Square Enix has confirmed (via Genki_JPN) that Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age has shipped more than 9 million units worldwide, marking a major commercial milestone for the long-running role-playing series. The figure reflects combined shipments across all versions and platforms and represents an increase from the 8.5 million units reported in May 2025. The title continues to be the best-selling individual entry in the Dragon Quest franchise.
Originally released in Japan on July 29, 2017, Dragon Quest XI debuted on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS before expanding to additional platforms over the following years. The game launched on PC via Steam in 2018 and arrived on Nintendo Switch in 2019, significantly broadening its global reach. It is currently available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, making it one of the most widely accessible mainline entries in the series.
The Definitive Edition, Dragon Quest XI S, has played a central role in the game’s continued success. This version introduced an orchestral soundtrack, expanded story content, quality of life improvements, and the option to switch between fully 3D visuals and a 16-bit inspired presentation. These additions helped extend the title’s lifespan well beyond its initial release window and encouraged repeat purchases across platforms.
Dragon Quest XI’s performance also reflects the franchise’s broader resurgence over the past several years. The Dragon Quest series has now surpassed 95 million units sold worldwide, positioning it as the second most successful JRPG franchise to date. Recent releases such as Dragon Quest III HD 2D Remake and Dragon Quest I and II HD 2D Remake have contributed to renewed momentum, but neither has matched the sustained global impact of Dragon Quest XI.
What sets Dragon Quest XI apart is its success in expanding the series’ appeal outside Japan. Historically strongest in its home market, the franchise achieved a more balanced global presence with XI, supported by simultaneous or near simultaneous international releases and availability across modern platforms. This shift helped introduce a wider audience to the series’ traditional structure, silent protagonist, and character-driven storytelling.
By surpassing 9 million units shipped, Dragon Quest XI S now accounts for nearly ten percent of the franchise’s total lifetime sales. That is a remarkable figure for a single entry in a series spanning four decades. Even years after its debut, the game remains a defining release for Square Enix and a clear benchmark for future Dragon Quest titles, quietly proving that classic design still carries significant weight in a changing market.
