On 27th May 2021, Yuji Horii's seminal RPG Dragon Quest turned 35. Initially released in the West with the name Dragon Warrior, the Chunsoft-developed first entry in this genre-defining series debuted on Famicom in Japan before migrating to the North American NES three years later, and over the past three-and-a-half decades we've enjoyed another ten mainline games, plus a whole host of spin-offs and side adventures.
All but one of the mainline games has been localised for Nintendo consoles in the West — sometimes multiple times — so we decided it was about time to rank all the mainline Dragon Quest games with the help of you lovely lot. Below you'll find our reader-rated list of the Dragon Quest games, ranked from worst to best at the bottom.
If a game was re-released/remade on more than one console, we've gone with the first version released in the West below and opted to mention other versions in the text. We've included the Japan-only MMORPG Dragon Quest X, too, as it released on no less than four Nintendo platforms in its homeland, and we didn't want to omit it. If you want an English-only list, simply imagine it's not there and voila!
This ranking is formed by Nintendo Life readers' User Ratings for the DQ games on our database and is subject to real time fluctuations even after publication — it's entirely possible to influence the ranking below even if you haven't rated your favourites yet. To do so, simply click on the game you wish to rate and assign a score out of ten on its corresponding Game Page.
Many thanks to everyone who already rated their favourite Dragon Warriors/Quests. Now's the time to roll up your sleeves, assemble your party and roll out on an epic journey to discover the best Dragon Quest game ever...
11. Dragon Warrior II (NES)
Available on Switch as Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line, this got a Japan-only remake for Super Famicom where it was bundled with the original game, and this bundle was also ported to a Game Boy Color cart — which was released in North America — as the imaginative titled Dragon Quest I & II.
Set 100 years after the first game, Dragon Warrior II did what any sequel should: it built on what came before and sanded away some rough edges from the original. This second entry is one of the hardest games in the series, so these days — especially with ten other Quests vying for your time and attention — it's probably best left to diehard fans. It remains, however, an important evolutionary step and a game which put DQ on the path to franchise fame and fortune.
10. Dragon Quest X (Wii)
This tenth mainline entry took the series into the MMORPG arena and has appeared across four different Nintendo consoles — including Wii U, 3DS and Switch — starting with the Wii in 2012. Unfortunately, Dragon Quest X is the only game in the mainline series never to come to the West and an irritating gap in Nintendo gamers' otherwise bulging DQ library.
9. Dragon Warrior (NES)
The first Dragon Quest title, Dragon Warrior set the template that the heroic series would follow. A huge success in Japan from the get-go, it took many years (and many games) for this classic JRPG series to achieve mainstream success in the West. Fortunately, publisher Enix didn't give up and these days it feels a bit odd to see the word 'Warrior' in this game's title.
In the West it's also available on Switch (and on Game Boy Color).
8. Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation (DS)


Originally a Japanese exclusive until this Nintendo DS remake came to the West, Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation might not be as flashy or intricate as something like Dragon Quest IX but that certainly doesn't keep the game from being every bit as charming and engaging. Retaining the 16-bit style of the 1995 Super Famicom original and not deviating a great deal from the classic formula, it upgrades various aspects to make the version we did get in the West look and feel like a much more modern experience. Realms of Revelation is yet another fantastic addition to the impressive DS RPG library and a great way to revisit a classic.
7. Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (3DS)


An island-hopping adventure spanning space and time originally released on PlayStation, Dragon Quest VII is a JRPG masterpiece. If you played the original, this 3DS version is as perfect a remake as you could ask for, with beautiful 3D graphics, a smartly streamlined opening, and lots of welcome quality-of-life updates. This journey through Estard showcases great writing, a fun class system, lovely animations and a stellar soundtrack which make for a fully engrossing adventure throughout. It's a massive game, but don't let that scare you off; with short story-style pacing and a huge variety of settings, speech patterns, and scenarios, it feels less like an epic tome and more like a shelf-ful of storybooks stuffed into a little 3DS cart. This game is an absolute pleasure, and a must-play for RPG fans.
6. Dragon Warrior III (NES)
Dragon Warrior III (or Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation) put the cap on a trilogy (at the time) of influential RPGs which would shape the genre. Set prior to the original game, it added plethora of refinements to the turn-based gameplay and open-world adventuring, including a day/night cycle. It got a Super Famicom remake which never came to the West, although an excellent Game Boy Color version did arrive in 2001 (and you can also play it on Switch).
5. Dragon Warrior IV (NES)
The final NES/Famicom entry in Chunsoft's seminal RPG series, 1992's Dragon Warrior IV (or Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen as it's more commonly known these days) would be the last title in the series to arrive in the West for some time. It featured five chapters, each of which concentrates on one of the aforementioned 'chosen' characters. It was also the first of the mainline DQ series to get its own spin-off titles: Torneko no Daibōken: Fushigi no Dungeon featured this game's merchant, Taloon, and was the very first game in Chunsoft's Mystery Dungeon series, no less.
The Nintendo DS is the best way to enjoy the game these days, if you can find it for a reasonable price.
4. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS)


A game made exclusively for Nintendo DS, sometimes you can't help but marvel at how developers are somehow able to squeeze home console-sized RPG epics onto tiny handheld systems with the most modest of specs, and Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies stands as an impressive feat. Boasting a wealth of new gameplay features, Wi-Fi compatibility and multiplayer action as well, this remains a significant milestone in portable gaming and helped increase western interest in this hallowed Japanese RPG series.
3. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (3DS)


Originally released on PS2, this 3DS remake is yet another brilliant instalment in the legendary series. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King showcases its trademark style with great music, a memorable roster of characters and all the quality-of-life improvements you’d expect with a more modern remake of an RPG classic. Incredibly, this was the first game in the mainline series to launch in PAL regions, and it was also the first to ditch the 'Warrior' from the North American version.
Unlike some other games in the franchise, its sprightly pace makes it an excellent choice for new players, too. 200-hour grinds are all well and good, but how are you going to fit in all the other 3DS gems?
2. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS)


The first in the RPG series to come to the Super Famicom, it eventually made its way to the West in the form of this DS remake. That Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is a finely crafted RPG should come as little surprise given its heritage, but it's arguably the poignant, personal storytelling which elevates this game as one of the very best in a series filled with greats. Innovations such as the collection of monsters along the way would go on to influence other monster-collecting games, and while it lacks refinement in some areas of its design, it's still an epic adventure. The hero of this adventure may only get 'Assist Fighter' billing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but make no mistake, this is one of the best old-school Dragon Quests you can go on.
1. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (Switch)


Originally released for 3DS (and PS4) in Japan, the cumbersomely named Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is one of the best games Square has ever put its name to, plain and simple — and this Switch release was a fine port, too. Featuring a heartwarming, well-paced narrative supported by a cast of fantastic characters, a dense and interesting overworld packed with dozens of hours of content, and one of the finest soundtracks we’ve heard in a JRPG, it all combines to make this an unforgettable modern classic. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series (or genre) or a returning vet, do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy of Dragon Quest XI as soon as you’re able. This is the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving, and it more than deserves a spot in your Switch library.
Remember, if you haven't rated the games on this list, you can still do so now and your personal rating will count towards the ranking above — and potentially change the ordering even after publication.
Feel free to let us know your thoughts on the DQ ranking above and share a comment about your personal favourite(s) below.
Comments (68)
Personally, I’d give VIII an 11/10 and then allow the poll to control the rest
Wow that is virtually game for game how I'd have my top DQ games.
I think I would have IV a little lower down and VII and VI a bit higher up, but there isn't much to choose between them for me.
Top 4 stand out in particular IMO with XI S the clear winner. V is an all time great though as well, tbf
Love this series.
I do not appreciate where y’all put VI.
Ya ya yaaaaaay
Guess I'll have to play DQ5 at some point then.
I would have put IV a little higher. The ability to play as multiple characters was fun (especially Torneko the Merchant). I feel like 4 had an impressive leap in quality over 3 considering they debuted on the same console.
I like this list
Lord VI is underrated here. So is IX.
@nessisonett @Darlinfan thank y’all! I thought I fell into a nightmare or was turned to stone!
Glad to see fellow fans.
I'd personally put VIII up top, but that top three is solid regardless.
The mere fact that Dragon Quest III can come 8th in a list like this just shows what an incredible series this is. No arguments with No 1.
@Ryu_Niiyama VI was my first classic game and is probably still my favourite out of the 2D entries. The two worlds gimmick has been done quite a few times now but I appreciate VI a lot for what it did at the time. Plus VII is basically just a worse version of that game!
@nessisonett internet high five! You are preaching truth right now.
I've only played the first two games on NES. I actually really did enjoy them, especially the second one with its higher difficulty. The last area of the game was so tough every fight was like its own boss battle. Definitely really grindy which I don't usually enjoy, but somehow I did. I'm sure having a fast forward feature on an emulator helped though. I really want to get the Switch ports of 1 - 3, but I haven't heard very favorable things about them. I'd like to try all the games, but I usually can't muster the patience to play RPGs anymore. I will definitely try XI at some point though. It's so well liked I feel it'd be worth investing the time in.
Only played I, II, VIII, and XI S to date. I is interesting historically, and simple enough to be tolerable, but II was just a miserable slog from beginning to end. VIII is obviously not a bad game, but I didn't care much for its open 3D map filled with empty space and intolerable alchemy system. I also could never get on with its cast.
XI S is basically what I wanted from VIII: gorgeous visuals, great (streamlined) world design, loveable characters, and fun exploration.
I would personally put V followed by VIII and XI myself but this is a fair list.
I wish they'd rerelease IX. I miss the ability to download heroes from past games and still have that poster on the wall in my office.
I actually love every last one of them. The only one I like the least was Dragon Quest seven, but I still enjoyed it. I have fond memories of the NES classics one through four, so the nostalgia is high. I again played four on the DS and enjoyed it immensely. Dragon quest five and six are very solid as well. The List is hard to make.
My top 3
3. Dragon Quest 9
2. Dragon Quest 8
1. Dragon Quest 11
@Ralizah While IX doesn’t have characters with their own personalities, the supporting cast more than makes up for that and the individual stories of each town are unmatched in any JRPG ever. They’re really that good. You should totally jump on it if you can track down a copy.
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride was a main inspiration for Pokémon.
Shocked by how low DQ3 ranked on this list. If this was a Japan poll, it would be number 1.
Dq5 is my favorite and probably my favorite jrpg in general. And I didn't even play until maybe five years ago.
I definitely prefer the more customizable party types like 3, 5, 6 and 9, so those are my favorites (7 is on the very bottom of my list though). 11 and 8 are good but I wouldn't replay them.
I've only played two, 8 and 11, so I don't feel like I'm missing too much. I think I may prefer 8 over 11 but it's been so long, not sure how 8 would hold up, but at the time it was epic.
@Ralizah I recall DQ8 having an overly large overworld that was fairly empty, and it did get on my nerves how infrequently you found a chest hidden away in a corner. But it did make riding on the animal feel that much better later on b/c I knew how big and empty the world felt walking so I appreciated the ride. So I kind of gave them a pass, that they made it big and empty on purpose to highlight how good the ride was. Didn't hurt that DQ8 was soon after FF7 and I always referred to the ridable great sabercat as Red XIII.
I also liked the monster arena better than any of the sidequests in 11. Played a lot of JRPG since, and several before, DQ8 but that arena still stands out as 1 of the better diversions to me. The Triple Triad card game from FF8 is another. Blitzball from FFX holds the top spot for least favorite, despite how good the rest of the game was. Wakka for President. Or something.
I am glad to see so many people love VI like I do. I am currently replaying it, and it is still great.
Also, VIII is in my opinion one of the greatest RPGs ever created. 11/10.
I played all these games apart from X, and I love every single one. But V is overrated. I played it on the DS and there's no way it can compare to VIII. I have VIII, XI and I as my top 3.
My first dragon quest was IX on ds and have played every release since with 11s being my favourite.
Just wish they would release 10 to the West and can't wait to see what they do with 12
I actually really like this list , but maybe 3 is too low.
I think III got really underrated but not a bad list otherwise. DQ11 reminded me why I love JRPGs so much.
@Dezzy
Me too. I've never gotten a chance to play it. Hopefully we'll get it on Switch like we did I, II, III.
@TheWingedAvenger I am glad I am not insane. I think V is still a great game, but I honestly liked the pacing of IV and VIII way more.
Can't argue with the top 5 choices but I think people sleep on VI a bit too often.
Shocked by how low DQ3 ranked on this list. If this was a Japan poll, it would be number 1.
@MARl0 @YatoStAr @MatthewTaranto Thank you. Through the clunky NES gameplay (we had how many buttons??), the awkward renderings of Sugiyama's themes, the grinding, and the general inconvenience, there is so much about DQ3 that shines to make it so memorable.
Is it the journey, the variety in the towns and dungeons, the innovations? For me, I think it is the scenario, and so many little things that game does to make a story. [MINOR DQ3 SPOILERS] If you try to cast Return after defeating the final boss, you find that all the locations on Earth are no longer accessible; you are marooned in Alefgard! The way that the walls close in behind you when exiting the Cave of Erdrick at the end is a nice touch, as well. Hell, I love the entire Alefgard portion of the game.
However much Dragon Quest has grown from its initial chapters, there is something ineffable, something great, crystallized in the third game. The line of Erdrick/Loto had interesting times...
I've had DQ:V on my backlog for ages now. Someday
Nice that Dragon Quest V is second in place, there's a reason they make a movie about that one. The story for that was simply heart warming but the game in which you play and grow with the characters and monsters makes it the best.
Mysterious dungeon game of the dude witch was marketeer Torneko, should´ve made the list.
You can really see the difference in artstyle Toriyama has developed comparing older and newer titles
@Thisguyisabutthole I don't get it either, at least not the resounding praise. I kept falling asleep playing the XI demo. I hadn't played a game in the series since way back in the NES days (and also the first DQ Monsters if that counts), and it just felt like a very very pretty version of the old games with all the same trappings. I just can't tolerate that lack of concision anymore.
I think with the NES Dragon Quest games you had to be there. They don't seem like much today, but at the time, they were positively groundbreaking.
I've never met a DQ game I didn't like.
I think the difficulty of DQ2 has been overstated. If you took notes, it's not especially difficult.
I'm okay with this list. IX was my favorite. Meeting up with groups IRL to trade maps was pretty fun. Also, a fully customizable party, for me a BIG plus.
My personal rankings (Still need to play through VI and VIII):
1. DQXI
2. DQIX
3. DQVII
4. DQIV
5. DQV
6. DQIII
7. DQI
8. DQII
IX was my first DQ and will always be a special game for me, but XI is modern JRPG perfection. It's my personal third favorite game of all time, and I really can't wait to see how DQXII goes! DQ's one of my favorite series, and even though it's at the bottom of my list, I still enjoyed DQII.
I know it's the same artist, but I'm not gonna lie, whenever I see artwork for Dragon Quest, all I see is Dragon Ball/Z/GT/Super. Same thing with Chrono Trigger.
Dragon Quest is my all-time favorite JRPG series, even over Final Fantasy, and this list is so much yes.
XI is a GORGEOUS game, and may well be the best of the series, with V a VERY close second.
Magnificent series, not a bad game in the lot.
@Darlinfan I’m right there with you in regards to DQIV and FFV. Two of my favorite rpgs that I hold up alongside Chrono Trigger and Earthbound
Dragon Quest was a relic of it’s time and now seems basic and short; but it was groundbreaking when released. Their is an entire genre than owes a lot to that little game. It will always be one of my favorites and it is a big part (along with DQ3) that I prefer the original trilogy.
Since Nintendo published XI S on switch outside of Japan, shouldn’t they be given publisher credit instead of Square Enix?
Dragon Warrior IV is easily the best, with VI and I being must play games. Also what about Dragon Quest Monsters on the GBC? Such an awesome little game
DQ is one of the most consistent franchises in gaming history. The worst thing that you can say about any DQ game is that you prefer another one over it. I love that about the series. You always know it’ll be that old turn-based gameplay. You always know it’ll have a great story, simple though it may be. You always know that it’ll be exactly what you want out of a DQ game. I remember a time when I thought RPGs couldn’t surpass DQIV. Then DQV happened. Then DQVI happened. Etc. And here we are at DQXI, the best in the series and so little has changed outside the visuals. Not many games can remain timeless in the way DQ has.
In my personal experience (standout title):
DQ V : unique stories. Told from different generation
DQ VII : the sense of adventure strong on this title
DQ VIII : best story. IMO
DQ XI : best production value
I missed out on Dragon Quest VI which I am always kicking myself for. I have a copy of all the other ones (except X). When VI was released on DS I had just played IV and V pretty close together and was ready for a break from Dragon Quest for a bit, fully expecting to pick it up a bit later. I ended up never getting it and I have been kicking myself since. I know I could just bye the smartphone version but I am not a fan of the look, or playing games on my smartphone. Maybe someday.
I've played 1,2,3,8,9, and 11. I'd love to play the rest but don't really feel like digging out a DS and overpaying for them online. A rerelease would be day 1 for me.
@Darknyht I also love the original trilogy. Don't get me wrong, XI was fine, but something about the older titles just takes me back to a simpler time and all is good.
DQ XI is definitely the best, absolutely amazing game. The entire series is awesome so glad it has an entire ranking to itself
Ok , I am a Dragon Quest junkie supreme, but I never understood why 5 is always rated so high on DQ lists. Sure it’s good but 3, 7, and 8 are better imo.
But any talk about DQ is awesome 👏🏻 Good list and yes, 11 is GOTY.
@rjejr I think the open/empty world is why I loved VIII, so much.
On the PS2, it DID seem a bit barren, but with the addition of the visible monsters in the 3DS remake, I fell in love with it, all over again.
It was the first DQ game I'd picked up since IV, back in the 90s, and inspired me to go back and give VII a go, on the PS1.
I would hazard the opinion that VIII's overworld theme, "Strange World ~ Marching Through the Fields," is one of the best overworld themes in a game. It's not overly triumphant; not overly march-y (like XI's overworld theme, "The Hero Goes Forth with Determination"). It made running through the world seem peaceful and not stressful.
@mjhopkins81 Yeah, DQVIII's overworld theme is excellent and greatly contributes to the game's atmosphere. I used it throughout Act 1 of DQXI and I think it worked better in that context than DQXI's own overworld theme (which always felt just a tad too bombastic to me. Guess they were going for a DQIII feel).
@MatthewTaranto Absolutely.
As a musician (by classical training, now abandoned for a job in infectious disease research), XI's score is probably one of the weakest in the series. None of it is "forgettable," but none of the tracks are really ones that are earworms in a GOOD way.
I couldn't forget the XI overworld theme, because it's just a simple march repeated over and over, again.
Correct Top 3
good job
Dragon Quest is so amazing that you can pick any game from the series as your favorite game and no one will question you because of how quality they all are
I'm still working my way through the series, and while 1/2/3 (which I only played for the first time last year) are obviously quite dated, it was a fun and interesting experience, and there is a vast increase in quality across all three games.
@mjhopkins81 Never played it on 3DS. Maybe it will get a Switch port. Or the hill I'll die on next gen SwitchDS. I still think Nintendo has too many DS and 3DS games not to have another dual screen model for ports. And still no XCX port, which used the Wii U Gameapd to great advantage. Maybe nearly complete Pikmin 4 will be complete when we get a SwitchDS? 🤣
New 2DS/3DS really should have had TV out mini-HDMI ports for the top screen. Guess they didn't want to steal the Switch's thunder tho. 🤷♂️
XI is great but V is a masterpiece. Hope to see positions swap around a little
@Jackpaza0508 Remake of VI was on DS but of course is playable on the 3ds (as is the entire mainline series).
@Ryu_Niiyama Oh I accidentally typed VI instead of XI! The fact that XI was on 3ds is still mind blowing tho
@Jackpaza0508 oh yeah that’s where the 2d version came from in the S edition. They even released a dual pack (ps4/3ds) in Japan originally. Solid version, it was the first version of XI that I bought (and then stopped playing when the switch version was announced).
@PBandSmelly
It’s had a similar development to dragon ball.
I love Toriyama, but I think we can all admit that the guy has a fairly slim list of designs that he used for Dragon Ball, Chrono Trigger, and Dragon Quest.
The Luminary of DQXI was literally Trunks with brown hair and a different skin tone. And Crono was just Goku with red hair and a bandana.
But eh, I’m fine with it because I love his art style.
@Dpishere my list is very similar to yours, but for me it would be a toss up between Dragon Quest VIII and XI. Both of them are so good. I do think in terms of story, Dragon Quest 5 is the best though.
IX is my top pick.
Tap here to load 68 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...