Are Dragon Quest 4 and 5 Connected? A Look at Their Links and Storylines

Are Dragon Quest 4 and 5 Connected? Let’s Unravel the Dragon Quest Universe!

So, you’re diving into Dragon Quest and wondering about connections? Are Dragon Quest 4 and 5 linked? Grab your slime stress ball! We will decode these connections in a fun way. This is better than a barrel of Heroes from Dragon Quest IV.

Dragon Quest Game Connections: It’s Complicated (But Not Really)

Let’s be clear: Dragon Quest isn’t just one long saga. You don’t need to play every game in order. Each title stands alone. Think of each Dragon Quest as a novel in an anthology. Each tells a complete story, with some shared themes and Easter eggs.

• Standalone Adventures Rule: For the most part, you can jump into almost any main Dragon Quest game (that’s numbers 1 through 11) and enjoy it. Each game presents fresh characters, new worlds, and self-contained stories. Yuji Horii says each Dragon Quest is intended as a “fresh start and new story.” So, no need for homework!

The Trilogy Tangle: Erdrick and Zenithia

While “standalone adventure” is the norm, there are some exceptions. We have trilogies! These act as mini-series within Dragon Quest.

• The Erdrick Trilogy (Games 1-3): These were the first interconnected games. Dragon Quest 1, 2, and 3 link together, forming a trilogy about Erdrick. Dragon Quest 2 follows 1, and 3 is the clever prequel. Think of it like the Star Wars original trilogy, but with more slimes.
• The Zenithia Trilogy (Games 4-6): Here come our games! Dragon Quest 4, 5, and 6 are connected, but loosely. They share a world and plot threads, especially Zenithia castle. Fans call them the Zenithia Trilogy. So yes, they are related but not in a direct sequel kind of way. Think cousins instead of siblings.
• Games 7-11: Going Solo Again: After Zenithia, Dragon Quest 7 through 11 mostly return to standalone format. They exist in their own worlds, with little direct links to prior series games.

Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen – Meet Your Heroes!

Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen is unique! It unfolds as an anthology. The original version has five chapters. Each focuses on a different protagonist who joins a main hero. Clever concept!

• The Hero (You Get to Choose!): The main character is known as the Hero. You decide their gender and name. In lore, they are sometimes called Solo or Sofia. This prophesied 18-year-old faces the big baddie Psaro.
• Gameplay Goodness: For the main quest, expect around 27 hours of playtime in Dragon Quest 4. If you aim to find every secret, prepare for about 43 hours!
• Difficulty Curveballs: Don’t get comfortable in early chapters! Dragon Quest 4 begins easy but spikes in difficulty around chapter four. Consider yourself warned!

Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride – A Family Affair

Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is often seen as one of the best! It has a sweeping story that spans generations and pulls at heartstrings.

• Story Time: From Game to Film: The emotional ride of Dragon Quest 5‘s story even inspired a movie! Dragon Quest: Your Story, a 2019 animated film, retells this game’s events. Opinions on it vary but it shows the game’s impact.
• The Hero (Again, Names Vary): Just like in DQ4, the hero has no fixed name. Abel is a common default in Japanese remakes, while Lucas appears in other adaptations. Choose your name or make your own!
• Monster Mania: Gotta Recruit ‘Em All (Well, Some of Them): Dragon Quest 5 introduced monster recruitment! You could convince certain monsters to join your party. Recruit up to 76 monsters! Expect to spend about 30-50 hours completing this monster-collecting adventure, per HowLongToBeat.

Dragon Quest 3 and 11: Bonus Round – Timeline Teasers

Let’s add two more Dragon Quest games for context!

• Dragon Quest 3: Prequel Power: Dragon Quest 3 is a prequel to 1 and 2, forming the Erdrick Trilogy in quite an out-of-order fashion. It tells of the legendary hero’s ancestor. In this game, the hero can again be male or female, known as Loto in Japanese or Erdrick in English.
• Dragon Quest 11: Maybe the Beginning of it All?: Interestingly, Dragon Quest 11, while last in the main series, has hints suggesting it might be a prequel to Dragon Quest 3. This makes it possibly the first game in the Dragon Quest timeline!

The Dragon Quest Verdict: Connected, But You Do You

Circling back: are Dragon Quest 4 and 5 connected? Yes, they belong to the Zenithia Trilogy and share an expansive world. But you do not need to play 4 to understand 5. Each offers a complete adventure by itself.

The beauty of Dragon Quest lies in its welcoming nature. Start with 4, 5, or any other entry! Prepare for classic turn-based battles, long playtime, and plenty of charm. Choose your Dragon Quest adventure—no prior experience needed!