Franchise Directory

Dragon Quest

The Dragon Quest franchise has 11 entries. Play in Release Order for newcomers, Chronological Order for lore completionists.

11
Total Games
1986
Franchise Start
0
Delisted Count
CIB Complexity
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OwnedYour shelfOwn#TitleYearPlatformCIBComplete In BoxCIB $WarningsFakes · Region · AudioFind / Buy
1
Dragon QuestEssential
1986NES
2
Dragon Quest IIRecommended
1987NES
3
Dragon Quest IIIEssential
Chronologically first
1988NES
4
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the ChosenRecommended
1990NES
5
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly BrideEssential
Best entry point for newcomers
1992SNES
6
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of RevelationOptional
1995SNES
7
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten PastRecommended
2000PlayStation
8
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed KingEssential
Beloved classic
2004PS2
9
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry SkiesRecommended
2009Nintendo DS
10
Dragon Quest XOptional
2012Wii
11
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive AgeEssential
Best modern entry
2017PS4

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Which Dragon Quest Games Are Essential?

Essential marks the installments that carry the spine of Dragon Quest's main story and world-building — the ones collectors and lore-focused players treat as must-play for the core narrative. On GameOrder, Essential titles include Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest III, Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, and Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.

Recommended entries meaningfully enrich the franchise — strong stories, fan favorites, or connective tissue that pays off after the essentials, without being strictly required. Recommended picks here: Dragon Quest II, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, and Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past.

Optional games are fair to skip for continuity; they are side paths, experiments, or lighter fare that fans can pick up when they want more, not when they need the main plot. Optional tagged titles: Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation and Dragon Quest X.

Spinoff titles sit apart from the primary saga — different genres, timelines, or branding — and are best treated as extras after you know the heart of the series. No Spinoff tags appear on these rows.

If you enjoyed Dragon Quest

📖 New to Dragon Quest? Read our beginner's guide →