What is Dragon Quest Treasures? Gameplay, Story, & Multiplayer, Explained

Is that Erik and Mia?

If you enjoyed Dragon Quest XI and previous entries in the franchise, then it’s impossible to not at least have heard about Dragon Quest Treasures. Here’s everything you need to know about this spin-off released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

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What is Dragon Quest Treasures?

Image via Square Enix

Dragon Quest Treasures is a pseudo-open-world Dragon Quest spin-off where you explore the fantasy world of Draconia in search of treasure. It tells the story of a pair of twins named Erik and Mia who dreamt of becoming treasure hunters and later ended up getting sucked into Draconia to fulfill that wish.

The story isn’t that deep, as the game focuses more heavily on gameplay, that is, treasure hunting. But for Erik and Mia to achieve their dreams, they’re going to need help. Thus, Dragon Quest Treasures brings back one of the more underused mechanics in the franchise: monster taming!

Is Dragon Quest Treasures a prequel to Dragon Quest XI?

Image via Square Enix

Aside from the existence of Erik and Mia, there is not much tying Dragon Quest Treasures to Dragon Quest XI. You can certainly treat it like a prequel (and their Viking background checks out) but it’s more of an independent story than anything. If you’re going into Dragon Quest Treasures expecting Dragon Quest XI lore, you’ll be very disappointed.

Related: How to farm metal slimes in Dragon Quest XI

How does the battle system work in Dragon Quest Treasures?

Screenshot by Pro Game Guides

To ensure that Erik and Mia survive their exploits, they journey around Draconia to search, not just for treasure, but friends to aid them in battle. When tamed, Erik or Mia and three other friendly monsters can form a party and engage in battle together.

Unlike mainline Dragon Quest games, however, the battle system in Dragon Quest Treasures isn’t turn-based. Instead, every member of the party that isn’t Erik and Mia is controlled by an AI and defeats monsters that approach you. You can then choose to help them in an action battle or continue exploring while they protect you. You can issue “orders” to assist in the battle’s flow.

Screenshot by Pro Game Guides

Aside from battles, the monster that you gather can also be used to do a lot of neat things like fly, sneak, and catapult you to the other side of a ravine. You can also take them back to your base and grow your gang!

Is there multiplayer in Dragon Quest Treasures?

Image via Square Enix

Since the game’s premise is about treasure hunting, it’s only natural for other treasure hunters to exist. There is no multiplayer, but you can interact with other treasure hunters online in various ways like:

  • Searching for loot they’ve hidden
  • Visiting their base
  • Flexing your treasure to them (and earn rewards if they like your haul)

For more Dragon Quest news and coverage, take a look at All Dragon Quest games in order of release and Dragon Quest Builders 2 Sunny Sands checklist here at Pro Game Guides.

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About the Author

Bianca has over three years of experience in gaming journalism, specializing in anything remotely turn-based and strategic, like Pokémon, Final Fantasy, and Honkai: Star Rail. She's a huge fan of Square Enix, RPGs, party games, and visual novels, but will play anything with a banger OST. She's a proud early bird.
Find Bianca Versoza On: Twitter
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What is Dragon Quest Treasures? Gameplay, Story, & Multiplayer, Explained

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