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The PC debut of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined has sparked a massive resurgence for the franchise on Steam, achieving record-breaking engagement for the series. However, even this impressive turnout hasn’t been enough to dethrone the reigning champion, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D, which continues to hold a commanding lead on the platform.
According to SteamDB metrics tracking peak concurrent players, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined reached a formidable high of 27,390 users over its debut weekend. While a significant milestone for a cult classic JRPG, it remains overshadowed by the staggering performance of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D. That title, which launched in November 2024, set the bar high with an all-time peak of 45,357 simultaneous players—a substantial gap over the most recent release.
As highlighted by the gaming community on ResetEra, both modern titles have significantly outpaced previous entries in the storied series. To put their success in perspective, here is how other Dragon Quest launches on Steam currently rank:
- Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake: 15,608
- Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (Original): 11,793
- Dragon Quest X Offline: 3,538
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince: 2,987
While Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D arguably deserves its top-tier status as a masterfully executed remake, many fans believe the original release of Dragon Quest XI deserves more recognition. It stands as a perfect gateway for newcomers, offering some of the most refined storytelling the franchise has ever seen.
Regarding Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, though not without nuance. While Square Enix has modernized the experience to make it more accessible, some veteran players argue that the numerous changes have sacrificed the unique identity of the original. It remains a must-play JRPG, yet it lacks some of the uncompromising, rewarding difficulty that defined the series’ roots.
Reflecting on the series’ philosophy, creator Yuji Horii recently noted that a “key difference” between Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy lies in the protagonists. While Final Fantasy leads are often vocal and distinct, Dragon Quest heroes remain more of a blank slate, allowing the player to truly step into the role rather than just watching a character’s story unfold.
Source: gamesradar.com
