Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has already been released and the first two games in the trilogy will soon come in the form of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake. DQ3 was the first in the trilogy to receive the HD-2D treatment and was first announced in 2021 before finally releasing on November 14, 2024. Shortly before this, Square Enix also confirmed that similar remakes for the first two games in the Dragon Quest the series would arrive at a later date.
Despite being announced several months ago, Square Enix has remained tight-lipped about the next round of remakes. While concrete details about the games are still scarce, there are a few things we can piece together from the little information available, combined with what we've already seen from the remake of DQ3.
Release window for Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D remake
Keep an eye out for Dragon Quest day
While Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake received an official release window, unfortunately it's not very specific. The games are confirmed to be released sometime in 2025no further details have been made available at this time. That said, there are some likely possibilities worth keeping an eye on as we enter the new year.
DQ1 and 2 HD-2D was initially teased at the end of a trailer for Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake which aired as part of a Nintendo Direct presentation in June. DQ3 HD-2D would be released five months later, in November- if DQ1&2 HD-2D is released in a similar period after that, the release would be around April or May. May 27 marks the original release of the first Dragon Quest for NES and is now celebrated as “Dragon Quest Day”, an occasion that has traditionally been marked by new announcements and releases in the series.
In fact, the franchise's 35th anniversary celebration took place on May 27, 2021, and that's when Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake was first revealed to the world. With all this in mind, May 27th seems like the perfect opportunity to launch Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake as not only is it a celebration of the franchise's history, but it would also mean that a remake of the first game would be released on the same day as its original version.
If DQ1 and 2 HD-2D hasn't been released yet, so it's almost certain that an official date will be confirmed at the very least, and it could be released later in the year, like recent Dragon Quest games have.
Dragon Quest 1 and 2 Remake pre-order information
Fans can add the game to their wishlist right now
Even if it ends up being released in the spring of next year, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake It's still far enough away from release that it's not yet available for purchase. While eager fans may want to take advantage of any potential pre-order bonuses, they will have to wait because Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake not available for pre-order at this time.
Although they cannot purchase the game yet, Dragon Quest fans who want to keep an eye on it can still add the game to their wishlist on Steam, PlayStation Storeand the Xbox storefront to stay on top of any changes to release plans. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake released on Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows on day one, and the same platforms have been confirmed for DQ1&2 HD-2D also. Whether you prefer consoles or PC, you should have no problem getting your hands on the game once it releases.
Is DQ 1&2 HD-2D Remake sold as a single game?
Two games for the price of one
Some fans may be confused about the format in which the Dragon Quest remakes will be released based on the titles and release dates provided for the games. The fact that Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Redo was the first of three games released, despite apparently being the third in the trilogy, it was a little confusing, but rest assured that Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake will be released as a single title compiling two games into one package.
While the Dragon Quest The franchise spans a number of different settings, stories and time periods, the first three installments together form a complete trilogy with an overarching narrative. The only caveat is that Dragon Quest 3 The story canonically takes place many years before the events of the first two games, while Dragon Quest 2 follow later Dragon Quest 1.
The reason for the reverse release order is likely due to Square Enix wanting to ensure players experience the story in the correct order from beginning to end. Playing DQ3 will first give players a good introduction to the world and story before jumping in DQ1 and 2so rest assured you won't miss anything by playing the third game first.
What changes do we expect in the DQ 1 and 2 HD-2D remake
New story content will make the experience fresh, even for veterans
THE HD-2D remakes promised a number of improvements over the original games, in addition to the obvious visual improvements that come with the HD overhaul. DQ3 HD-2D added a number of new features, such as the addition of an auto-save feature and new difficulty settings. There's also a deeper level of polish added to the presentation with the addition of voice acting to the game cutscenes and new content including an entirely new class for Dragon Quest 3 to attract even more players who already dominate the game.
Perhaps most exciting is the addition of new content that fleshes out the world of Dragon Quest with new story elements to discover. Entirely new prologue segments have been added to the DQ3 HD-2D featuring the protagonist's father, and with the heroes' lineage being an important part of the trilogy's narrative There will probably be new similar story content added to DQ1&2 HD-2D.
The game's director has promised that there will be some sort of new revelation awaiting those who play the games in chronological order, something that was already hinted at by the end of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakewhich will create an even stronger narrative line throughout the trilogy.
Although there is still much to be revealed about DQ1 and 2What we know should already be quite attractive to potential buyers. Gamers looking to dive into the venerable series for the first time will finally have the perfect opportunity, and longtime fans will still find something new to discover. Expectations will be high following the success of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, But with two classic games in one package it's hard to argue with that Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake It will be worth checking out for both returning players and newcomers to the series.
Source: Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox