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Square Enix does not publish a typical number of hours for finishing Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition or for completing its post-credits story continuation. Its “well over 100 hours” claim describes the game’s broad supply of side quests and mini-games, not a main-story playtime. The official carryover rules available are also specific to switching between 2D and 3D modes—not to continuing after the first credits.
How long does Dragon Quest XI S take to finish?
There is no defensible official average in the available sources for reaching the first credits or finishing the story continuation that follows. Square Enix’s Steam listing says the side quests and mini-games provide content for “well over 100 hours.” Xbox Wire repeated that broad description in its December 4, 2020 release announcement. Neither source presents a measured main-story average or separates time to the first credits from time spent afterward.
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For a useful estimate of your own run, treat the game as three different goals rather than assuming one published completion time:
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- Reach the first credits: no official hour estimate is established by these sources.
- Finish the story continuation: no separate official hour estimate is established. Players commonly describe the post-credits material as a continuation of the narrative, but that characterization is based on player reports, not the official FAQ.
- Explore beyond the story: the publisher’s “well over 100 hours” description applies broadly to the adventure, side quests and mini-games; it is not a promise that every player will spend that long or a main-story-only figure.
What is included in Definitive Edition?
Several additions can expand a playthrough beyond the central adventure. Square Enix’s Steam listing describes character-specific scenarios, a choice between 2D and 3D play, Tickington’s retro-style side-quest area, faster battle speeds, additional Draconian Quest settings and photo mode. The listing does not assign separate playtime totals to these features.
#1 Best Overall
- The eleventh installment in the fabled DRAGON QUEST series, taking the tale of the legendary heroes right back to its origins, comes to Nintendo Switch 2!
- What does it mean to be a hero? A young lad from a country village sets out to find the answer to this question, embarking on an epic adventure that will lead him to uncover the secrets that lie at the heart of his world.
- DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 contains all of the content added in the original Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch, including: new story chapters where the party members take center stage, Japanese voices and additional English voices, the ability to switch between 3D and 2D mode, and an orchestral score.
- This new edition for Nintendo Switch 2 also introduces new optimization modes, allowing you to prioritize graphics or performance.
- GAME-KEY CARD. 30 GB - Full game download via internet required.
The edition’s content is the same across the Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Game Pass, Steam and Epic versions, according to Square Enix’s FAQ. The FAQ says hardware specifications can affect graphics, while physical and digital editions have the same content. Choose among them based on platform and format preference, rather than expecting a different set of story content.
What carries over when switching between 2D and 3D?
Square Enix’s explicit carryover guidance covers changing modes. At a church or campsite, you can switch between 2D and 3D and choose the current chapter or a chapter you have already completed. The FAQ says most information carries from one mode to the other unless the story requires otherwise. It specifically names party members’ levels and attributes, inventory, battle history, Draconian Quest choices, quest completion status and accolades.
Rank #2
- Perfectly balanced turn-based battles and an impressive scope of activities as you explore a massive, gorgeous world
- The option for fully orchestrated field and battle tunes, and the ability to change between HD and retro-inspired 16-bit visuals.
- Bonus characters stories included in the Definitive Edition
- Follow the elaborate tale of The Luminary branded as “Darkspawn” and assemble a charismatic cast of loyal companions whose designs are inspired by the famed Akira Toriyama
- Capture your favourite gameplay moments with Photo Mode
There is one named exception: progress through Drustan’s Labyrinth does not carry over between modes. This guidance concerns a mode switch; it should not be treated as a general rule for loading a save after the first ending.
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What carries over after the first credits?
The official FAQ material cited here does not specify the save-state or carryover rules for continuing after the first credits. Player discussions describe what follows as a story continuation, but that does not establish exactly which items, quest flags or other progress remain in a particular save. The FAQ’s 2D/3D carryover answer cannot resolve that separate question.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Key Features Enhanced Graphics & Performance Enjoy improved textures, faster load times, and seamless gameplay tailored for Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded hardware.
Rank #4
- Relic Expedition Cycle – Throughout their journey in the kingdom of Norgan, the Arisen must unearth and appraise forgotten relics to unlock powerful new weapons and skills.
- New Dungeon Challenges – The 12 freshly uncovered Lost Rites dungeons house trials designed by the Pathfinder to sharpen the Arisen’s skills and recover rare equipment once held by past Arisen that now lay dormant.
- Deeper Character Customization – New tattoo and hair options have been added to the already robust character creation tool in Dragon’s Dogma 2 so Arisen and Pawns can have even deeper personalization.
- Now on Nintendo Switch 2 – Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen brings the classic fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 and the Dark Arisen Expansion to the Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time.
- Pre-order Bonuses – The Norgan Fashion Set - Northern Attire will be available as a pre-order bonus, which can be accessed via in-game storage at launch.
Rank #3
- Develop party members using the Character Builder
- Buy gear using in-game currency, or construct your own
- Side-quests and mini-games to try, monsters to ride
- Start the game with Draconian Quest for a bigger challenge. Capture your favorite gameplay moments with Photo Mode
- The Definitive Edition brings new features and experiences to this acclaimed adventure. Bonus characters stories
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