account among those posting congratulations. The anniversary livestream brought two major game announcements. Dragon Quest XII, first revealed five years ago with a darker pitch, now carries the subtitle Beyond Dreams after a development restart and team reshuffle pushed its release further out. A sneak peek showed the hero beset by strange visions. The same stream announced Dragon Quest Monsters 4: Bianca and Flora of the Withered Tree Kingdom, also called Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, launching December 3 on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game stars young versions of the Dragon Quest V bride candidates Bianca and Flora, plus Debora from the same title, and features over 500 monsters.

Merchandise and events have multiplied around the anniversary. The Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition in Tokyo runs July 17 to September 6, featuring a VR ride called Dragon Quest the DIVE and sponsored by HyperX. Square Enix opened a permanent cafe and shop in Shinjuku, offering themed menus and goods for Dragon Quest and other franchises. A collaboration with German textile brand Feiler produced handkerchiefs and interior items, while eyewear brand Zoff released a full collection of glasses and accessories based on monsters, hero equipment, and items. The Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol. 1, a set of 1/12 scale replica weapons and shields, launches September 4. Dragon Quest-themed bags and carry cases got a re-release after strong initial sales.

On the game side, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition gets a Switch 2 version on September 24 with graphics and performance optimization. The HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest I&II retains the original's dense Shakespearean English localization. Dragon Quest Smash Glow, a smartphone roguelite action RPG from Square Enix and KLab, passed 10 million downloads in under two months. Dragon Quest X: Children of Time Online, an expansion pack concluding the MMORPG's main story, released June 25. The Manga UP! Global service added the classic Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick manga to its catalog. A fan-made wall clock featuring mainline Dragon Quest game boxes became an accidental pilgrimage site after an air conditioning cleaner recognized it from social media.

Key facts

40th anniversary date
May 27, 2026 ↗
Dragon Quest XII subtitle change
Now titled Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams after a development restart ↗
Dragon Quest Monsters 4 release date
December 3, 2026 ↗
Dragon Quest Monsters 4 platforms
Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Windows ↗
Dragon Quest XI S Switch 2 version release date
September 24, 2026 ↗
Dragon Quest Smash Glow downloads
Over 10 million downloads in under two months ↗
40th anniversary exhibition dates
July 17 to September 6, 2026, in Tokyo ↗
Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol. 1 release date
September 4, 2026 ↗

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

Facts

Announced
40th Anniversary Exhibition in Tokyo from July 17 to September 6 · 2026-06-17
Release
manga · September 2026 · 2026-06-15
Release
manga · September 4 · Japan · 2026-06-12
Release
game · June 10, 2026 · Japan · 2026-06-03
Noted
May 27 marked the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Quest series. · 2026-05-28
Noted
Dragon Quest and German chenille textile brand Feiler are collaborating for the first time. · 2026-05-27

Connections

Produces of
square enix

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/dragon-quest. CC BY 4.0.

All coverage

3d ago

Anime And Manga Worlds Share Tanabata 2026 Wishes

Anime News Network published a five-part roundup of Tanabata greetings from across the anime, manga, and video game industries on July 7, 2026. The collection includes wishes and illustrations from official accounts for series such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Detective Conan, My Hero Academia, Sakamoto Days, Doraemon, Chibi Maruko-chan, Hell's Paradise, and Dragon Quest. Video game franchises like Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, and Like a Dragon also participated, alongside creators including Hideo Kojima, Yuki Kaji, and Shoko Nakagawa. Several series tied their posts to new releases: the second season of Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers premiered on July 7, My Happy Marriage released a special Tanabata illustration and announced a three-episode special for 2026, and My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren't Wicked began airing on July 8. The roundup also features greetings from manga titles like Chiikawa, MARRIAGETOXIN, and Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, as well as from studios Tatsunoko Production and Square Enix.

Jul 4

Dqm4 Player Poll: Bianca Edges Flora 56.8% to 43.2%

Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monsters 4 lets players choose between Bianca and Flora as the lead at the start. An Inside poll of 1,000+ respondents found 56.8% picked Bianca and 43.2% picked Flora, a narrower margin than the original Dragon Quest V marriage choice.

Jun 28

Dragon Quest XI S Gets 50% Off Steam Sale Until July 10

Square Enix is offering Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age on Steam for 2,739 yen, half off its regular 5,478 yen price, through July 10. The Definitive Edition includes voice acting, extra character scenarios, 2D mode, and restriction play options.

Jun 27

Dragon Quest Smash Glow Passes 10 Million Downloads in Under Two Months

Square Enix and KLab's smartphone roguelite action RPG Dragon Quest Smash Glow has surpassed 10 million downloads in early June, following 1 million on day one and 5 million by day ten. A LIVEOPSIS research report analyzes how the game blends Dragon Quest IP elements with skill-build roguelite mechanics to drive sustained engagement and monetization.

Jun 21

Star Fox Remake, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round Headline This Week's Game Releases

This week's game release slate, covering June 22 to June 28 in both Japan and North America, is led by several high-profile titles arriving on June 25. The most prominent is "Star Fox" for Nintendo Switch 2, a remake of "Star Fox 64" that revamps the graphics, adds new movie scenes, and includes an encyclopedia of characters and planets. It is sold through the My Nintendo Store for 5,480 yen. Also launching on June 25 is "DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round," a re-release of the 2019 fighting game optimized for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring 29 playable characters, new costumes, and a photo mode. The game has a free-to-play base version and a 6,380 yen full version. "Dragon Quest X: Children of Time Online" arrives the same day, an expansion pack that concludes the main story of the MMORPG, adding a new setting, a Storm Kaiser job class, and new equipment. Other notable June 25 releases include the RPG "Villion: Code" (9,680 yen), produced by Megami Tensei creator Kouji Okada, and the card game "Medarot Card Robottle RB" (5,478 yen). "Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition" launched earlier on June 23 for Nintendo Switch 2.

Jun 17

Dragon Quest VR Ride Announced for 40th Anniversary Exhibition

Tohokushinsha Film and Square Enix revealed new details for the Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition "Dragon Quest the DIVE -To the Stage of an Unseen Adventure-", including the immersive VR ride, two exhibition contents, and a full lineup of original merchandise.

Jun 17

Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition Gets HyperX Sponsorship

Japan HP, under its HyperX brand, will sponsor the Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition in Tokyo from July 17 to September 6. The venue will display HyperX gaming PCs and peripherals, though attendees cannot play games on them. A new key visual featuring brand ambassadors Taiga Kishi and Yuka Kurachi will appear in the exhibition catalog.

Jun 15

Dragon Quest Monsters 4 Super Masters Edition Pre-Orders Open at 25,000 Yen

Square Enix opened pre-orders for the Dragon Quest Monsters 4 Super Masters Edition on June 13, 2026. The 25,000 yen set includes the game, four DLC packs, and figures of Bianca, Flora, and Deborah as children. The Deborah figure in particular has drawn strong fan reactions, though the price has also prompted hesitation.

Jun 15

Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol.1 Opens Pre-Orders at AmiAmi

Square Enix has opened pre-orders for Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol.1, a set of 1/12 scale weapon figures from the Dragon Quest series. The first volume includes six items: the Sword of Roto, Shield of Roto, Club, Boomerang, Dragon Killer, and Silver Shield. Each figure comes with a display base. The set is priced at 8,410 yen and is scheduled for release in September 2026.

Jun 12

Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol.1 Replicas Launch September 4

Square Enix announced Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol.1, a set of 1/12 scale replica weapons and shields from the Dragon Quest series, releasing September 4, 2026. The first wave includes six types: Roto's Sword, Roto's Shield, Club, Bladed Boomerang, Dragon Killer, and Mirror Shield. Each item costs 1,870 yen, with a box of six at 11,220 yen, though contents are random.

Jun 12

Square Enix Releases Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol. 1 Figures in September

Square Enix announced the Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol. 1, a series of 1/12 scale figures of weapons and armor from the Dragon Quest series. The first volume includes the Roto Sword, Roto Shield, Club, Boomerang, Dragon Killer, and Silver Shield. Each figure comes with a display base. A single item costs 1,870 yen, and a box of six costs 11,220 yen. The collection releases September 4.

Jun 11

Square Enix Opens Permanent Cafe and Shop in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Square Enix's officially licensed permanent cafe and shop, 'Officially Licensed SQUARE ENIX Cafe & Shop SHINJUKU,' opened June 12 in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. The three-floor venue features themed menus and merchandise for Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, NieR:Automata, and Fullmetal Alchemist series, with a reservation-priority cafe and a ground-floor shop open to all.

Jun 10

Dragon Quest Fan's Wall Clock Becomes Accidental Pilgrimage Site

A Dragon Quest fan known as Pu created a wall clock with hour marks replaced by mainline Dragon Quest game boxes. An air conditioning cleaner recognized the clock from social media and called it a fan pilgrimage site, leading to a lengthy Dragon Quest conversation.

Jun 9

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World Launches December 3

Square Enix revealed during a Nintendo Direct livestream that Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World will launch on December 3 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Windows. The trailer showed gameplay, monsters, and characters, including Debora from Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride. The game stars Bianca and Nera from that same title and features over 500 monsters.

Jun 9

Dragon Quest Monsters 4 Launches December 3, Debuts Debora in New Trailer

Square Enix announced during the June 9 Nintendo Direct broadcast that Dragon Quest Monsters 4: Bianca and Flora of the Withered Tree Kingdom will release on December 3, 2026. The latest entry in the Dragon Quest Monsters series features Bianca and Flora, the bride candidates from Dragon Quest V, depicted with younger appearances. A new trailer showed first gameplay footage and gave a first look at Debora, a character from Dragon Quest V who joins the cast. The game is planned for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Windows. The announcement came as part of a larger Nintendo Direct presentation that included other titles. The release date places the game in the holiday shopping season for 2026.

Jun 7

Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake Retains Infamously Dense Shakespearean Localization

The HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest I&II uses the original English localization, which renders all dialogue in early modern English reminiscent of Shakespeare. The article notes that even ordinary citizens speak in this classical style, making the text difficult even for native English speakers. Later games in the series toned down this approach, but the remake keeps it intact.

Jun 4

Yoko Taro Asks Square Enix to Explain Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Art Direction

Yoko Taro, creator of the NieR series, approached Denfaminicogamer in March 2026 with an unusual request: interview the team behind Dragon Quest VII Reimagined so he could learn how its in-game art was achieved. The resulting feature reveals art director Tatsuro Asano, a self-taught illustrator who worked at an eyeglass store until his mid-30s, used photogrammetry of actual dolls and a four-tone black-and-white blur process to create the game's diorama-like visual style.

Jun 3

Dragon Quest Slime Bags and Carry Cases Get a Second Run June 10

Square Enix will re-release 10 types of Dragon Quest-themed bags and carry cases on June 10, 2026, after their initial March-to-April run sold well. The lineup includes body bags, shoulder bags, tote bags, backpacks, and carry cases, all designed around the series' iconic Slime monster. Most items come in two color variants: standard Slime blue and a Metal Slime silver. Prices range from 7,590 yen for the box body bag and shoulder bag up to 26,400 yen for the large carry case. The re-release goes live at 10:00 AM at select Sax Bar Group stores and the SAC'S BAR ONLINE STORE, and at 12:00 PM at the Square Enix e-STORE. The announcement follows a separate Dragon Quest 40th anniversary collaboration with eyewear brand Zoff, which launched June 5 and includes glasses and accessories featuring Slimes, Metal Slimes, and hero equipment motifs.

May 29

Dragon Quest Monsters 4 Survey Asks Players to Choose Bianca or Flora

Square Enix announced Dragon Quest Monsters 4: Bianca and Flora of the Withered Tree Country on May 27. The game stars young versions of the Dragon Quest V brides. Inside has opened a survey asking which character players would pick first, with the possibility that the game may split into separate chapters for each protagonist.

May 28

Dragon Quest Turns 40, Fans and Creators Celebrate

May 27 marked the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Quest series. Creator Yuji Horii, former series director Jin Fujisawa, voice actors, and the official Final Fantasy account posted congratulations. The franchise began in 1986 with a command-based RPG that helped popularize the genre in Japan.

May 28

Dragon Quest XII Protagonist Visual Sparks Sleepy-Eyes Debate

The protagonist visual for Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, revealed in a May 27 video, has drawn social media comments about the character looking listless and having bags under his eyes. Fans are also comparing the protagonist to a reptile-like demi-human from the same video, noting similar sword hilts and hairstyles, fueling theories they may be the same person. The video also announced Dragon Quest Monsters 4: Bianca and Flora of the Withered Tree Kingdom.

May 27

Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition Gets Switch 2 Version

Square Enix announced a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition, releasing September 24. The port includes graphics and performance optimization modes. The announcement coincided with the original Dragon Quest's 40th anniversary.

May 27

Square Enix Announces Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World

Square Enix announced Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World during a livestream for the Dragon Quest franchise's 40th anniversary. The game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A teaser video features Bianca and Nera from Dragon Quest V.

May 27

Dragon Quest XII Gets New Beyond Dreams Subtitle After Development Restart

Square Enix revealed a new subtitle and direction for Dragon Quest XII during a 40th anniversary livestream. The game is now titled Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams. The development team was reshuffled and work restarted after hitting hurdles, pushing the release further out. A sneak peek video showed the hero beset by strange visions.

May 27

Dragon Quest Teams With German Textile Brand Feiler for First Collaboration

Dragon Quest and German chenille textile brand Feiler are collaborating for the first time. The lineup includes handkerchiefs, accessories, and interior items in three themed series: spells, neon-colored monsters, and game screen-inspired designs. The goods are available via lottery sale starting May 27.

May 27

Zoff and Dragon Quest Launch 40th Anniversary Eyewear Collection

Eyewear brand Zoff, operated by Intermestic, will release a Dragon Quest collaboration eyewear collection on June 5, 2026, to mark the series' 40th anniversary. Pre-orders opened on May 27 via the Zoff official online store. The lineup is divided into three categories: Monster, Hero, and Item. The Monster collection includes frames inspired by Slime, Metal Slime, Slime Knight, Golem, and Baby Panther, with details like rubber Slime accents and a flip-up Metal Slime design. The Hero collection features two models based on Loto's equipment and Celestial equipment, with sword and shield motifs on the temples. The web-exclusive Item collection includes sunglasses modeled after the Mirror of Ra and glasses that use a moving temple to represent the Magic Key. Prices range from 11,100 yen to 16,600 yen for glasses and 11,100 yen to 13,300 yen for sunglasses. All purchases come with an original case and a command-patterned glasses cloth. Separate accessories include Slime and Metal Slime glasses cloths, a Metal Slime case, mascot cleaners, and glass holders. The collection will be available at Zoff stores nationwide and the official online store.

May 24

Manga Up! Global Adds Two New Titles to Its Catalog

Square Enix's Manga UP! Global service added two new manga on Sunday and Monday: Marumikan's My Pampering Turned the Cool Goddess Into a Clumsy Spoiled Girl and Chiaki Kawamata and Kamui Fujiwara's Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick. The former is an adaptation of a light novel series; the latter is a classic Dragon Quest manga from the 1990s.