Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World has over 500 monsters to collect

Square Enix has confirmed that Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches worldwide on December 3, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. The game was first revealed in May during a livestream marking the Dragon Quest franchise's 40th anniversary.

Bianca and Nera lead the adventure

The Withered World follows dual protagonists Bianca and Nera, characters first introduced in Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride. The two become monster wranglers, recruiting and raising creatures to fight on their behalf rather than battling themselves directly.

Players can keep up to four monsters active in a party, with four more held in reserve for a total of eight at any time. Monsters can be issued direct orders or set to follow a general strategy in battle. Bianca and Nera each have a unique power called the Wrangler's Spirit, which can activate once per battle. Bianca's version heals HP and boosts attack power, while Nera's restores MP and raises defense.

Over 500 monsters and a synthesis system

Square Enix confirmed the game includes more than 500 monsters split across eight families, including returning fan favorites and new creatures exclusive to this entry. Monsters are recruited during battle using a move called Show of Force, and each has its own rank, size, and personality that affects how it grows.

Synthesis lets players combine two monsters, once both have reached level 10, to create a stronger child monster that can inherit its parents' talents. Repeated synthesis can raise a stat called Plus Value, which can push a child monster to a higher rank than either parent.

Editions, pricing, and post-launch content

The game will be available in three editions: a $59.99 Standard Edition, a $94.99 Digital Deluxe Edition, and a $219.99 physical Collector's Edition. The Collector's Edition is sold through Square Enix's online store for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, and includes the Digital Deluxe bonuses alongside physical extras such as character figurines and a monster-patterned cleaning cloth.

Four DLC packs, Mega Mole Hole, Monster Marathons, Metallic Ring, and Scout Run VIP Card, will be available at launch for $9.99 each or $34.99 as a bundle. The game also includes online features for PvP battles and tournaments between monster wranglers.