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Dragon Quest Builders

Feb 13, 2024 2 years ago
Trailer 1 / 3
Type Base game 2016 Genres AdventureRole-playing (RPG) Companies Nintendo · Publisher · Square Enix · Publisher · Square Enix Business Division 5 · Developer Follow Log in to follow

"Dragon Quest Builders is a sandbox action RPG where your imagination is the limit! Everything plays out in real time and the world is made entirely of blocks (although it may not look that blocky) and you can use these blocks to build pretty much whatever you want. Building is easy and can be done in three steps: 1. Plan what you’re going to build! 2. Gather your resources! 3. Begin construction and create your masterpiece! There is an overarching main storyline to follow in Dragon Quest Builders so if you want a narrative to get attached to and pull you through, that’s in there too. It wouldn’t be a Dragon Quest game without one after all! Oh and there’s plenty of quirky side quests and NPCs to give you that full RPG experience, just with the additional sandbox gameplay and monsters to battle as well."

What it’s like

Dragon Quest Builders reimagines the classic JRPG formula through a vibrant, block-based sandbox lens. You are thrust into the role of a hero tasked with restoring the fallen realm of Alefgard, blending traditional turn-based combat with an intuitive, real-time building mechanic. The experience is defined by its accessible structure; rather than demanding pure creativity from scratch, it guides players through a compelling narrative where quests provide clear objectives and architectural inspiration. This design ensures that even those who consider themselves 'non-creative' can thrive, as the game offers ample direction for constructing towns and fortresses. The tone is lighthearted and charming, leveraging the series’ signature humor and whimsical aesthetic to create a relaxing yet engaging loop of resource gathering, construction, and light adventure. It feels like a love letter to both builders and RPG fans, offering a polished, family-friendly adventure that balances open-ended creativity with satisfying, goal-oriented progression.

Strong in Gameplay / MechanicsProgression / ReplayabilityAtmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicExploration / WorldPacingPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The combat is intentionally simplified and may feel shallow or repetitive for players seeking deep mechanical challenge. Additionally, while the building system is accessible, it lacks the granular control found in dedicated simulation titles, which might disappoint hardcore architects looking for complex structural engineering.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, reddit.com, opencritic.com, youtube.com, metacritic.com.

Screenshots

Releases

PlatformRegionTypeDate
PlayStation 3 Worldwide Full release Jan 28, 201611 years ago
PlayStation 4 Worldwide Full release Oct 11, 201610 years ago
PlayStation Vita Worldwide Full release Oct 14, 201610 years ago
Nintendo Switch Worldwide Full release Mar 01, 20188 years ago
iOS Worldwide Full release May 26, 20224 years ago
Android Worldwide Full release May 27, 20224 years ago
PC (Microsoft Windows) Worldwide Full release Feb 13, 20242 years ago

Reviews

82Critics · 23 79Players · 31

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