The development team TOSE and publisher Square Enix have announced new information about the upcoming JRPG title Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World. They revealed everything about the characters, story, world, and various monsters we will encounter on our journey down to the smallest details.
About the game
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is the latest installment in the Monsters series and will be released on December 3, 2026, on all platforms on the same day; this is a strategy that Square will also apply to titles such as Final Fantasy VII Revelation and Kingdom Hearts 4. The protagonists of the game are the already well-known Bianca and Nera, whom we remember from Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride. This time, the two of them embark on a journey through a wondrous world and will become monster hunters that players will control in battle.
The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with a standard version, a digital deluxe version, and a collector's edition. Both will feature new visuals created by Square's Hayato Yamamoto.
A new adventure
As already mentioned, Bianca and Nera will be our protagonists, and they set out on their journey to find a cure and save their fathers. Thus, they will put their differences aside and unite their strengths in the fight against various obstacles. You will also not be locked into playing with one of them; you will be able to switch roles at will.
Bianca will be voiced by Eva Feiler (English, Killjoy in Valorant) and Marina Inoue (Japanese, Armin Arlert in Attack on Titan), and she is described as an energetic person from the city of Roundbeck who loves to take care of her companions and be at the forefront. Nera will be voiced by Kimberley Capero (English, Final Fantasy The Ivalice Chronicles) and Kana Hanazawa (Japanese, Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate), and she is described as the embodiment of kindness and grace, coming from the city of Mostroferrato.
Their allies
Bianca and Nera will be accompanied on their journey by a number of allies, and the team has also introduced us to some of them.
First up is Debora (Rebecca Hanssen - Alfira in Baldur's Gate 3, Romi Park - Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist), Nera's independent sister who likes to do things her way and is not afraid to speak her mind. Although she doesn't show it, she often loves to take care of her sister.
Fluffy is an unusual but reliable guide who will teach the heroines how to be monster hunters; he will be voiced by Caius Nicholas and Yoshino Aoyama (Noire in Granblue Fantasy).
Fizzy is Debora's companion who is always ready to share words of encouragement. He will be voiced by Harriet Carmichael (Vanea from Xenoblade Chronicles) and Hina Suguta (Naga in Goddess of Victory: Nikke).
The story
Bianca and Nera are on a mission to find the Leaves of Life, a mythical item that is said to heal their fathers. One evening, they are visited by a mysterious being, Fluffy, who takes them to another kingdom, Witherwood, where the Leaves grow. There, they discover that the mentioned place has been destroyed by evil forces, and the only thing that has survived is the item they need. Fluffy grants them the power to encounter monsters, and they set off on their mission.
The world
Witherwood will be your base of operations where you will explore a rich and diverse world, from various tropical beaches to overgrown areas, and you will also visit various dungeons. There will be a day-night cycle that will change the world, so you will encounter creatures that may not have been present during certain times. You will also pass through the ocean floor where you will come across a pirate ship, which is also a popular topic of conversation.
Take your favorite monsters on an adventure
An essential part of the Dragon Quest Monsters series are monster hunters who are a great help on your journey. Throughout various areas, you will encounter them and be able to catch them and add them to your team. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World will have over 500 of them, and many familiar faces from the Dragon Quest series will be present. With each battle, the monsters will become stronger and gain new skills and abilities; by merging two specimens, you will get a new one, so there will be plenty of room for creating combinations.
One of these creatures is Platypup, which has fluffy fur, but although it looks cute, it is strong enough to even destroy rocks.
Four additional contents available at launch
With the release of the main game, four additional contents will also be available, titled: the Mega Mole Hole, Monster Marathons, the Metallic Ring, and the Scout Run VIP Card, each of which will bring something to help Bianca and Neri in their mission. They will all be available together in one package called the 4-Item Set.
The Mega Mole Hole - this specially designed dungeon will reconnect us with the monsters we have met before, allowing us to choose the desired rank and type we want to encounter more frequently.
Monster Marathons - this mini-game tasks you with sending your monsters on a journey and determining when they will jump during the level. Based on your progress, you will craft items, earn skill points, and collect gold coins.
The Metallic Ring - this magical item will grant you the ability to transform monsters into various types of slimes (metal slimes, liquid metal slimes, metal king slimes) and even robots (hunter mechs). You must also be careful as you can use it every 30 minutes.
The Scout Run VIP Card - it will give you special benefits to maximize the Scout Run feature, which will include additional scouty treats, a higher number of enemy appearances, and shorter refresh times between uses.
