Square Enix has released yet another batch of information and screenshots for Dragon Quest Treasures, this time detailing the various regions of Draconia that Erik & Mia will explore come the game's release, as well as a few examples of what players can find dotted across the world. These include information on hidden balloons scattered across Draconia, hidden train stations, bejewelled enemies and more.
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Dragon Quest Treasures launches on December 9 for Nintendo Switch. For more information on the game, you can check out our hands-on preview of the game, or:
Dragon Quest Treasures takes place in Draconia, but it may surprise you to learn that its islands once formed the bodies of two enormous Golden Dragons.
Over the eons, their rocky remains have eroded away to leave six floating islands.
Excluding the central hub island, Erik and Mia can scour five very different biomes in their hunt for treasure, from volcanic mountains and bone-dry deserts to frozen wastelands. Each one is inhabited by a bevy of weird and wonderful monsters.
Let’s visit each one.
The Paternoggin
This is the island where Erik and Mia start their Draconian adventure. The upper level features plains and a dilapidated factory, while the lower level is home to forests and caves. A cable car makes it easy to travel between the two areas.
The Sylphanians have set up camp on the upper level, just around the corner from the stunning Teardrop Falls.
There are ancient buildings all over the island, but few have dared explore the monster-infested lower ruins.
The Maneland
Raging sandstorms wear away at the rocky outcrops of the Maneland, where massive skeletons protrude from the dust. In this land of blustery dunes and sand rivers, the Glide Forte is sure to be a lifesaver.
This entire island is covered in sand and rock, and only the hardiest monsters are able to survive here.
Sticky, oily puddles and fast-flowing rivers of sand are known to hinder even experienced adventurers.
Cinderback Ridge
Located in western Draconia, Cinderback Ridge is a volcanic island where rivers of molten rock and sheer cliffs abound. Some of Draconia's strongest monsters inhabit the island's central region, where the floor is flooded with lava.
Colossal red cacti grow in the Lumbar Lavalands at the centre of the island.
Jump over the lava with the Launch Forte, or float to safety with Glide.
The Wingswept Moors
In the northern part of the island, jutting out from the sprawling plains, is the lofty Mount Greywing. Elsewhere, monsters lurk in sodden marshes and poisonous swamps.
The Sprint Forte will make light work of the open plains and provide a refreshing breeze to counter the muggy marshes.
Mount Greywing, with its cooling mists, sits in stark contrast to the heat and humidity of the plains.
The Hinterquarters
The perpetually frozen Lake Swishmelt marks the southern section of this island, known for its harsh wintery climate. Unrelenting blizzards make some regions unliveable and whiteouts hide deep crevasses from view.
With judicious use of monster Fortes, perilous icebergs become stepping stones to solid ground.
Many monsters, such as Glacial Golems, relish the sub-zero temperatures and stomp about in sheer defiance.
Surprises await on every island
Erik and Mia are sure to find useful items in chests and pots, but there are plenty of other surprises waiting for them in Draconia. Some secret areas are a tight squeeze to reach, and others will need a keen eye to spot, but any treasure hunter worth their salt is willing to overcome such challenges for the chance to find legendary loot!
Each island is served by several train stations. Once you repair them, you can visit each one directly from the station at your base.
Some islands have shops that are conveniently stocked with useful items, valuable recipes and local crafting materials.
You'll need to crouch down to enter caves like this, but your efforts may well be rewarded with a hidden treasure chest!
Metallic monsters are a rare sight but defeating them will earn you a bucketload of experience points. You may even be lucky enough to recruit one!
During your adventures, you may come across special monsters made entirely of precious gems. These are exceedingly rare "bejewelled monsters", and they carry exquisite treasure. But be warned - they're fast on their feet (if they have them), so you'll have to be lightning quick!
If you’re lucky enough to encounter one, they may want to join your gang - if you can defeat them, that is!
Strange balloons have appeared all across Draconia's main islands. Shambles and Shady of the Thunderous Plunderers seem to be involved somehow and are even offering a reward to anyone who can burst them all.
Balloons will pop up in the most unusual places. Time to break out that trusty catapult and pop every one you can find!
We don’t have the space for a full world tour here, but you’ll get to explore this large, beautiful and treasure-filled world in depth, when Dragon Quest Treasures launches on December 9, 2022, for Nintendo Switch.
The game’s available to pre-order now, with some very lovely bonuses for those who do so:
5 Chimaera Wings - Returns players to base immediately without losing any treasure
15 Better Buddy Bullets - Increases the likelihood of a monster wanting to join the player’s gang
15 Fullheal Pellets - Fully restores the HP of a single ally
