Square Enix has released update version 1.2.0.0 for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, introducing a wide array of gameplay improvements across traversal, vocations, battle mechanics, and miscellaneous systems. Originally launched on November 14, 2024, for PC and consoles, this reimagining of the classic RPG continues to evolve with refinements that further enhance quality-of-life and combat balance.
The update notably improves exploration, particularly by increasing the travel speed while using the boat and the legendary bird Ramia. In addition, a new feature allows players to toggle between automatic and manual flight modes with Ramia by pressing the menu button. These adjustments streamline navigation across the expansive world, minimizing interruptions from battle triggers or menu interactions that previously reset boat speed.
Combat and vocation changes form a major component of this patch. The Hero and Martial Artist vocations receive significant boosts to critical hit rates, while abilities such as Falcon Slash and Gigaslash for the Hero and Cutting Edge for the Warrior have been enhanced for greater effectiveness. The Priest can now equip the Duplic Hat, expanding customization options, while the Monster Wrangler sees changes to the Monster Pile-On and Wild Side skills, modifying their damage scaling and MP cost respectively.
Battles have also been rebalanced, especially under the Draconian Quest difficulty setting. Bosses now have increased resistance to status ailments, and changes have been made to reduce the likelihood of characters or enemies being repeatedly afflicted by the same ailments. Additionally, monster defense stats—excluding metal enemies—have been lowered across the board, and certain foes like Metal Chimaera and Hardy Hand now yield increased experience points when defeated. These changes help maintain challenge while rewarding strategic play and progression.
Full Patch Notes – Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Update 1.2.0.0
Traversal
- Increased travel speed while using the boat or Ramia.
- Resolved issue where boat speed would reset after opening the menu or entering battle.
- Added option to toggle between automatic and manual flight modes while using Ramia.
Vocations
- Increased critical hit rates for Hero and Martial Artist.
- Hero’s Falcon Slash and Gigaslash have been strengthened.
- Warrior’s Cutting Edge has been strengthened.
- Priest can now equip the Duplic Hat.
- Monster Wrangler’s Monster Pile-On now deals reduced damage until all monsters are found, and performs a random number of attacks between 3 and 5.
- Wild Side ability now costs 30 MP.
Battle
- Capped certain monster actions per turn.
- Some monsters no longer use Defending Champion when they are the last remaining.
- Bosses in Draconian Quest now have higher status-ailment resistance.
- Reduced chances of repeated status afflictions for both party and enemies.
- Metal Chimaera and Hardy Hand yield more EXP.
- Lowered defense for all monsters except metal types.
- Minor adjustments made to damage calculations.
Miscellaneous
- Mini Medal Manor is now a Zoom destination once visited.
- New “shortcut button” feature added to assign spells and abilities to specific buttons.
- Temple of Trials now requires 10 Elfin Elixirs for entry.
- A new Gringham Whip chest has been added to the Temple of Trials.
- Fixed bug where Seeds of Life or Magic could cause double stat gains when levelling up afterward.
- Option added to reacquire trophies and achievements through Misc. > Info if not triggered correctly.
- Various minor bug fixes and balance improvements.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake presents a revitalized entry point into the Erdrick Trilogy with its richly illustrated environments and classic turn-based mechanics. It is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and Nintendo Switch.
