The Dragon Quest series is in its 40th anniversary year, with a major exhibition in Tokyo, a new Dragon Quest Monsters title launching in December 2026, and ongoing merchandise and collaboration events.
The Dragon Quest series celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 27, 2026, with creator Yuji Horii, former director Jin Fujisawa, and the official Final Fantasy account posting congratulations. The anniversary year has been marked by a series of events and releases. The centerpiece is the Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition "Dragon Quest the DIVE" at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku's Harakado, running from July 17 to September 6. The exhibition features a VR ride using Meta Quest 3 headsets where participants ride a Killer Panther, interactive exhibits like the face-tracking "Mirror of Ra," and a display of never-before-seen development materials from the first game. An Osaka venue is planned for early spring 2027.
On the game release front, Square Enix announced Dragon Quest Monsters 4: Bianca and Flora of the Withered Tree Kingdom, launching December 3, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game stars young versions of the Dragon Quest V bride candidates Bianca and Flora, and includes Debora from the same title. A survey asking players to choose between Bianca and Flora showed 56.8% picked Bianca and 43.2% picked Flora. The HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest I&II retains the original's early modern English localization. Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate was revealed in a May 27 video, with the protagonist's visual sparking fan debate about his sleepy-eyed appearance.
Merchandise and lifestyle goods have been a major focus. Square Enix re-released Dragon Quest Golf merchandise for November 2026, opened a permanent cafe and shop in Shinjuku, and launched the Dragon Quest Weapons Collection Vol.1 of 1/12 scale replicas. A collaboration with Google Gemini, called Gemini Quest, runs from July 30 to August 9 in Tokyo's Shibuya and Harajuku districts. Dragon Quest Smash Glow, a mobile roguelite action RPG, surpassed 10 million downloads in under two months. The series' 40th anniversary has also drawn tributes from manga artist Kentaro Yabuki, who posted fan art of a Dragon Quest V character, and from Yoko Taro, who requested a technical interview about Dragon Quest VII Reimagined's art direction.
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At Google Cloud Next Tokyo 26, Square Enix programmer Takatomo Sakuma detailed the Gemini implementation behind Chatty Slime, the AI adventure companion in Dragon Quest X Online. The feature uses a multi-agent system with the Gemini Live API, a security layer, and Google Cloud's Agent Runtime and Agent Development Kit. A closed beta ran from April to May 2026, with full release planned for the latter half of version 8.
Takara Tomy will release the board game Dragon Quest Life Game on October 24 for 7,150 yen. Preorders are open on Amazon. Players become adventurers, gather gold with companions, and the one with the most gold at the end wins. The game includes familiar monsters, job changes, and small medals.
KLab reported second-quarter net sales of 3.263 billion yen, up 91.3% quarter-on-quarter, and operating income of 493 million yen, reversing a first-quarter operating loss of 453 million yen. The launch of Dragon Quest Smash Grow, developed by KLab and published by Square Enix, drove the recovery. The first half still posted a net loss of 125 million yen.
GAME Watch rounds up notable Nintendo Switch 2 titles slated for the second half of 2026, prioritizing console exclusives while also picking multiplatform releases. The list includes ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Fire Emblem: Banshi Senkou, Minecraft Dungeons II, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and Final Fantasy Resonance, with release dates from August through October.
Automaton's weekly Steam sale roundup for August 2-8 highlights high-discount PC games, including free giveaways of Moonlighter and Breathedge until August 10 at 2 a.m. Dragon Quest Monsters 3 is 75% off at 1,245 yen, and Ghost Recon Breakpoint is 95% off. The list also covers launch sales for new titles like Spiritstead.
Mash Style Lab released the second wave of the Dragon Quest x Gelato Pique loungewear collaboration on August 7. The collection features newly drawn original art of Slime, Watahou, Baby Satan, and other monsters across knit, cut and sewn, and goods items, sold at stores and online.
Square Enix will release Dragon Quest Monster Shogi Lets catch monsters! on December 18 for 2,420 yen. The mini shogi set uses a 3x4 board with eight monster pieces, each marked with slime symbols showing legal moves. It includes a carrying bag and targets players aged four and up.
Google launched Gemini Quest on July 30, a free collaboration with Square Enix's Dragon Quest that runs through August 9. The event places monster statues across four Shibuya and Harajuku venues, where participants use the Gemini app to generate images of themselves battling monsters. An online social activation lets remote users generate Dragon Quest-style images and share them with the #GeminiQuest hashtag.
gelato pique released a teaser video on X for its SPECIAL COLLECTION collaboration with Square Enix's Dragon Quest. The video shows two slimes and reads "7.28 tue 12:00 Coming soon..." New products inspired by the RPG are expected. The brands collaborated in 2025 on loungewear and nap cushions.
Google and Square Enix announced a real-world collaboration event called Gemini Quest, running from July 30 to August 9 at five locations in Tokyo's Shibuya and Harajuku districts. The event lets participants use the Gemini generative AI app to take photos with giant monster statues, including Slimes, and then generate an image of themselves casting a Dragon Quest spell such as Merazoma or Ionazun. After completing the quest, participants receive a Small Medal as a reward, while supplies last. The monster encounter points include SHIBUYA109, MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado, and Takeshita-dori Park. Some locations require advance reservations. For those who cannot attend in person, a social activation via the Gemini app will run simultaneously. The collaboration follows a previous partnership between Square Enix and Google that produced the Chatty Slime conversational AI buddy for Dragon Quest X.
The Dragon Quest 40th anniversary event in Harajuku features a VR ride where participants mount a killer panther in a 360-degree adventure. The press preview revealed a setup using Meta Quest 3 headsets and a pre-show briefing, with groups of up to 16 experiencing the ride simultaneously.
The Dragon Quest 40th anniversary exhibition "Dragon Quest the DIVE" opens July 17 at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku's Harakado, running through September 6. It features a VR ride on a Killer Panther, two new interactive exhibits (face-tracking "La's Mirror" and surprise "Dokidoki Treasure Box"), and a full merchandise lineup including a catalog, slime plushies, 11 adventure book pin badges, and T-shirts. Tickets are timed and sold on a first-come basis.
Square Enix will re-release its Dragon Quest Golf merchandise line on November 21, 2026. The collection includes slime-themed caddy bags, monster head covers, golf balls, and clip markers. Pre-orders are open now at the Square Enix e-STORE.
The Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition "Dragon Quest the DIVE -A Journey to an Unseen Adventure-" opens July 17 at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado" in Tokyo, running through September 6. Organized by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation and Square Enix, the event centers on the "Dragon Quest VR RIDE," an immersive attraction using Meta Quest 3 headsets and motion seats that simulates riding a Killer Panther through the series' world. Creator Yuji Horii called the VR experience "real" and said the immersion is "incredible." Voice actress Yui Ogura voiced the guide character Homita, recording with ad-libs and attention to presence. Beyond the VR ride, the exhibition includes interactive exhibits such as the "Mirror of Ra," which reflects visitors as monsters using face tracking, and a "Thrilling Treasure Chest" that randomly reveals items. On the 2nd floor, the "40th Anniversary Exhibition 'How Dragon Quest Was Born'" displays never-before-seen development materials from the first game, including producer's notes. A collaboration restaurant runs on the 5th floor. Tickets are 3,800 yen for adults on weekdays and 4,000 yen on weekends and holidays. An Osaka venue is planned for early spring 2027.
Game Spark's weekly ranking of the most-read articles from July 3 to July 9, 2026, features three entries from the top five: a Dragon Quest XII development update, Hideo Kojima's comments on the end of PlayStation disc production, and a Battle Brothers content update. The list reflects reader interest in major franchise news and industry commentary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The June 2026 Nintendo Direct showcased several major titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 and other platforms. Highlights include the new Fire Emblem entry Ban Shihong, the One Piece restaurant simulation Sea Feast Restaurant, and Final Fantasy Resonance, an HD-2D console adaptation of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
Manga artist Kentaro Yabuki, known for To Love-Ru and Ayakashi Triangle, posted fan art of the protagonist's daughter from Dragon Quest V on June 18. The drawing shows her with a smug expression holding a tiny medal. Yabuki said the game got him into RPGs when he was in seventh grade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.