{"id":95192,"date":"2026-10-24T01:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T17:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=95192"},"modified":"2026-10-24T01:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T17:26:00","slug":"the-square-enix-rpg-series-fans-have-waited-years-for-is-back-this-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=95192","title":{"rendered":"The Square Enix RPG Series Fans Have Waited Years for Is Back This December"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Grand Theft Auto 6<\/em> might be sucking up all the oxygen in the room, but it’s not the only video game releasing in the closing weeks of 2026. If you’re looking for a more lighthearted experience that doesn’t involve shooting people, graphic nudity, or drug use, look no further than Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World<\/em>. The latest entry in Square Enix’s spinoff series blends turn-based RPG elements with Pok\u00e9mon-like creature collecting, and features more than 500 charming monsters to befriend.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You’ll play as younger versions of Bianca and Nera, the heroines of Dragon Quest 5. <\/em>After both their fathers are stricken by a mysterious illness, they embark on a quest to find rare medicinal ingredients. You’ll create and refine your party of four monsters, combining them to create stronger creatures with specific skills and traits. Certain monsters can only be obtained through synthesis, and some especially desirable creatures can only be created through a four-way merger (i.e., grandparent synthesis). The Withered World <\/em>will also feature online multiplayer, allowing you to compete against other players around the world. You can also team up in squads of four for joint battles to take down giant monsters.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World editions, DLC, and pre-order bonuses
\n <\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\"DQM\n <\/picture>Image: Square Enix<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Square Enix will release three versions of The Withered World: <\/em>Standard Edition ($59.99), Digital Deluxe Edition ($94.99), and Collector’s Edition ($219.99).<\/p>\n

The Digital Deluxe Edition includes all four DLC packs that will be available at launch. All DLC can be purchased individually, too.<\/p>\n

The Mega Mole Hole adds dungeons containing monsters players have encountered previously. Monster Marathons <\/em>is a mini-game where you can earn crafting items, experience points, and gold. The Metallic Ring <\/em>is an item that transforms nearby monsters into metal slimes, liquid metal slimes, metal king slimes, or hunter mechs to farm experience. Finally, the Scout Run VIP Card gives special perks for the game\u2019s Scout Run feature. The Collector’s Edition includes a physical copy of the game, all the Digital Deluxe DLC items, six collectable figurines, a Slime pouch, and a Dragon Quest-themed cleaning cloth.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n
\n

Get Polygon\u2019s Wishlister newsletter<\/h3>\n

A weekly cheat sheet to what you\u2019ll eventually love to play. No buying, no
\n\t\t\tcommitment \u2014 just saving for later.<\/p>\n

\t\t\tSign up free
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n

Free. Unsubscribe anytime.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Folks who pre-order any version of The Withered World<\/em> will receive an assortment of in-game consumables as a bonus. These include<\/p>\n

an Adventure Starter Set (10 Monster Munchies, three Bonus Balls, and five Seeds of Skill) and a Hearty Meat Set (five Monster Munchies, five Smoked Sirloins, and five Meaty Treats).<\/p>\n

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World <\/em>will be released on Dec. 3 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC (via Steam), and Xbox Series X.<\/p>\n