How Long to Beat Dragon Quest 3 ?

December 4, 2024 7:37 am

Dragon Quest 3 is one of those timeless RPGs that keeps drawing players in with its captivating story, intricate mechanics, and a strong sense of nostalgia. Developed by Square Enix, the game takes you on an epic journey in the world of Alefgard, where you, the protagonist, must defeat the evil Archfiend Baramos. You get to customize your party with different classes, which adds a lot of depth to the gameplay. Over the years, Dragon Quest 3 has been re-released on various platforms like Game Boy Color, mobile devices, and Nintendo Switch. If you’re wondering how long to beat this classic, keep reading to find out.

how long to beat

How Long to Beat

Main Story Completion

If you’re an experienced gamer, you can expect to beat Dragon Quest 3 in about 30 hours or less. This estimate is for a straightforward playthrough focusing mainly on the main story. If you know your way around RPGs, you’ll find yourself progressing pretty smoothly.

New Players’ Experience

If you’re new to the game, it might take you around 40 hours. You’ll need some extra time to get the hang of the game mechanics, understand the different classes, and figure out your strategies for battles and exploration. The learning curve isn’t too steep, but it does require some patience.

Full Exploration and Side Quests

If you’re looking to dive deep into the game and complete side quests, expect your playtime to increase significantly. Dragon Quest 3 has a lot of optional content like hidden dungeons, treasures, and bonus bosses. Engaging in these activities can stretch your playtime to around 50 hours or more. This way, you’ll experience everything the game has to offer, from uncovering hidden lore to facing tough enemies.

100% Completion

For those aiming for 100% completion, including all side quests, optional dungeons, bonus bosses, and maxing out all characters, you’re looking at 40 to 60 hours or even more. Achieving full completion is a badge of honor and a testament to your dedication and mastery of the game.

Influencing Factors

Exploration and Treasure Hunting

If you’re the type who loves exploring every nook and cranny, talking to every NPC, and finding hidden treasures, your playtime will definitely increase. The game’s difficulty can vary based on how well you build and manage your party. Thorough exploration often reveals valuable items, secret areas, and additional story content.

Party Composition

Experimenting with different class combinations or focusing on leveling up multiple characters can add to your game time. Trying out various party setups can lead to unique gameplay experiences but requires more time. Balancing your party effectively is key to overcoming the game’s challenges.

Side Quests and Optional Content

Dragon Quest 3 is packed with side quests and optional content like hidden dungeons and bonus bosses. Completing these can add many hours to your playtime. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the game and uncover all its secrets, be prepared to invest a significant amount of time. These side activities often provide valuable rewards and deeper insights into the game’s world and lore.

Game Versions and Platforms

The time it takes to beat Dragon Quest 3 can also depend on the version or platform you’re playing. Some versions might have extra content or quality-of-life improvements that can affect your overall playtime. For example, the Nintendo Switch version has updated graphics and additional features that enhance the gameplay experience.

Tips to Speed Up Your Playthrough

  1. Set Battle Speed to Ultra-Fast: This will cut down the time you spend in battles, letting you progress faster.
  2. Use Guides: Following a guide can help you navigate the game more efficiently and avoid unnecessary backtracking. Guides often provide valuable tips and strategies for overcoming tough challenges.
  3. Focus on Main Story: If you want to finish the game quickly, stick to the main story quests. Side quests and exploration are fun, but they’ll extend your playtime.
  4. Efficient Party Management: Build a balanced party and level up strategically to handle battles more effectively. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each class is crucial.
  5. Skip Optional Content: If you’re aiming to beat the game in the shortest time possible, skip the optional dungeons and side quests. While these are rewarding, they’re not necessary for completing the main storyline.

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Conclusion

The time it takes to beat Dragon Quest 3 can vary greatly depending on your play style, familiarity with the game, and overall goals.By considering these factors and planning your approach, you can better estimate how much time you’ll need to conquer this RPG classic.Whether you’re revisiting the game or playing for the first time, the depth and replayability of Dragon Quest 3 ensure that every hour spent in Alefgard will be worth it.