Square Enix’s Long-Awaited RPG Series Returns This December

Grand Theft Auto 6 may be dominating the conversation, but it isn’t the only game arriving as 2026 winds down. If you’d prefer something gentler, with no gunplay, explicit content, or drug references, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is worth a look. This newest entry in Square Enix’s spinoff series pairs turn-based RPG combat with Pokémon-style creature collecting, and it offers over 500 endearing monsters to recruit.

You take on the roles of Bianca and Nera as children. They’re the heroines of Dragon Quest 5. When their fathers fall victim to a baffling illness, the two girls set out in search of rare medicinal ingredients. Along the way, you’ll assemble and refine a party of four monsters, fusing them to produce stronger creatures with distinct skills and traits. Some monsters can be obtained only through synthesis, and the most coveted ones require a four-way merger, known as grandparent synthesis. The Withered World also supports online multiplayer, so you can test your team against players across the globe. You can also join a squad of four and work together to bring down towering monsters.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World editions, DLC, and pre-order bonuses

Square Enix is offering The Withered World in three editions: the Standard Edition at $59.99, the Digital Deluxe Edition at $94.99, and the Collector’s Edition at $219.99.

The Digital Deluxe Edition bundles all four DLC packs available at launch. Each pack can also be bought separately.

Mega Mole Hole introduces dungeons filled with monsters you’ve already met. Monster Marathons is a mini-game that rewards you with crafting materials, experience points, and gold. The Metallic Ring turns nearby monsters into metal slimes, liquid metal slimes, metal king slimes, or hunter mechs, making them ideal for farming experience. Lastly, the Scout Run VIP Card unlocks special perks in the game’s Scout Run feature. The Collector’s Edition comes with a physical copy of the game, every Digital Deluxe DLC item, six collectible figurines, a Slime pouch, and a Dragon Quest-themed cleaning cloth.

Anyone who pre-orders any edition of The Withered World will also receive a set of in-game consumables. The bonus includes an Adventure Starter Set, containing 10 Monster Munchies, three Bonus Balls, and five Seeds of Skill. It also includes a Hearty Meat Set, containing five Monster Munchies, five Smoked Sirloins, and five Meaty Treats.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches on Dec. 3 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC via Steam, and Xbox Series X.