Square Enix announces Dragon Quest Smash/Grow for mobile platforms, closed beta in October

Publisher Square Enix just announced a new spin-off of the popular RPG franchise Dragon Quest. Titled “Dragon Quest Smash/Grow”, this mobile game is set to launch in 2026 for both iOS and Android. Unlike traditional entries in the classic JRPG series, the game is described by its developers as a roguelite RPG featuring fast, action-packed combat designed to be enjoyed in short bursts on mobile devices.

What sets Dragon Quest Smash/Grow apart?

The gameplay concept of Smash/Grow blends familiar elements from the series with innovative mechanics. Players will battle waves of monsters, collect new skills to level up their character, and defeat enemies with “Coup de Grâce” special attacks. Randomised power-ups at the start of each round ensure every run feels unique.

Smash/Grow thus introduces gameplay mechanics that differ from those found in mainline titles. Incidentally, nearly all cores entries in the series are now available as mobile games, as many of them were previously ported to the Game Boy Advance or Nintendo 3DS, including parts I to VI, VIII, and X.

Beta test scheduled for mid-October

To give fans a first taste of Dragon Quest Smash/Grow, Square Enix will hold a closed beta test from 14 to 21 October 2025. Interested players can register on the official website until 2 October. The developer aims to use player feedback to optimise the gameplay experience ahead of the 2026 release.

The final game will launch as a free-to-play title with optional in-game purchases. The mobile-exclusive Smash/Grow will debut amid the continued success of the mainline series, driven by remakes like Dragon Quest 2D-HD I-III and the recently announced Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined (available for preorder on Amazon), along with various spin-offs. We’ll probably have to wait for the full release to find out whether Smash/Grow will feature pay-to-win mechanics commonly found in mobile games.