Home » New Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World Details Dive Into Joint Battles, Monsters, and More

The next Dragon Quest spin-off is set to release in December and it’s shaping up to be a fun adventure based on our time with it at PAX West. Saving the world while taming monsters is fun but new Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World details have surfaced from Square Enix that’ll bring in more ways to play with friends, meet new monsters, and characters to the game’s story.

Meet the Priestess

We’re introduced to a key character in the game’s story named Bianca, a priestess devoted to the two Archeagles. Once the Evil Eye descended from the heavens, not only did the Archeagles disappeared, so did Almira. What will her role be during your adventure?

Takes Two to Tangle

When it comes to big battles, it’s more for one character to handle. Lucky for you, your partner that’s been in the backseat will join forces with you to defeat this large opponent. It’s a battle that takes two to win. Each party uses shared HP and MP gauges that apply to all its monsters. Players will continue to issue orders to your reserve party with the Tactics option. The Massive monster will have Pet Hates that are unique actions your party can do to rile them up and charge their Rage gauge. When full, the beast will rip stronger attacks and when that anger has subsided, it’ll be too exhausted to move. It’s your biggest change to pile the attacks and finish the fight.

Join battles are available in the arena or online. Connect with players in Online Joint Battles and win matches before the end of round ten. Players can connect up to four friends or players around the world. Work together to defeat a range of massive monsters. Neat!

Three of a Kind

Earlier in the year, The Withered World revealed new monsters and now, more new monsters are introduced to this upcoming spin-off monster wrangler game. Hammerhood honcho, carrying similarities of Hammerhood, this one stands out with a twisted headband, a beard, and more ways to create damage. See slug carries a single sparkly golden eye with water-elemental spells and abilities. Panda pilgrim is visually a wandering panda wearing a cloak, with a walking stick that can create some damage.

Quick Recruiting Method

When it comes to befriending monsters in the wild, it’s now simpler with Quick Scouting. Based on our experience, players would have to battle each monster and recruit them through these events. Now, you can recruit monsters without entering a battle by throwing a hunk of meat at it and you might be able to recruit it. Once the meat is thrown, your party will rush in and perform the Show of Force, the command to recruit monsters. Later in the game, a new option called Scout Run lets you encounter rare monsters not found in the wild. This option is the only way to to recruit these special monsters.

Getting a Head Start

For those who want a head start, players can play the demo available now on all release platforms. You’ll start from the beginning of the girls’ arrival in Witherwood till the completion of the initial events there. Quick Scouting and Synthesis will be introduced during the demo. Additionally, playing the demo will give players bonus items when you play the full game. Save data will transfer the rank G and F monsters from your main party and reserves from the demo into the full game. Monsters transfered this method will be available from depot once you unlock it but they will start from level one.

Fans can visit the game’s official website for purchasing options and to download the demo on their preferred platform. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches on December 3, 2026 for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Source: Square Enix