Dragon Quest has managed to solidify itself as one of the most popular staunchly classic JRPG franchises in the gaming industry. Spanning multiple titles the games have been known for their multilayered stories, unique design, challenging enemies, and last but not least dynamic, complex, and difficult dungeons.
The dungeons being one of the flagship features of the series have had varied settings, enemies, designs, and even gimmicks. Each installment has taken an individual yet similar approach to its dungeons. Here are the 10 the best dungeons to appear throughout the Dragon Quest series.
10 Drustan’s Labyrinth - Dragon Quest XI
Starting with the most recent entry in the Dragon Quest franchise, XI, the end game dungeon of Drustan’s Labyrinth is a shining gem. Filled with puzzles in the form of trials, challenging enemies, and boss battles to even give maxed out players a run for their money. This dungeon is not for the faint of heart, however, those willing to put up with a challenge will enjoy an action-packed journey.
9 Black Citadel - Dragon Quest VIII
Considered the best installment in the franchise by many, Dragon Quest VIII, the game truly set the standard for the modern-day implementations of the series. Containing massive amounts of content, one of the pillars of the game was its uniquely long and multifaceted dungeons both surprised and challenged players. Prime among them being the Black Citadel, with its unforgettably haunting environment, and maze-like structure.
8 Cave To Another World - Dragon Quest VII
A post-game bonus dungeon in the series’ 7th mainline installment, the Cave To Another World is a controversial choice. Players that have gone through this gauntlet either love it or hate.
Depending on how one feels about revisiting different dungeons from the past, this challenge will either be nostalgic and fun, or repetitive and frustrating. Luckily no matter where one stands, it is optional post-game content, so haters can simply skip it.
7 Knightmare Towers - Dragon Quest V
Dragon Quest V is unfortunately not an installment that has been played by most casual fans. Since the installment came before the series hit mainstream popularity in the West it tends to get overlooked.
For those that can look over the slightly dated graphics and mechanics, the game is worth a playthrough. Especially when considering the fact that the game contains one of the best dungeons in Dragon Quest history. Containing a very special puzzle and different kind of boss battle, this dungeon definitely deserves a run through by all true fans.
6 Mortamor’s Dreadlair - Dragon Quest VI
Fans are lucky that Dragon Quest VI made it to the West. Having one of the series’ more intense and narratively developed stories Dragon Quest VI was certainly an adventure to remember. An adventure culminating in the final dungeon, Mortamor’s Dreadlair, a hellscape where players must ruthlessly fight to reach the devious main antagonist Mortamor and save the world.
5 Dragonlord’s Castle - Dragon Quest I
The final dungeon in the game that would start the legendary series. Admittedly the first entry was not as well-received as many would expect. In fact, it is universally considered to be one of the worst entries in the series.
That is not justification, however, to ignore the games sprawling and intimidating final dungeon, the Dragonlord’s Castle. This was a long and exasperating challenge that truly demanded players be on their toes. Dragon Quest I while generally unremarkable, is still worth a revisit, if only for the final area.
4 Uptaten Tower - Dragon Quest V
Another entry from Dragon Quest V, and for good reason. This installment truly focused on the gamers’ experience through dungeon raiding. The spiral tower-like Uptaten Tower dungeon is a perfect example of this.
Including even more challenging puzzles, dungeon unique enemies, and an eerie yet adventurous background tune that players can still remember to this day.
3 Realm Of The Mighty - Dragon Quest IX
The Realm of the Mighty is a nightmarish location, that while enjoyable, will genuinely provide even the most skilled Dragon Quest players a run for their money. The unique, dream-like design and the final boss are absolutely unforgettable in their own right, but when put together create the formula that make this dungeon shine.
2 Castle Nadiria - Dragon Quest IV
This dungeon earns it’s spot on the list not through gimmicks, or complex design, or confusing puzzles. On the contrary, this can be considered one of Dragon Quest’s best dungeons for its pure simplicity. There are not overtly complex tasks or confusing setups. The dungeon is simple, strong monsters, good loot, powerful final boss. A throwback to the good old days of gaming.
1 Tartarus - Dragon Quest X
This may seem like a snide entry, considering Dragon Quest X never received a release outside of Japan (ignoring a short-lived Windows port in China). However, the game and its dungeons received rave reviews.
The reason Tartarus, the game’s final dungeon, receives the number 1 spot is because X is an MMORPG. Giving players the great Dragon Quest dungeon crawling gameplay they have been accustomed to, but with the addition of taking on these challenges with friends. Hopefully, rumors of a Dragon Quest X release in the West within the next year will actually turn out to be true.
NEXT: The 10 Best Final Fantasy Games That Never Left Japan
