Should I Play Dragon Quest 3 Before 1 and 2? A Clear Guide

Introduction — should i play dragon quest 3 before 1 and 2?

If you’ve picked up the classic JRPGs and wondered, should I play Dragon Quest 3 before 1 and 2?, you’re not alone. Dragon Quest III often sits in conversations as both a fan favorite and a turning point in the series: it refined gameplay systems, introduced memorable party mechanics and character classes, and shaped the release order that many players know. But does it make sense to start with DQ3 instead of tackling Dragon Quest I and II first?

This article breaks down story continuity, release order vs chronological order, which versions and remakes (DS/PS4/mobile) to consider, gameplay differences between the titles, and practical advice for different types of players — newcomers, completionists, and nostalgia seekers. Expect clear examples, helpful bullets, and tips so you can decide the best order for your journey through these JRPG classics.

Quick answer: Is it okay to start with Dragon Quest 3?

Short version: yes. For most players, starting with Dragon Quest III is perfectly fine and often recommended. Dragon Quest III stands well on its own as a complete adventure with satisfying gameplay and a clear story arc. It was designed to be enjoyable independently, even though it shares elements, lore references, and thematic threads with Dragon Quest I and II.

Why many recommend starting with DQ3:

• Modern mechanics: DQ3 refines the party system and classes in a way that makes it more approachable than the earliest entries.
• Standalone story: It tells a full story with a beginning, middle and end — spoilers aside, it doesn’t require prior knowledge.
• Quality of remakes: Remasters and ports on DS/PS4/mobile are usually more polished than original 8-bit versions; that makes DQ3 attractive as a first playthrough.

Understanding release order vs chronological order

One of the first considerations is whether you want to follow release order (play the games in the order they were released) or chronological or timeline order (play according to the series’ internal timeline). Dragon Quest I, II and III were released in a particular sequence, with DQ3 generally considered a release highlight because it introduced gameplay and narrative elements that fans loved.

Key differences to weigh:

• Release order: Playing 1, then 2, then 3 helps you experience the series’ evolution historically. You’ll see mechanics develop from the basic systems in DQ1 to the expanded party and class options in DQ3.
• Chronological order: Some fans treat DQ3 as a prequel to DQ1 and DQ2 in terms of story implications. If you care about in-universe timeline, you might choose to play DQ3 first or read timeline summaries.

Practical tip: If you want the most fun with the least frustration, start with DQ3 in a modern port and then go back to DQ1 and DQ2 in remastered versions or with high-quality mobile/console remakes. That way you appreciate gameplay improvements without getting stuck on archaic mechanics.

Story continuity and spoilers: what connects the three games?

Dragon Quest I, II and III share thematic and mythic links — recurring monsters, names, and some lore callbacks — but they are not strictly serialized like some modern RPGs. You won’t miss a crucial plot twist in DQ1 because you skipped DQ3. The series uses recurring motifs and a shared fantasy setting rather than a tight, sequential narrative.

Examples of continuity:

• Common monsters and spells that create a consistent world feel.
• References to legendary heroes, artifacts, and mythic events that fans will recognize across games.
• Occasional character or location name overlaps that reward replays or deep fans but are not required to understand each game.

Tip: If you want to preserve surprises, read only brief, spoiler-free summaries before playing. If you enjoy seeing callbacks, play DQ3 first and then look for echoes in DQ1 and DQ2.

Gameplay evolution: mechanics, party system and classes

One of the clearest reasons to play DQ3 before 1 and 2 is gameplay. Dragon Quest III refined the party system and made character classes and recruitment more interesting. It introduced mechanics that would influence subsequent titles and modern JRPG design.

What to expect gameplay-wise:

• Character classes: DQ3 gives meaningful choices in party composition — fighters, mages, priests, and specialized jobs that change how you approach combat.
• Party recruitment and balance: The game asks you to think about roles (tank, healer, damage) and how to level evenly. This contrasts with more limited party systems in DQ1.
• Quality-of-life: Later remakes of DQ3 add faster travel, improved saves, and updated graphics that make combat loops less grindy than the original NES/Famicom versions.

Example setup tip: For a balanced experience in DQ3, use one strong fighter to take hits, a priest for healing/support, a magic user for elemental damage and a jack-of-all-trades to handle utility. This reduces frustration and keeps exploration smooth.

Which version should you play? NES, DS, PS4, mobile, or remaster?

There are multiple versions of these classics, so your platform choice matters. Modern remakes and ports (DS/PS4/mobile) often include enhancements like improved graphics, rebalanced difficulty, and quality-of-life features. The original 8-bit or Famicom/NES versions are valuable for nostalgia but can feel dated.

Recommendations by player type:

• Newcomers: Play a modern remaster or the most polished port available on your platform. These versions smooth out archaic design choices and are kinder to modern players.
• Nostalgia seekers: Try the classic NES/Famicom experience if you want authentic 8-bit charm. Consider a later pass on a remaster afterward.
• Completionists: Play a modern port first, then explore the original release to appreciate differences. Keep an eye out for exclusive content in some remakes.

Tip: If you own a portable device, mobile versions of these JRPG classics can be great for shorter sessions and save-anywhere convenience. Check for DS or PS4 remasters if you want improved visuals and audio.

Best order to play: options and cases

The “best” order depends on what you want out of the series. Here are practical orders with reasons and tips for each.

• Best for story-first players: Play DQ3 first, then DQ1 and DQ2. You’ll get an epic standalone tale before exploring the world foundation and callbacks.
• Best for experiencing evolution: Play DQ1, then DQ2, then DQ3. This mirrors release order and lets you appreciate how mechanics improved.
• Best for comfort & modern play: Start with the most accessible version of DQ3 (modern port), then move to remasters of DQ1 and DQ2.
• Best for challenge: Try the original Famicom/NES versions or emulated originals in release order to feel the series’ early difficulty curve.

Practical example: A new player might choose the PS4/mobile remaster of DQ3 for modern gameplay, then pick up DQ1 and DQ2 on mobile remasters to enjoy the shared world without fighting outdated interfaces.

Tips for playing older JRPGs (and enjoying them)

• Save often: Older games have longer dungeons and harsher penalties for losing. Make saves a habit.
• Balance your party: Use a clear healer, a tanky fighter, and damage dealers. Character classes matter more in earlier entries.
• Use guides sparingly: Look up only necessary spoilers like where to find critical items, not full plot reveals.
• Manage grinding: JRPGs of this era reward level grinding. Set sessions and objectives so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
• Play a remaster if frustrated: If you get stuck on an archaic design choice, switch to a modern port or remaster that smooths difficulty.

FAQ — common questions about playing order and versions

Q1: Will I miss plot details if I play DQ3 first?

A1: No. Dragon Quest III is crafted as a standalone adventure. You may later notice callbacks in DQ1 and DQ2, but DQ3’s main story is self-contained and satisfying without prior knowledge.

Q2: Are Dragon Quest 1 and 2 easier after playing 3?

A2: Not necessarily. DQ1 and DQ2 can feel more primitive in mechanics and pacing. Playing DQ3 first may make their older systems feel slower, but many players enjoy the historical perspective and charm.

Q3: Which version of DQ3 should I play first — original or remaster?

A3: If you’re new to the series, start with a remaster or modern port (DS/PS4/mobile) for better balance and quality-of-life features. Play the original later if you want the authentic experience.

Q4: Do the games share the same timeline and should I follow it?

A4: The games share a mythic universe and recurring elements but are not tightly serialized. Following the in-universe timeline is optional and mostly for fans who enjoy spotting connections.

Q5: I love modern JRPGs. Will DQ3 still appeal to me?

A5: Yes, especially in a polished remaster. Dragon Quest III’s design influenced many modern JRPGs; its class systems, balanced combat, and narrative beats still hold up. If you like slower-paced, exploration-focused games, DQ3 will feel rewarding.

Conclusion — make the choice that fits your play style

So, should i play dragon quest 3 before 1 and 2? For most players the answer is yes: DQ3 is a great entry point because of its refined mechanics, standalone story, and excellent remakes on modern platforms. If you care about historical context, play them in release order and enjoy seeing design evolution. If you prioritize story continuity or want to enjoy the richest gameplay right away, start with DQ3 and then explore DQ1 and DQ2.

Whatever order you choose, use modern remasters if you want a smoother experience, keep your party balanced, save frequently, and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere of these JRPG classics. Each entry has its own charm, and playing them in any sensible order will reward you with memorable battles, quirky characters, and a glimpse into the roots of turn-based RPG design.

Short final tips

• Start with a modern port of DQ3 for the best first impression.
• If nostalgic, revisit original versions after you finish a remaster.
• Use balanced party builds and don’t be afraid to grind a little — it’s part of the classic JRPG rhythm.

Happy adventuring — whether you choose the heroic path of Dragon Quest III first or embark on the original quests of I and II, you’re in for a classic JRPG experience.