[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [CULTURE]

22 clusters · 66 sources · 135 days · First seen · Last updated

Square Enix Dragon Quest 2026 announcements

Overview

In late May 2026, Square Enix used its 40th-anniversary livestream to announce a full development reset for the main-line RPG Dragon Quest 12, dropping the subtitle *The Flames of Fate* in favor of *Beyond Dreams*. Executive producer Yosuke Saito said the reboot, now built on Unreal Engine 5, pushed the expected launch to 2027-2028 and introduced a new story about a young hero haunted by visions. The same broadcast revealed the spin-off *Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World* and a definitive edition of Dragon Quest XI S for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. June 9 confirmed that *The Withered World* will launch on 3 December 2026 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Switch (including Switch 2). The following week Square Enix announced *Dragon Quest Monsters 4: The Withered Tree Country's Bianka & Flora* for the same date, with multiple editions ranging from a standard version to a ¥25,000 “Super Masters” collector’s set. Anniversary merchandise expanded throughout the summer, including “Smile Slime” compressed towels, Japanese-style noren curtains, and Daruma Slime plushies. In late August, Square Enix and Premium Bandai announced further 40th-anniversary items, including a “40th Anniversary Tin Anniversary Choco Ink Cookie” set and the “Choco Sap Dragon Quest” series. On September 10, Square Enix and Graniph announced the sixth installment of their collaboration label, ‘Dragon Quest DQ+g’, set to launch on September 18, 2026. To celebrate the 40th anniversary and the 5th anniversary of the ‘Dragon Quest Island’ attraction, Nijigen no Mori will launch a limited-edition ‘Medal Croquette Box’ on September 18. Following high demand that caused connectivity issues, Graniph announced expanded pre-orders for its ‘Dragon Quest DQ+g’ collection on September 18, featuring items like King Slime zip-up hoodies.

Entities

Dragon Quest · Square Enix · Taito · Graniph · Yuji Horii

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Square Enix and Shimamura launch Dragon Quest collaboration

    Square Enix and Shimamura have launched a collaboration featuring over 100 Dragon Quest-themed items, including apparel and lifestyle goods, available via pre-order through October.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Dragon Quest series surpasses 100 million units sold

    The Dragon Quest RPG series has reached a milestone of 100 million units sold worldwide, marking its 40th anniversary.

  3. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Dragon Quest celebrates anniversaries with new food and merchandise

    Japan celebrates the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary and Dragon Quest Island 5th anniversary with limited-edition food at Nijigen no Mori and new apparel collaborations from Graniph.

  4. [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Dragon Quest and Graniph announce sixth collaboration collection

    Dragon Quest and Graniph are releasing their sixth ‘DQ+g’ merchandise collection on September 18, 2026, featuring 20 new items and themed retail displays to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary.

  5. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Dragon Quest franchise expands with new titles and HD remake

    Square Enix expands the Dragon Quest franchise with the upcoming release of Dragon Quest Monsters on December 3 and the international launch of the Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon HD remake.

  6. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Dragon Quest celebrates 40th anniversary with new merchandise

    Square Enix and Premium Bandai are releasing special Dragon Quest 40th anniversary merchandise, including commemorative cookie tins and monster figure chocolate capsules.

  7. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Taito to release new Dragon Quest themed prizes in September

    Taito will release four new Dragon Quest themed prizes in September, including figurines, keychains, and plush toys.

  8. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Takara Tomy unveils Dragon Quest collaboration toys at Tokyo Toy Show

    Takara Tomy unveiled Dragon Quest-themed collaboration toys, including Slime-themed suspense games, at the Tokyo Toy Show 2026. The products are set for release in October 2026.

  9. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Square Enix announces new Dragon Quest merchandise lineup

    Square Enix is releasing new Dragon Quest merchandise starting December 8, including water-activated Slime compressed towels and various character plush mascots.

  10. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Square Enix announces Dragon Quest 40th anniversary merchandise

    Square Enix has announced new Dragon Quest 40th anniversary merchandise, including monster mini-figures, finger puppet plushies, and commemorative pins, set for release in November 2026.

  11. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Dragon Quest merchandise expands with new Taito prizes and Shimamura Park items

    New Dragon Quest merchandise is arriving via Taito and Chambre, featuring 40th-anniversary themed items including plushies, figures, and accessories.

  12. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Square Enix Announces Dragon Quest Bath Ball Release for December 2026

    Square Enix will launch two Dragon Quest Bath Ball sets in Dec 2026, featuring characters like Esterk and various slimes, with pre‑order boxes priced at ¥7,656.

  13. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Square Enix releases Dragon Quest ONE MARK capsule toy collection in Japan

    Square Enix launched a ¥500 Dragon Quest capsule‑toy set on 20 July 2026, featuring nine monster charms and sparking fan excitement in Japan.

  14. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Square Enix launches new Smile Slime merchandise in Japan on July 25

    Square Enix will release four new Dragon Quest‑themed Smile Slime items, including dust‑boxes, an ice‑tray, storage boxes and a cushion, on 25 July in Japan.

  15. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Square Enix launches new Dragon Quest monster figurine collection

    Square Enix will sell a nine‑piece Dragon Quest monster figurine set on Nov 11, while analysis highlights how the series reimagines mythic creatures like the Chimera.

  16. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Square Enix unveils Dragon Quest 40th anniversary metal figures and plush toys

    Square Enix’s e‑STORE opened reservations for Dragon Quest 40th‑anniversary metal figurines, mini‑puppet plush toys, hand‑sized plush items and pins, all set for release on 11 Nov 2026.

  17. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Square Enix schedules Dragon Quest Monsters 4 launch on Dec 3 2026

    Square Enix set the Dec 3 2026 launch of Dragon Quest Monsters 4 across PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, Switch 2 and PC, with over 500 monsters, two main characters and multiple DLC packs priced from €59.99 to €219.9

  18. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Dragon Quest Monsters 4 launches Dec 3 2026 with special edition bonuses

    Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monsters 4 releases Dec 3 2026 on Switch, PS5, Xbox and PC, featuring Bianka and Flora; a save‑data seed set from Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and a limited Super Masters edition with

  19. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World slated for Dec 3 launch

    Square Enix and TOSE's Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches Dec 3 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Switch (incl. Switch 2) and PS5, featuring monster befriending, synthesis and online battles.

  20. [CULTURE] 12 sources
    Square Enix revamps Dragon Quest 12, unveils “Beyond Dreams” and new Monsters spin‑off

    Square Enix resets Dragon Quest 12, renaming it “Beyond Dreams” and sets a 2027‑28 release, while also announcing the ESRB‑rated monster‑taming spin‑off “The Withered World” for Switch and other platforms.

  21. [CULTURE] 9 sources
    Square Enix Restarts Dragon Quest XII, Unveils New Title Beyond Dreams

    Square Enix has scrapped Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, restarting development and unveiling the new title Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams, with a teaser shown but no release date yet.

  22. [CULTURE] 22 sources
    Square Enix revamps Dragon Quest 12 as “Beyond Dreams” after development reboot

    Square Enix rebooted Dragon Quest 12, dropping ‘The Flames of Fate’ for ‘Beyond Dreams’, citing a team reshuffle and new story about a hero plagued by dream visions; no release date or platform yet.

Sources

animeanime.jp · apollongs.gr · astrea-apotheke.ch · cabanadoleitor.com.br · cho-animedia.jp · comicbook.com · diariotiempo.com.ar · ecodipavia.it · eurogamer.de · eurogamer.pt · feature.cozre.jp · game.watch.impress.co.jp · gamebrain.be · gamegrid.de · gamer.no · gamerclick.it · gamereactor.de · gamereactor.it · gamereactor.no · gamereactor.pt · gamersglobal.de · gamesource.it · gamespark.jp · gametimers.it · gamezone.de · geekgeneration.fr · geekzilla.tech · gonintendo.com · gram.pl · hh-mittendrin.de · hondudiario.com · igizmo.it · inside-games.jp · it-boltwise.de · jugem.jp · jwave.com.br · lifehacker.jp · loopia.it · magmix.jp · mein-mmo.de · multiplayer.it · netcost-security.fr · new-game-plus.fr · news.cube-soft.jp · nicchiban.nichegamer.com · ninten-switch.com · nintendoeverything.com · nintendolife.com

This summary has been updated 12 times: see revision history