The Erdrick Trilogy: A Chronological Puzzle
Dragon Quest III is often called the cornerstone of the Erdrick (or Loto) trilogy, but its place in the timeline can be confusing. Released in 1988 for the Famicom, it serves as a prequel to the original Dragon Quest (1986) and Dragon Quest II (1987). The story follows a hero tasked with defeating the archfiend Baramos, eventually uncovering a legacy that ties directly into the first two games. Chronologically, the events of Dragon Quest III come first, followed many years later by Dragon Quest I, and then Dragon Quest II. The HD-2D remakes, however, are releasing in reverse: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake arrived first, with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remakes slated for 2025. This production order raises the question: should you play Dragon Quest III now, or wait to experience the entire trilogy in the original release order?
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake: What You Need to Know
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a full modern reimagining of the classic JRPG. It combines 2D pixel art with 3D environments, creating a breathtaking visual style. All character sprites and monsters are lovingly remade, the world is rendered with depth, and the orchestral soundtrack by Koichi Sugiyama (with his original compositions) swells in every battle and town. The core turn-based combat remains intact, but quality-of-life improvements abound: an adjustable speed setting, a new objective marker system, auto-save, and a revamped difficulty selection. The game introduces a new “Monster Wrangler” vocation, additional story scenes that flesh out the hero’s origin, and deeper ties to the other Erdrick games. It’s accessible to newcomers, yet offers a generous challenge for veterans. Because of its position as the narrative starting point, the remake places you firmly at the beginning of the Erdrick legend, making it an excellent entry into the series.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remakes: What We Know
Square Enix has confirmed that Dragon Quest I and II will receive the same HD-2D treatment, with a joint release in 2025. Details are still scarce, but the games are expected to feature the same visual overhaul, modernized controls, and potential new content. Dragon Quest I, originally a solo adventure, defined the JRPG genre with its simple but profound journey of a descendant of Erdrick. Dragon Quest II expanded the formula with a party of three heroes, a larger world, and more intricate quests. Together, they form the conclusion to the Erdrick saga. While the original release order (I, then II, then III) introduced players to the world’s mysteries before answering them with a prequel, the HD-2D sequence flips this completely. If you play Dragon Quest III first, you’ll enter Dragon Quest I with a full understanding of the hero’s lineage and the world’s history, which changes the narrative impact.
Story Connections and Spoilers
The three games are deeply linked. Without giving away major secrets, Dragon Quest III’s late-game reveals explain the legend of Erdrick and set the stage for the hero of Dragon Quest I. The ending of Dragon Quest III leads directly into the world that players explore in Dragon Quest I, with certain locations and lineages carrying forward. If you play Dragon Quest III first, you’ll have a rich context that enhances the events of Dragon Quest I and II; you’ll recognize the significance of certain artifacts, towns, and bloodlines. If you instead play in release order (I, II, then III), you’ll encounter the mystery of Erdrick’s identity as a vague legend, only to have it dramatically revealed in the prequel. Both approaches are valid. The HD-2D remakes seem designed with the chronological approach in mind, reinforcing the lore with new scenes that connect the games more explicitly. However, the original release order offers a unique sense of discovery that the chronological order diminishes. Decide based on whether you prefer a sweeping payoff or a gradual unraveling of myth.
Gameplay Considerations: Why Order Matters
Beyond story, gameplay evolution plays a big role in the trilogy. Dragon Quest I is extremely basic: a single hero, a straightforward menu, and a world that encourages grinding. Dragon Quest II adds a party and slightly more complex tactics. Dragon Quest III explodes with depth: a full class system, customizable party members, a day/night cycle, and a much larger adventure. The HD-2D Remake of Dragon Quest III retains all that complexity and modernizes it, while the upcoming Dragon Quest I & II remakes will likely modernize those games as well, but they will still be based on simpler frameworks. If you play Dragon Quest III first, encountering its job system and vast world, you might find Dragon Quest I’s solo adventure somewhat restrictive by comparison. Conversely, starting with Dragon Quest I (once it releases) and then moving through II and III would give you a gentle ramp in complexity, reminiscent of the original experience. If you’re concerned about gameplay progression, consider waiting for the full set and playing them in release order (or at least I, II, then III). If you crave a meaty RPG now, Dragon Quest III is the way to go.
The Verdict: Should You Play Dragon Quest 3 Before 1 and 2?
There’s no single correct answer, but here are the best paths for different players. Play Dragon Quest III now if: you want to experience the trilogy in chronological story order, you prefer a more feature-rich RPG right away, and you don’t mind waiting for the simpler entries later. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a standalone masterpiece that can be fully enjoyed without playing the others, and it will enrich your eventual trip through I and II. Wait for the full trilogy if: you’re a stickler for release order, you prefer a gradual gameplay evolution from simple to complex, or you want to experience the mystery of Erdrick’s legend as it was originally told. You could also play the original NES or mobile versions of Dragon Quest I and II now, but be aware that those are extremely dated in both visuals and mechanics. For most players, diving into Dragon Quest III right now is the most practical and rewarding choice, especially since the remake adds enough connective tissue to make the later games better. Whatever you decide, the world of Alefgard and the legend of Erdrick are timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon Quest 3 a prequel?
Yes. Dragon Quest III is a direct prequel that takes place before the events of Dragon Quest I and II, establishing the legend of Erdrick.
Does the Dragon Quest III Remake spoil Dragon Quest I and II?
Not in a harmful way. Dragon Quest I and II are built around a simple premise (defeat the Dragonlord, then Hargon) that is not reliant on secret reveals. Knowing the backstory from DQIII only adds depth to your understanding of the world, and the remake’s additional content actually strengthens the connections.
Can I play Dragon Quest III without playing 1 and 2?
Absolutely. Dragon Quest III tells a complete, self-contained story that also serves as a prologue. You will miss some references, but the game explains everything you need to enjoy its epic adventure.
When will Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remakes release?
Square Enix has announced a 2025 release window for the combined Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. An exact date has not been given yet.
Is the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake good for newcomers?
Yes, it’s an excellent starting point. The modernized visuals, adjustable difficulty, and quality-of-life improvements make it accessible. The story is also a fresh beginning that doesn’t require previous knowledge.
Should I play the original NES versions first?
Only if you’re a retro enthusiast or want to experience the series in its most authentic form. The HD-2D remakes offer a far smoother and more visually stunning experience, and the quality-of-life features greatly reduce the frustration of older game design. Most players will prefer the remakes.
Ultimately, the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a fantastic adventure that stands firmly on its own. Whether you dive in now or patiently await the full trilogy, you’re in for a timeless RPG experience. The legacy of Erdrick awaits, however you choose to begin.
