At Summer Game Fest 2026, the next title in the Dragon Quest series, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World, was announced. Today, more details were shared.
It has been nearly two years since the DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince revival launched for the Nintendo Switch in 2024. What fans ran into with that launch was a spin on the traditional DRAGON QUEST formula. Instead of playing a descendant of a legendary hero, you play a main antagonist of the fourth entry in the role of Pokémon Trainer (or monster trainer) set in the world of DRAGON QUEST IV. The Dark Prince allowed you to recruit, train, and battle iconic monsters from the series as a ne’er-do-well of the overarching world.
At SGF 2026, this series has received another announcement, and it’s set in the world of DRAGON QUEST V. DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World returns players to the monster ranching style of the previous Dark Prince entry, except this time around, you get to play as the protagonists of that game’s main party instead of the main antagonist. The trailer can be seen below, as shown at SGF 2026.
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World’s protagonists are Biance and Nera from DRAGON QUEST V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride. Bianca (voiced by Eva Feiler) is a reliable character who always takes good care of her companions, and Nera (voiced by Kimberly Capera) is a kind person who tries to help at every opportunity. The two go on a journey through a rich world in search of the fabled Leaves of Light. These leaves are said to possess healing properties which will heal their sick fathers.
Over the course of their adventure, the girls will put aside their differences and help each other as they overcome staggering obstacles in their way. Bianca and Nera are joined by many trusted allies, including the passionate Debora, the strange but loyal being Fluffy and the oddball Fizzy. The star of the DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World title is its monsters, and players can recruit the monsters they meet in each different area, send them into battle, use them to synthesize new creatures and strengthen the party.
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World features over 500 monsters to wrangle, including iconic ones from across the DRAGON QUEST series and some all-new additions to the roster. The Withered World will also have some extra content upon release. Four DLC packs have been announced: The Mega Mole Hole, Monster Marathons, the Metallic Ring and the Scout Run VIP Card. Each DLC includes content that will help the heroes on their adventure.
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World is launching for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC Via Steam and the Microsoft Store on Thursday, December 3, 2026.
