Square Enix is reportedly revisiting the cherished world of Dragon Quest with plans to remake Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. Anticipated for a 2026 release, this remake promises to be more than just a visual upgrade. Sources suggest a comprehensive overhaul with substantial changes to gameplay and structure.
This move seems to surpass the company’s recent HD-2D remake strategy for Dragon Quest I and II, set to launch on October 30, 2025. The Dragon Quest VII project appears to delve deeper, reflecting Square Enix’s ambition to transform the classic for a new generation.
Industry insider Jason Schreier has hinted at the project’s authenticity, remarking on Square’s intentions to modernize as many Dragon Quest titles as possible. This aligns with Square Enix’s recent successes, such as the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, which achieved remarkable sales, exceeding two million copies shortly after its release in November 2024. It swiftly became Japan’s best-selling title, with combined sales exceeding 821,770 units on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch within a week.
Originally debuting on the PlayStation in August 2000, Dragon Quest VII became a sensation in Japan, selling 4.06 million copies. Creator Yuji Horii leveraged the shift from cartridges to CD-ROM to expand the game’s scope significantly—so much so that producer Noriyoshi Fujimoto famously described the documentation as stretching “from this wall to the other.”
Speculation suggests that the Dragon Quest VII Remake could launch between the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest I and II and the upcoming Dragon Quest XII: Flames of Fate, which was first announced in May 2021. This remake seems set to reignite nostalgia while offering innovative experiences for both new and returning players.
