The Dragon Quest Monsters series focuses on catching, raising, and combining ("synthesizing") iconic series creatures to build a fighting team.

Players take control of a Monster Wrangler who commands monsters in turn-based, strategic combat rather than fighting directly.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World features a robust collection of more than 500 new and fan-favorite monsters, evolved graphics and an engaging narrative that follows dual protagonists Bianca and Nera as they embark on a journey to bring the world of Witherwood back to life.

Square Enix revealed new details about the game’s combat and Synthesis system.

Save a barren land from evil forces!

In Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, Bianca and Nera visit the Kingdom of Witherwood. Once upon a time, this land was lush and fertile, thanks to the enduring protection of the Archeagles. However, in recent times the forces of darkness have begun to take root, causing destruction far and wide. With the help of some newfound allies, the girls resolve to stand up against the encroaching evil.

• The elusive misdirector of the Tragedian Players, Thespidor ( Voiced by: Feliks Mathur) - The “showrunner of the darkness below,” Thespidor created the meteocite crystals, though his motives for doing so are unclear. He will appear time and again throughout the adventure.
• The solemn yet dependable monarch of Witherwood, King Withers (Voiced by: Kim Durham) - After asking the protagonists to save his kingdom, he does all in his power to help them on their quest. Though he looks rather glum, the King always has a joke up his sleeveto improve the mood of his subjects.
• A self-styled “living legend” of the monster wrangling world, Ed (Voiced by: Vinay Lad) - This rambunctious boy first appears in Witherwood Castle. With Scruffy never far from his side, Ed is eager to show off in front of the protagonists.
• Ed’s partner in mischief, Scruffy (Voiced by: Tobias Weatherburn) - A born prankster said to hail from Pays de l’Oseille, Scruffy is best buddies with Ed.

Meteocite are crystals that absorb the despair of the people and drain the land of its life’s energy. The meteocite has wrought chaos in all corners of the land. Listen to the pleas of the locals, destroy the meteocite and restore peace to the world!

A vast world of new discoveries awaits!

With Witherwood as their base of operations, Bianca and Nera will head off to the different regions of the world. Every region is its own unique biome, each with numerous diverse areas to explore. Aside from dungeons in the form of caves and towers, you may also discover powerful enemies—easily distinguished by an ominous, swirling aura that surrounds them. Secrets abound in this wide world, so you’ll have to search every nook and cranny to find everything!

Cross a sprawling, sun-drenched plain to reach a swamp where the rain never lets up. Each area is home to different monsters, changing climates and unique scenery.

An icy tower at the top of a snowy mountain... Explore such dungeons at your own risk, but bear in mind that doing so could reward you with new monsters and fantastic treasure.

While out exploring, you may run into strong monsters wreathed in a reddish aura. If you manage to befriend one, it could become a powerful ally, but you’ll want to make sure you’re tough enough to beat it first!

Take a peek at some of the regions Bianca and Nera will visit!

• Taiboku: Taiboku, a land of bamboo groves and rice paddies that’s quite unlike Witherwood. The local landmark of Memory Hall is riddled with traps and tricks to confuse unwanted visitors.
• Lushland: Enormous fruits and vegetables bring flashes of color to the plains of Lushland. Climb atop a colossal cabbage or giant pumpkin to survey the lay of the land.

The Waterwing Can: a mysterious artifact with restorative powers!

Out in the world, you’ll find Roots of Creation and Lifebuds—shrivelled remnants of the Archeagles’ waning power—that have lost their life’s energy to the forces of darkness. The good news is that at some point during your adventure you’ll acquire the Waterwing Can, a magical artifact with the power to restore life!

When you see a withered Root of Creation, give it a drizzle with the Waterwing Can! Now that its life force is restored, you can Zoom directly to that Root of Creation and use it to heal your monsters or even synthesize new ones!

Occasionally, you’ll come across a monster wrangler near a Root of Life who’s looking to challenge you. Defeat them in battle and you’ll earn a handsome reward.

Parched Lifebuds can be found all over the world, but a quick sprinkle with the Waterwing Can will make them bloom. Revive enough and you’ll receive a range of benefits that will help you on your quest.

Splash a bit of water on a suspicious bush and a monster might pop out! You may earn an item for this, but you could also uncover a rare monster. If anything looks dubious, give it a sprinkle!

No experience with past Dragon Quest Monsters games is needed to dive into this monstrously fun new adventure.

Pre-orders are now live, with Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch digital pre-orders starting at a later date.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on Dec. 3, 2026.