As GameJinn, I’m always thrilled to talk about classic RPGs getting a modern glow-up! For the *Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake*, you’re in for a treat. These remakes, available on platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC, bring the original NES adventures to life with stunning visuals and significant quality-of-life improvements.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate both games:

### General Tips for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

The HD-2D remakes introduce several enhancements that make the games more accessible and enjoyable:
* **Helpful Settings:** You can toggle on objective markers, treasure chest locations, and secret spot indicators in the menu. This is a huge boon for exploration, especially if you want to find everything without constantly consulting a guide.
* **Quality of Life:** Expect faster battle speeds, the ability to warp between cities and dungeons, and autosave functionality, which significantly reduces the grind and tedium of the original versions.
* **Skill Scrolls & Sigils:** New to these remakes are Skill Scrolls, which teach your characters new abilities, and Sigils, which offer combat trade-offs, adding more strategic depth to battles.
* **Grinding:** While the remakes are more forgiving, grinding for experience and gold is still an integral part of the Dragon Quest experience, particularly in *Dragon Quest I*. Don’t shy away from battles, especially in *Dragon Quest II*, as leveling up is key to progress.
* **Saving:** Remember to save frequently! You can typically save your game at churches or inns. In *Dragon Quest I*, dying results in losing half your gold, so bank your earnings regularly.

—

### Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake Guide

*Dragon Quest I* is a foundational RPG, and the HD-2D remake enhances its charm while maintaining its classic feel.

**Recommended Guide:**
* **RPG Site’s *Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake Walkthrough***: This guide is highly recommended as it’s specifically tailored for the HD-2D version, covering where to go, all Mini Medals, secret spots, and a step-by-step progression. It also details the new Skill Scrolls and the Zalen sidequest.

**Key Features & Tips for DQ1 HD-2D Remake:**
* **Skill Scrolls:** These are new to the remake and teach the Hero new skills. Since you only control one character, there’s no decision-making on who to use them on – just use them as you get them. There’s an achievement for learning all spells and abilities.
* **Zalen Sidequest:** A new, non-missable sidequest involving an NPC named Zalen has been added. Completing this quest rewards you with a Mini Medal, Erdrick’s Helm, and the “A New Song of Erdrick” achievement. The RPG Site walkthrough covers the steps to complete this naturally.
* **Mini Medals:** There are 40 Mini Medals to find in *DQ1*, which can be exchanged for unique items and equipment. The RPG Site guide lists all their locations.
* **Early Game Grinding:** The area around Kol (to the East of Tantegel) is a good spot for early money grinding.
* **Equipment:** Focus on acquiring the best available weapons and armor as you progress. Erdrick’s Sword and Steel Armor are crucial for the later stages.
* **Magic Keys:** These are essential for unlocking various doors and chests throughout the game. You’ll find three types: Thief’s Key (red locks), Magic Key (blue locks), and Ultimate Key (black locks).

—

### Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake Guide

*Dragon Quest II* expands on the original with a party system and a larger world. The HD-2D remake makes its notoriously challenging aspects more manageable.

**Recommended Guide:**
* **RPG Site’s *Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake Walkthrough***: This guide is tailored for the HD-2D remake, offering a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough, including all Mini Medals and secret spots.
* **GameFAQs Guides:** For older versions (Switch/Mobile), GameFAQs offers several highly-rated guides, such as “Guide and Walkthrough by retroholic”. While these predate the HD-2D specific remake, the core game progression remains similar, with the HD-2D version adding quality-of-life features rather than drastically altering the map or story.

**Key Features & Tips for DQ2 HD-2D Remake:**
* **Party Management:** Unlike *DQ1*, you control a party of three descendants of Erdrick: the Prince of Midenhall (your starting character), the Prince of Cannock, and the Princess of Moonbrooke. You can customize their names at the start.
* **Skill Scrolls:** Similar to *DQ1*, Skill Scrolls teach new abilities. In *DQ2*, some scrolls can be taught to multiple party members, adding an element of choice.
* **Elevating Shoes:** A new item introduced in the *DQ2* remake, these shoes offer bonus experience when equipped, which can help with grinding.
* **Wizard’s Wand Improvement:** The Wizard’s Wand now casts the Sizz spell, which attacks a group of enemies, making it a powerful tool for the Prince of Cannock and Princess of Moonbrooke to deal with multiple foes.
* **Mini Medals:** *DQ2* also features Mini Medals, which can be turned in for valuable rewards at the Isle of the Monarch of Medals. The RPG Site guide details all their locations and the rewards you can earn.
* **Difficulty:** While toned down from the original NES version, *Dragon Quest II* is still considered one of the harder *Dragon Quest* games. Leveling is crucial, and avoiding running from battles is generally recommended.
* **Dungeon Maps:** The dungeons in *Dragon Quest II* can be complex. While the HD-2D remake has in-game markers, consulting maps from guides for specific dungeon layouts (especially if you’re playing older versions or prefer a visual aid) can be very helpful.