Square Enix has confirmed that one of its most beloved and expansive role-playing games, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, will be reimagined for modern platforms. Titled Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, the project is set to launch in early 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, marking the first time this installment will be widely available beyond its original PlayStation and Nintendo 3DS releases.
The original Dragon Quest VII, released in 2000, was famous for its sprawling narrative, extensive playtime, and deep class system. At the time, it was seen as one of the most content-rich RPGs ever created, though its dated visuals and long pacing made it somewhat daunting for newcomers. With Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Square Enix is aiming to preserve the spirit of the original while enhancing accessibility, presentation, and gameplay flow for a modern audience.
According to details revealed so far, the reimagined version will feature fully voiced dialogue, a first for this entry in the series. Storytelling will now include cinematic cutscenes, updated character models, and reworked environments that make use of modern rendering technology. These upgrades aim to bring the world of Estard Island and its time-traveling adventures to life in ways that were not possible in earlier iterations.
Gameplay is also being refined with quality-of-life improvements. The iconic vocation system, which allows characters to switch classes and develop unique skill sets, is being expanded with dual vocation options. This addition lets characters blend abilities from two classes, creating deeper customization and more flexible party strategies. Navigation is also being streamlined, with new fast-travel options, an improved quest log, and adjustments to dungeon design to reduce excessive backtracking.
Square Enix has emphasized that this is not a simple remaster. Instead, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is positioned as a re-envisioning of the title, much like how Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake modernized a classic for today’s players. Visuals will use a blend of stylized 3D environments and vibrant character designs, retaining the charm of Akira Toriyama’s iconic art style while embracing modern presentation techniques.
Fans of the franchise are particularly excited to see how the story will be retold. The game’s central premise—rebuilding a shattered world by unlocking fragments of lost civilizations through time travel—remains intact, but with new narrative beats and expanded character arcs promised. Square Enix hinted that additional side quests and lore-rich interactions will be included to give players a deeper understanding of the world’s history and the motivations of its heroes.
With its scheduled release in early 2026, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined continues Square Enix’s recent trend of revisiting its classic catalog for both longtime fans and new players. If successful, it could open the door for more ambitious reimaginings of earlier Dragon Quest entries. For now, anticipation is high as fans prepare to relive one of the franchise’s most ambitious journeys in a way they’ve never experienced before.
