Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Gets Quality-of-Life Update: Faster Flight, Shortcuts, and More!

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake just got a major shot in the arm with a new update designed to enhance player experience. Square Enix has rolled out version 1.1.0 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch) and 1.2.0 (PC) that addresses key player feedback and introduces several quality-of-life improvements. But what exactly does this mean for players, and is it enough to bring lapsed fans back to the game?

One of the most significant changes is the increased movement speed when traveling by boat or using the legendary Ramia. Many players found the original speed to be a drag, making exploration feel tedious. This update directly tackles that issue, promising a smoother and more enjoyable journey across the game's vast world. According to official patch notes, adjustments were made to prevent speed from resetting accidentally, further streamlining the experience.

Another welcome addition is the new "short-cut button" feature. Accessible by pressing R on Switch, R1 on PS5, or RB on Xbox, this allows players to assign spells and abilities to specific d-pad directions. This change will undoubtedly streamline combat and exploration, giving players quicker access to their most frequently used skills. No more fumbling through menus mid-battle!

Beyond traversal and controls, the update includes a host of balance adjustments. Critical hit rates for the Hero and Martial Artist vocations have been increased, while abilities like the Hero's Falcon Slash and the Warrior's Cutting Edge have been made more powerful. These changes suggest a focus on making combat more engaging and rewarding, particularly for melee-focused classes. The Priest can now equip the Duplic Hat a seemingly small change that broadens options for character customization.

Monster behavior has also been tweaked. Limits have been placed on certain monster actions, and adjustments have been made to their status-ailment resistance, particularly on Draconian Quest difficulty. Furthermore, some monsters, like Metal Chimaera and Hardy Hand, now yield more experience points, making them more attractive targets for grinding. Defense has been lowered for all monsters except for metal monsters.

The update also addresses some minor bugs and adds quality-of-life features, such as adding the Mini Medal Manor to the list of Zoom destinations. A treasure chest containing an extra Gringham Whip has been added to the Temple of Trials.

Since its launch in November 2024 Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has been a success for Square Enix. With this latest update enhancing traversal, combat, and overall convenience, will players be inclined to revisit or finally jump into this HD-2D world? What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Artdink
• Dragon Quest
• Square Enix