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Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is getting yet one more port this week with Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Version launching for Change 2. It’s the uncommon (if not the one) sport to get a ten 3 times on RPG Web site throughout our unique evaluation, Change evaluation of S, and PS4 evaluation of S over time. Forward of its Change 2 launch, I’ve had an opportunity to play the port for over every week and likewise revisit Dragon Quest XI and Dragon Quest XI S throughout its PS4, Steam, Xbox, and Change 1 variations. I haven’t got a seize setup for 3DS so I’ll go away that model out of the comparability as we speak, however I beloved the 30 hours I put into it years in the past.

With that out of the way in which, Dragon Quest XI S on Change 2 is Sq. Enix’s first present technology port of the sport with it solely being playable on PS5 and Xbox Collection through backward compatibility. I used to be curious to see how it might feel and look handheld/docked and likewise whether or not the port was ok since there isn’t any improve path or save switch for present house owners.

On this Dragon Quest XI S comparability function, I am going that can assist you discover the most effective model of DQ11 to play in 2026 for you going over each model I’ve entry to on a number of consoles and handhelds. I’ll cowl visuals, efficiency, load instances, options, and extra right here.

Dragon Quest XI launch timeline throughout vanilla, S, and each port

Earlier than attending to the variations and different variations, Dragon Quest XI has had an attention-grabbing launch timeline throughout platforms. 

• July 2017: Dragon Quest XI launches in Japan for PS4 and Nintendo 3DS.
• September 2018: Dragon Quest XI launches worldwide for PS4 and PC Steam.
• September 2019: Dragon Quest XI S launches for Nintendo Change that includes a number of added content material, a brand new mode, high quality of life enhancements, and varied different enhancements. 
• December 2020: Dragon Quest XI S launches for PS4, Xbox One, and Steam that includes the identical new content material and enhancements because the Change launch, however visuals in the reduction of in comparison with the unique Dragon Quest XI Steam and PS4 variations. 
• March 2021: Dragon Quest XIS launches on Google Stadia.
• September 2026: Dragon Quest XI S launches for Nintendo Change 2.

Dragon Quest XI options throughout vanilla, S, and the brand new ports protecting Change 2, Steam, PS5, PS4, Xbox, and extra

To maintain issues easy right here, I’ll deal with the English releases of Dragon Quest XI and Dragon Quest XI S. This implies the preliminary launch was the PS4 and Steam variations of Dragon Quest XI are the variations I’ll begin with. For the English launch of Dragon Quest XI, Sq. Enix added a brand new English voiceover choice, UI enhancements, sprinting, the brand new Draconian Quest problem choices, and extra. It was already improved over the Japanese debut launch, however this was solely a style of what we would see a 12 months later when Dragon Quest XI was ported to Change 1.

Dragon Quest XI S on Change was a formidable launch in some ways. Not solely was it bold as a port already delivering a superb model of a implausible JRPG, nevertheless it did it by bringing so many additions and new options that it was onerous to advocate the PS4 and PC variations with Dragon Quest XI S out there on Change. These additions and options embrace new high quality of life enhancements (fast instructions, skip cut-scenes, a brand new 2D mode letting you play the entire sport in it, notable content material from the Japanese 3DS launch, new character-specific eventualities, the orchestral soundtrack choice, a Japanese voice-acting choice, and extra.

The brand new Change 2 and prior PS4, Xbox, and Steam variations of Dragon Quest XI S are all primarily based on the Change 1 model in options and content material, however there are variations in terms of picture high quality, efficiency, and extra. As for in-game cosmetics, the Wolf Put on outfit that was solely on Change 1, is included within the Change 2 model.

Dragon Quest XI S visuals in contrast throughout Change 2, PS4, Change 1, Xbox, and PS5 Professional

Whereas Dragon Quest XI S was one of many uncommon instances a sport including Definitive Version to its title was truly justified, it wasn’t a web optimistic in each method although. The visuals noticed cuts on Change 1 from PS4 and PC. These had been noticeable in lighting, textures, draw distance for some characters/objects, and character fashions. Clearly the Change port was additionally decrease decision and had worse efficiency, however the main adjustments had been in lighting, character fashions, and textures.

These additionally apply to all future variations of Dragon Quest XI S (or the one variations out there as we speak throughout platforms) on PS4 and PC as nicely. The PS4 and PC variations of DQ11 S alongside the Xbox and Change 2 variations have downgrades from the unique PS4/PC releases in lighting, mannequin high quality, and extra, however they ship notable efficiency and picture high quality enhancements relying on the platform.

For some background, the PS4 model of DQ11 S on PS4 Professional ran in between 1080p and 1440p throughout the board even when performed on PS5. The Xbox One model on Xbox One X then again appeared lots higher when performed on my 1440p monitor and it was the most effective console model with the most effective visuals and 60fps. Word that each the PS4 and Xbox One variations run at locked 60fps when performed on PS5 or Xbox Collection X through backward compatibility.

Shifting over to Change 2, I am a bit upset that Sq. Enix did not ship one thing that’s constantly higher than the final technology variations. Mainly there are caveats now. So whereas high quality mode at a 30fps goal on Change 2 docked is best visually than the PS4 model on PS4 Professional, it runs at 60fps and has higher texture filtering that helps lots. The ground textures on Change 2 look actually unhealthy within the distance. The Xbox One X model at 60fps is best than Change 2 model in its 30fps high quality mode docked as nicely.

Word: For the 2 comparisons above, I used my 4K seize card to get pictures from all variations throughout all variations to indicate the distinction in shadows, texture filtering, decision, textures, and extra.

The efficiency mode on Change 2 docked is nicely beneath PS4 Professional visually. I additionally seen distant shadows load nearer to the participant on Change 2 in comparison with PS4 and Xbox One even within the high quality mode docked. The Change 2 does lots higher with different present technology video games so this port feels missing in terms of docked play in comparison with older consoles. It is not unhealthy, however I hoped for extra from Sq. Enix right here given the total worth buy.

Dragon Quest XI S on Change 2 vs Change 1, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and AYN Thor

Earlier than attending to Change 2, Dragon Quest XI S cannot hit 60fps at native res on Steam Deck or AYN Thor. The Change 1 model additionally drops beneath 30fps very often in some areas. I discovered one of the simplest ways to play the PC model is aiming for 40fps (Steam Deck LCD) or 45fps (Steam Deck OLED) with tweaked settings that the majority use the very best attainable ones. The ROG Ally at 1080p utilizing the utmost settings is sort of all the time over 40fps and the display screen’s VRR helps. Turning just a few settings down a bit, together with decision, delivers a strong 60fps expertise and you’ll even get nicely over 60fps on decrease settings. I do not advocate it given how the sport seems to be beneath 720p, however you have got the choice. On AYN Thor, I’ve the max mannequin, and I opted to run at 65% render scale for 1080p whereas utilizing anti-aliasing (1), post-processing (2), shadows (2), and capping the body price to 30fps. 

On Change 1, Dragon Quest XI S ran at round 540p as per Digital Foundry handheld. This model had much more cuts, nevertheless it stays a formidable conversion given the scope of the sport and the Change 1’s energy. The Change 2, even in efficiency mode handheld, delivers a giant improve over the Change 1 model. Not solely does it run with twice the body price goal, however it’s only a a lot better visible expertise. Dragon Quest XI S on Change 2 makes good cuts to ship a 60fps expertise, although it would not look as good because the PC model does at 720p on Steam Deck. It sees cuts to some settings and I recognize having a 60fps transportable console choice now, however this could’ve been a greater port contemplating it’s a brand-new port of an older sport.

Dragon Quest XI S efficiency and body price in contrast throughout Change 2, PS4, Change 1, Xbox, Steam Deck, PC, and PS5 Professional

Dragon Quest XI targets 30fps on PS4 and PS4 Professional with the PC port of the unique delivering uncapped body charges. Dragon Quest XI S on Change 1 targets 30fps, however the PS4 and Xbox One variations delivered a 60fps goal on PS4 Professional and Xbox One X. When performed through backward compatibility on PS5 and Xbox Collection X, the 60fps goal is principally locked. Word that there isn’t any native PS5 or Xbox Collection model of Dragon Quest XI or Dragon Quest XI S as of this writing. The PC model of Dragon Quest XI S once more has uncapped body price choices.

I need to notice that Sq. Enix has made it in order that the goal body price additionally applies to the menus and cursor motion. This implies the whole lot feels extra sluggish once you play with a 30fps goal or on platforms that may solely goal 30fps. Because of this having 60fps (or extra) issues even in a turn-based sport like Dragon Quest XI. UI responsiveness is not one thing you may write off. It makes a giant distinction even for primary fight menus. 

Dragon Quest XI S load instances in contrast throughout Change 2, Change, Steam Deck, PC, Xbox, PS4, and PS5 Professional

To measure load instances, I examined each the vanilla and S releases of DQ11. I put in the PS4 model of Dragon Quest XI S to the PS4 Professional inner onerous drive, the PS5 Professional inner storage, the unique vanilla launch on the PS4 Professional, the unique vanilla launch on PS5 Professional inner storage, Dragon Quest XI S for Xbox One on Xbox Collection X (examined on an exterior onerous drive and the inner storage), the PC variations of the vanilla and S releases on ROG Ally and Steam Deck inner storage, the 3DS sport performed through cartridge on a New 3DS, Dragon Quest XI S for Steam on the AYN Thor, the Xbox Play Anyplace launch on ROG Ally inner storage, the Change 1 model on each Change OLED SD Card and Change 2 inner storage, and eventually the brand new native Change 2 launch on the Change 2 inner storage. The outcomes beneath are in seconds and I measured the time to load the title display screen from dashboard and the time to load a save early on. 

I discover it spectacular how responsive and quick the 3DS model is in comparison with all of the others. With that out of the way in which, the brand new native Change 2 model delivers an expertise that’s near the PS4 and Xbox One variations when performed through backward compatibility on quicker storage, however it’s a lot quicker than these variations on their goal consoles. The Change 2 model could be very near the Steam launch performed on ROG Ally and quicker than the preliminary load for Steam Deck. It might’ve been attention-grabbing to see how a possible Xbox Collection and PS5 native launch can be in comparison with the most recent model proper now, Change 2.

Dragon Quest XI S on Change 1 vs Change 2 protecting increase mode and the brand new port

Since there isn’t any improve path or save switch, I needed to showcase how the Change 2 native launch seems to be in contrast with the Change 1 model performed on Change 2 utilizing handheld increase mode. I nonetheless suppose the Change 2 native launch is the way in which to go until you have got a variety of time spent with the Change 1 model already. For newcomers the model to purchase out of those two is clear primarily based on the comparability beneath:

Word: I used the Change 2’s accessibility zoom choices to indicate how the sport seems to be in numerous configurations on Change 2 handheld.

Dragon Quest XI S 2D mode on Change 2 vs Change 1 and PS4

Once I examined the 2D mode, the PS4, Change 2 docked, and Change 1 docked variations had been an identical together with pixel scaling and the fonts used. The Change 2 model runs at 60fps in 2D mode with 30fps cut-scenes similar to the PS4 model and Change 1 model docked. The font points current in different variations are nonetheless right here although. Whereas the sprites and surroundings look good, the fonts look blurry. I’ve included a screenshot of the Change 2 model docked beneath in 2D mode to indicate how the whole lot is scaled nicely however the fonts look unhealthy (similar to on different platforms within the West).

Dragon Quest XI on 3DS

The 3DS model of the unique sport would not have English help and I solely advocate importing it if you happen to can learn Japanese. I do not, and ended up utilizing translation software program on my telephone within the 30 hours I performed. I like to recommend watching AustinSV’s wonderful video on DQ11 right here to see how the 3DS port shapes up. I’ve no technique to seize 3DS footage so I did not embrace it in as we speak’s comparability except for testing load instances.

Which is the most effective model of Dragon Quest XI S?

On the console aspect, the Xbox One model performed on Xbox Collection X continues to be the most effective model for TV play. Given the compromises within the PS4 model (cutbacks in comparison with Xbox One X) and Change 2 model (30fps with good visuals or 60fps with worse picture high quality), they’re each beneath Xbox One performed on Xbox Collection X or Xbox One X. The PC model is well the most effective model general although.

For transportable play, Dragon Quest XI S on ROG Ally adopted by the Change 2 model if you happen to worth 60fps. The Steam model on Steam Deck delivers higher visuals than Change 2 when in its efficiency mode, however it could possibly’t hit a steady 60fps. That is a type of instances the place in case you are pleased with the visible cutbacks and decrease decision, the Change 2 is the way in which to go over Steam Deck for 60fps, however I would not trouble with the Change 2 model for 30fps given different PC handhelds.

Which model of Dragon Quest XI S must you purchase?

Everybody has their very own priorities for what they need, so I’ll checklist the benefits and drawbacks of each single model of Dragon Quest XI S as a conclusion to this function beneath:

• Dragon Quest XI S on Change: The unique definitive version launch continues to be good on Change 1 and is a really spectacular conversion for the hand-held. It’s is now the worst technique to play Dragon Quest XI S. Word that there isn’t any improve path or save switch to the Change 2 launch, nevertheless it does have a bodily model. I would not advocate this for newcomers until you completely play on Change 1 and don’t have any different choice.
• Dragon Quest XI S on Change 2: If you have not performed Dragon Quest XI S in any respect or need to replay it at 60fps on the go, that is the model to get. Whereas I want Sq. Enix did extra with the port, it’s undoubtedly a great way to play the sport with 30fps docked and 60fps handheld. The 60fps mode docked seems to be a bit too minimize down for my liking. Remember the bodily launch is a Recreation Key Card if that issues to you. 
• Dragon Quest XI S on Steam: When you play on Steam Deck or PC basically, that is the one model you need to think about. It performs implausible on each my Steam Decks out of the field and is an excellent PC launch that scales nicely above the console variations. It additionally has a sturdy mod scene. 
• Dragon Quest XI S on PS4 (for PS5): If you wish to play in your TV and do not personal an Xbox Collection X, and do not care about transportable play (until you stream to a PlayStation Portal or telephone), that is the model to get. It additionally has a bodily copy.
• Dragon Quest XI S on Xbox: Not solely is the Xbox model of Dragon Quest XI S Xbox Play Anyplace, nevertheless it delivers the most effective console launch for taking part in on TV with visible upgrades even over the Change 2 launch in high quality mode whereas concentrating on twice the body price. Dragon Quest XI S on Xbox additionally helps Fast Resume on Xbox Collection X, features a handheld model if you happen to play on PC handhelds just like the ROG Ally, and usually is the way in which to go on the console aspect. The one down aspect is the longer load instances due to the syncing. It additionally has a bodily copy on Xbox One. 
• Dragon Quest XI on 3DS: I do not advocate this until you may learn Japanese, however this stays probably the most fascinating model of Dragon Quest XI to date. I hope it will get a fan translation at some point. 

Hopefully this helped you determine the place you need to get Dragon Quest XI S and if you happen to already personal it, acquired you to lastly play or revisit it as a result of it’s one in every of my favourite Sq. Enix RPGs in years regardless of the soundtrack. I hope we see native PS5 and Xbox Collection X variations sooner or later as nicely. Till then, the Change 2 is the model I’ll persist with for my replay.

Dragon Quest XI S is now out there on Change 2, PS4, Xbox, Change 1, and PC (Steam, Xbox PC)