For fans of classic JRPGs, *Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake* brings back the charm that made the series a beloved staple. However, its old-school difficulty means you'll need some tips to successfully embark on your journey to defeat Baramos.
Be Mindful of the Personality Test
At the start of the game, you'll encounter a series of questions from "She Who Watches Over All." This personality test is crucial as it determines your character's personality, which in turn affects your stat growth. The personality assigned to your Hero can significantly impact your gameplay. While you can alter personalities with specific accessories, it's often simpler to restart and retake the quiz to secure your preferred personality. If you're aiming for the best, the "Vamp" personality offers the most advantageous stat boosts, but it's exclusive to a female Hero.
Build Your Party
In Aliahan, you'll visit Patty's Party Planning Place where Patty will suggest a party setup. However, for a more tailored experience, head to the second floor and speak with the man at the counter. Here, you can create a custom party with classes not offered by Patty. Even if you choose the same classes Patty suggests, doing so on the second floor allows you to allocate stats and influence personalities, resulting in a stronger team. Always include a Priest in your party for essential healing magic.
Get the Boomerang and Thorn Whip
Early access to powerful weapons is crucial in *Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake* due to their cost. Seek out the Boomerang and Thorn Whip. The Boomerang is located in a chest on the third floor of Dreamer's Tower, while the Thorn Whip can be obtained in Aliahan by trading two Mini Medals to Morgan Minimann at the bottom of the well. You can collect four Mini Medals early on—two in Aliahan and two in Dreamer's Tower. These weapons are valuable because they can hit multiple enemies simultaneously, making them ideal for the Hero and a strength-focused character like a Warrior or Martial Artist.
Switch the Party to Follow Orders
While modern RPGs often allow full control over party members, *Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake* defaults to AI control. To optimize your strategy, switch your party's behavior to "Follow Orders" via the Tactics menu during combat. This small adjustment can make a big difference in managing your team effectively during intense battles.
Have a Supply of Chimaera Wings
Early in the game, you're vulnerable to enemy ambushes that can deal significant damage. Fast travel isn't available until the Hero learns the Zoom spell at around level 8. Until then, keep a stock of Chimaera Wings handy. These cost just 25 gold coins and enable you to fast-travel to previously visited locations, even from within dungeons, helping you manage your party's health and save time.
*Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake* is available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
