A New Golden Age: Square Enix Announces Another Dragon Quest RPG, Capitalizing on Renewed Global Success

In a clear signal that the storied JRPG series is in the midst of a major revival, Square Enix has announced another new Dragon Quest title, with a new roguelite RPG for mobile devices titled Dragon Quest Smash/Grow. The announcement, which came on September 17, 2025, is the latest in a series of major moves from Square Enix to capitalize on the renewed and unexpected success of the Dragon Quest franchise outside of its native Japan. The game, which is scheduled for a global release in 2026, is a fast-paced, top-down action RPG that is designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers who may have been introduced to the series through the recent HD-2D remakes. This new title, alongside the previously announced Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, is a testament to Square Enix’s renewed commitment to a series that, for years, was largely seen as a niche, Japan-only phenomenon in the West.

The success of the HD-2D remakes of Dragon Quest III and the upcoming release of the first two games has been a major turning point for the series. The modernized, yet classic, style has resonated with a new generation of players, and it has given Square Enix the confidence to greenlight new projects. The company’s recent investor reports have indicated a strategic shift toward a more balanced portfolio that includes both high-budget console titles and smaller, more experimental games. Dragon Quest Smash/Grow is a perfect example of this new strategy. The game, which will enter a closed beta test in October 2025, is a roguelite RPG that combines the series’ iconic art style and turn-based combat with a more fast-paced, modern gameplay loop. Players will fight their way through hordes of monsters and use a “Coup de Grâce” attack to finish them off. The game will also feature a “Blessings” system that allows players to enhance their characters with random abilities, ensuring that no two runs are the same. This new mobile title, with its promise of a more accessible, fast-paced experience, is a clear attempt by Square Enix to expand the series’ reach and to attract a new, more casual audience.

The SEO of a New Release: High-Value Keywords for a Massively Engaged Audience

The conversation around this new game is a powerful driver of search traffic, as it taps into a high degree of user interest and a sense of excitement for a new, unexpected release. The combination of its indie status, its “new” genre, and its ties to a major franchise makes this an essential topic to cover. The core of this story is a high-intent search query: “is Dragon Quest Smash/Grow a good game?”

• Dragon Quest Smash/Grow: This is the most direct and high-intent term, targeting the massive audience of fans and mobile gamers who are actively looking for information on the new game. It is a high-volume, high-CPC (Cost-Per-Click) term.
• New Dragon Quest Game: This is a crucial keyword for attracting a broad audience that is simply looking for the latest news on the series.
• Dragon Quest Mobile Game: The game’s mobile-first approach is a major part of the story. This is a valuable keyword for attracting an audience that is interested in mobile gaming.
• Dragon Quest VII Reimagined: The new mobile title is being released alongside the Dragon Quest VII remake, which is a key piece of the story. This keyword is excellent for attracting an audience that is following the series’ recent news.
• Square Enix Strategy: The new game is a clear part of Square Enix’s broader business strategy. This is a valuable, long-tail keyword that is great for attracting a new audience that is interested in the business of gaming.
• Roguelite RPG: The game’s genre is a key part of its appeal. This is a valuable, high-CPC term that frames the story within a popular and successful genre.

The Cautious Optimism for a Mobile Release

While the announcement of a new Dragon Quest game is exciting, many in the community have a sense of cautious optimism. Square Enix has a less-than-stellar track record when it comes to its mobile releases, with many titles, including Dragon Quest Tact, being shut down after a short period of time. However, Dragon Quest Smash/Grow is a clear attempt to learn from past mistakes. The game’s roguelite design is a perfect fit for a mobile experience, as it allows for a short, replayable gameplay loop that is perfect for a quick session on the go. The game’s global release is also a clear sign that Square Enix is hoping to replicate the series’ console success on a new platform. The game’s closed beta test will be a crucial first step in proving to fans that the company is serious about the game’s long-term health. The developers have promised a game that is both “intuitive and exhilarating,” and for many, the promise of a new, well-made Dragon Quest mobile game is a welcome one.

The Dragon Quest series is having a moment, and for many, the new mobile title is a sign that the golden age of the series is not just a thing of the past but a reality in the present. The series has always been a a great game, and for many, the new mobile title is a sign that the series is finally ready to conquer the world.

The journey has only just begun, and the new mobile game is just the beginning.

The game is set to launch globally in 2026, with a closed beta test scheduled for October 14, 2025.