"Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake - Beginner's Guide"

For fans of classic JRPGs, *Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake* beautifully recaptures the essence of what made the series so cherished. However, its old-school challenge can be daunting. Here are some essential tips to help you embark on your journey to defeat Baramos.

Be Mindful of the Personality Test

At the start of the game, you'll encounter a series of questions from "She Who Watches Over All." This personality test is crucial as it determines your character's personality, which in turn affects your stat growth. The personality assigned to your Hero can significantly impact your gameplay. While you can alter personalities with specific accessories, it's often simpler to restart and retake the quiz to secure your preferred personality. If you're aiming for the best, opt for the "Vamp" personality, which is exclusive to a female Hero, offering the most advantageous stat boosts.

Build Your Party

In Aliahan, you'll visit Patty's Party Planning Place where Patty will suggest a party setup. However, for a more tailored experience, head to the second floor and speak with the man at the counter. Here, you can create a custom party with classes not offered by Patty. Even if you choose the classes Patty suggests, doing so on the second floor allows you to allocate stats and influence personalities, resulting in a stronger party. Always include a Priest in your team to ensure you have access to healing magic.

Get the Boomerang and Thorn Whip

Early acquisition of powerful weapons is crucial in *Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake* due to their high cost. Focus on obtaining the Boomerang and the Thorn Whip. The Boomerang is located in a chest on the third floor of Dreamer's Tower, while the Thorn Whip can be obtained in Aliahan by trading two Mini Medals to Morgan Minimann at the bottom of the well. You can collect four Mini Medals early on—two in Aliahan and two in Dreamer's Tower. These weapons are invaluable as they can hit multiple enemies simultaneously, making them ideal for the Hero and a strength-based character like a Warrior or Martial Artist.

Switch the Party to Follow Orders

While many modern RPGs allow full control over party members, *Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake* defaults to AI control. To optimize your strategy, switch your party's behavior to "Follow Orders" via the Tactics menu during combat. This small adjustment can make a significant difference, allowing you to command your party members effectively in the heat of battle.

Have a Supply of Chimaera Wings

Early in the game, you're vulnerable to enemy ambushes that can deal significant damage. Fast travel isn't available until you unlock the Zoom spell, typically at level 8 for the Hero. Until then, keep a stock of Chimaera Wings handy. These cost only 25 gold coins and enable you to fast-travel to previously visited locations, even from within dungeons. They're a lifesaver for keeping your party safe and saving time.

*Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake* is available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.