The Grand Dragon is arguably the hardest boss in theDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, providing a steadfast challenge for even the most dedicated of players. A completely optional (arguably hidden) superboss that’s only available after having completed just about every other bit of content in the game. Players will need to be kitted out with some of thebest weapons and armor inDragon Quest 3to even get close to it, and only then does the real challenge begin.
That’s becauseit’s every bit as hard to unlock the Grand Dragon as it is to actually beat it. It’s no substitute for ample preparation and sufficient level grinding, but here’s everything you need to know when setting out to find and defeatDragon Quest 3’s hardest superboss.
How To Unlock The Grand Dragon Fight In DQ3 Remake
Finding Xenlon & Unlocking The Temple Of Trials
The first step to unlocking the Grand Dragon fight is tobeat the entirety ofDragon Quest 3’s main story, all the way throughthe final main boss, Zoma. Immediately after that, players will find themselves in the Castle of the Dragon Queen where they can enter a portal to a mysterious megadungeon called only “???” This is a sort of rehash of several main dungeons from the base game, in which you’ll face much harder versions of familiar enemies and bosses you’ve fought throughout the game.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake: Best Spells & Abilities (& How To Get Them)
There are many abilities and spells players can make use of in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, but they must first be unlocked by leveling Vocations.
At the end of it all waits Xenlon, your first optional superboss. The trick to this battle is thatyou’ll have to beat Xenlon in 35 turns or fewer, or else you won’t get the reward you need to unlock the Grand Dragon. Xenlon specializes in breath attacks of varying elements. You’ll want to have some kind of breath-resistant armor equipped, like the Auroral Armor, in order to defend against those. He may also put members of your party to sleep, so have a Sunstone or spells like Sobering Slap at the ready.
You can fight Xenlon multiple times for additional rewards, butthe maximum turn requirement decreases each time.
After beating Xenlon, he’ll offer the party their choice of five different wishes (or so it seems). In actuality,you’ll need to select the blank space at the bottom of the menu to unlock the Temple of Trials. Xenlon will be impressed, admitting he didn’t think you knew that option existed, and giving you access to the game’s final dungeon.
Completing The Temple Of Trials
The party will then have access to the Temple of Trials. They can enter the dungeon by flying Ramia into the shimmering light in the sky. As the final dungeon in the game,the Temple of Trials is some of the hardest content available inDragon Quest 3. There are five different trials you must complete before taking on the Grand Dragon.
Each section contains not only difficult enemies and bosses, but also unique challenges, like rooms that rotate your controls or require you to offer particular items before you can continue. Certain rooms will block your progression until you’ve reached certain milestones, likerecruiting 100 friendly monsters, or havingcollected the Sword of Kings. Others will have unique battle conditions, like only allowing players to use claws and boomerangs. In short,if there’s any side content you haven’t completed, you should finish it before taking on the Temple of Trials. But once you’ve completed the five other trials,you’ll be able to challenge the Grand Dragon.
How To Defeat The Grand Dragon (Battle Strategy & Tips)
Preparation & Strategies
Before diving headlong into the fight against the Grand Dragon, make sure you’re prepared. First and foremost,you’ll probably want to grind to the absolute level cap, level 99(or at least close to it). You’ll also want to haveunlocked the Sage vocationand have a character of that class in your party with the Duplic Hat equipped for dual casting. You may also want a Monster Wrangler with the Wild Side ability so they can act twice.
Hopefully, you’ve found and equipped the Auroral Armor on your hero, too. Everyone else should havearmor and accessories to protect against breath attacks and insta-kills. Have plenty of items for healing and resurrection, and don’t forget to put them in your party members' bags. You may also want to have a Monster Wrangler with the Monster Pile-On skill and all friendly monsters recruited, as its damage is unaffected by the Grand Dragon’s defense.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake: Best Equipment For Every Vocation
Every Vocation class in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake functions differently, with their best equipment enhancing their unique strengths in your party.
For the most part,you should take this as a run-of-the-millDragon Quest 3battle. Have your hero keep everyone topped up with Omniheal, while everyone else attacks to the best of their ability. Other characters can sub in for additional healing as necessary. Dispel any buffs the Grand Dragon applies to itself, and any status effects it applies to your party members. You may be able to put the Grand Dragon to sleep, then hit him with the Thief’s Persecutter skill for massive damage.
Ultimately, the majority of the work here is done prior to the battle. You’ll want all your characters performing at their absolute best to beat the Grand Dragon. Like Xenlon,there’s a special reward for defeating the Grand Dragon in fewer than 20 turns: The Grand Medal. If you don’t achieve this the first time, you’re able to try again as much as you’d like; once you finally get there, the Dragon goes to sleep permanently. However, this item is effectively useless, and only exists as a trophy to commemorate your victory against the hardest boss in theDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake.
