TOKYO – May 28, 2025 – Square Enix has ended years of eager speculation by announcing the official release date for the *Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake*. The groundbreaking reimagining of the JRPG classics will launch worldwide on October 15, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
The announcement came via a stunning new trailer showcasing the beloved titles’ transformation through the signature "HD-2D" visual style—a fusion of nostalgic pixel art with modern lighting, particle effects, and depth-of-field. First pioneered in Octopath Traveler and later in Live A Live, this aesthetic breathes new life into Erdrick’s saga while preserving the charm of Yuji Horii’s original 1986/1987 masterpieces.
"We wanted to honor these foundational games in a way that resonates with both longtime fans and new adventurers," said series producer Noriyoshi Fujimoto in a press statement. "The HD-2D treatment isn’t just visual—we’ve reorchestrated Koichi Sugiyama’s iconic scores, refined combat pacing, and added quality-of-life features like auto-saves and adjustable difficulty."
Fans erupted online following Square Enix’s social media reveal. The official Dragon Quest Twitter account shared a cinematic snippet of the remakes’ overworld, featuring the Luminary’s sword piercing through storm clouds as the classic overture swells:
Watch the Announcement Trailer Here
Notably, the remakes will include both Dragon Quest I (originally Dragon Warrior in the West) and its first sequel as a single package. Players begin as Erdrick’s descendant hunting the Dragonlord across Alefgard in DQ1, then seamlessly transition to DQ2’s expanded world map spanning three continents with a party system—a revolutionary step for the series.
Why This Remake Matters
While Square Enix has re-released these titles numerous times, this marks their first ground-up remake. The project aims to bridge generational gaps: veterans can relive the grind-heavy originals with streamlined mechanics (including reduced random encounters), while newcomers experience JRPG history without dated frustrations. Early footage reveals meticulously redrawn sprites, dynamic weather across 3D diorama-style environments, and spell effects that pop with new intensity.
Pre-orders open June 20th with bonuses including digital soundtracks and legacy monster designs. Industry analysts note this release could signal more HD-2D revivals for Square Enix’s back catalog, with *Dragon Quest III HD-2D* already confirmed to follow.
For fans who’ve waited since the project’s 2021 teaser, the countdown to October begins. As Fujimoto concluded: "This is where RPGs found their heart. We’re giving that heart a new beat."
Explore the official game page for screenshots and pre-order details:
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Official Website
Happy #DragonQuestDay to all who celebrate! 🎉
— DRAGON QUEST (@DragonQuest) May 27, 2025
We're excited to announce that #DragonQuest I & II HD-2D Remake arrives 30th October 2025.
Coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on Windows.
Pre-orders… pic.twitter.com/AccZbEayAo
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