Dragon Quest Walk: Is It Global?

Dragon Quest Walk is a location-based mobile game from Square Enix, and as of 2025, it is not available globallyâ€”it is officially released only in Japan. The game has been Japan-exclusive since its launch in September 2019, and there has been no official announcement of a worldwide release, though players outside Japan have found ways to play it via sideloading and VPN.

Background: What Is Dragon Quest Walk?

Dragon Quest Walk is a free-to-play augmented reality (AR) mobile game that blends the classic Dragon Quest RPG formula with real-world walking. Developed by Colopl and published by Square Enix, it launched in Japan on September 12, 2019, for iOS and Android. The game uses GPS to track your real-world location, letting you explore towns, fight slimes and other monsters, and complete quests as you walk. It shares many similarities with PokÃ©mon GO but is deeply rooted in Dragon Quest lore, featuring iconic monsters, spells, and characters from the series.

The game is designed to encourage outdoor activity, with rewards tied to steps taken and distance traveled. It also includes a home base system where you can place furniture and interact with other players. Despite its popularity in Japanâ€”it has been downloaded over 10 million timesâ€”Square Enix has not localized it for other regions, likely due to the cost of translating the enormous amount of text and adapting the game to different GPS and licensing environments.

How the Game Works

Dragon Quest Walk functions similarly to other location-based AR games. You create an avatar, then walk around your real-world neighborhood to find monsters, collect items, and complete quests. The game uses your phone’s GPS to place you on a map that resembles the classic Dragon Quest overworld. Key mechanics include:

Walking and Battles: As you walk, you encounter monsters on the map. Tap them to enter turn-based battles, using commands like Attack, Spell, and Item, just like in mainline Dragon Quest games.
Quests and Story: The game has a main story with chapters, plus daily and event quests. You progress by completing objectives, often requiring you to walk to specific real-world locations.
Home and Crafting: You can set up a home base, decorate it, and craft equipment using materials gathered from walking and battles.
Multiplayer: You can team up with other players in real-time co-op battles, but only if they are physically nearby or you use a friend code.

The game also integrates with the Dragon Quest series’ iconic music and sound effects, which adds to the nostalgic appeal for fans.

How to Play Outside Japan (If You Choose To)

If you are outside Japan and want to try Dragon Quest Walk, you will need to work around the regional restriction. Here are the general steps, but note that these methods are not officially supported and may violate the game’s terms of service:

Create a Japanese Apple ID or Google Play account: For iOS, you need a Japanese Apple ID to download the app from the Japanese App Store. For Android, you can download the APK from third-party sites, but this carries security risks.
Use a VPN: A VPN with a Japanese server is often required to bypass region checks during installation and sometimes during gameplay. However, the game uses GPS, so you may also need a location spoofing app, which is against the game’s rules and can lead to a ban.
Understand the language barrier: The game is entirely in Japanese, with no official English translation. You will need to navigate menus and quests using translation apps or guides.

It is important to note that Square Enix has not endorsed these methods, and using them may result in your account being banned. Additionally, the game’s servers are optimized for Japan, so players in other regions may experience lag or connectivity issues.

Why Is It Japan-Only?

Square Enix has never officially explained why Dragon Quest Walk has not been released globally, but several factors likely contribute:

Licensing and Copyright: The Dragon Quest series has a complex licensing history, and the game uses music and characters that may have separate rights in different territories.
Localization Costs: The game has a massive amount of Japanese text, including dialogue, quest descriptions, and UI. Translating it all into multiple languages would be expensive and time-consuming.
Market Fit: Location-based games have varying popularity across regions. PokÃ©mon GO succeeded globally, but Dragon Quest Walk’s heavy RPG elements may not appeal to as broad an audience outside Japan.
Server Infrastructure: The game relies on Japan-specific map data and points of interest. Adapting it to other countries would require significant backend work.

Despite fan petitions and speculation, there has been no official word from Square Enix about a global release, so players should not expect one in the near future.

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

Players who do attempt to play Dragon Quest Walk outside Japan often encounter several issues:

GPS Signal Errors: The game may fail to detect your location if you are using a VPN or location spoofing. This can cause the game to freeze or show an error message.
Battery Drain: Like most AR games, Dragon Quest Walk consumes battery quickly. Using a power bank and lowering screen brightness can help.
Language Barrier: Without English support, it is easy to get lost. Community-made translation guides and Google Lens can help you understand menus and quests.
Account Bans: Using location spoofing or a VPN can trigger a ban. To reduce risk, avoid teleporting long distances and use a reliable VPN.

If you encounter a technical issue, the official support is only available in Japanese, so you may need to rely on community forums or translation tools.

Dragon Quest Walk vs. Other Location Games

Dragon Quest Walk is often compared to PokÃ©mon GO and the Harry Potter: Wizards Unite game (now discontinued). Here is how it stacks up:

Battle System: Dragon Quest Walk uses a traditional turn-based RPG battle system, while PokÃ©mon GO uses real-time tapping. This makes Dragon Quest Walk more strategic but slower-paced.
Story and Quests: Dragon Quest Walk has a more structured story with chapters, similar to a single-player RPG, whereas PokÃ©mon GO focuses more on collection and raids.
Home Base: Dragon Quest Walk allows you to customize a home, a feature not present in PokÃ©mon GO.
Monster Variety: Both games feature iconic monsters, but Dragon Quest Walk includes classic Dragon Quest creatures like Slimes, Drackies, and Golems.

If you enjoy turn-based RPGs and the Dragon Quest aesthetic, Dragon Quest Walk offers a unique experience that other location-based games do not.

Costs and In-App Purchases

Dragon Quest Walk is free to download and play, but it includes in-app purchases. You can buy gems, the premium currency, which are used to:

Revive your character instantly after a battle defeat.
Increase inventory space.
Purchase special items and equipment.

The game also has a subscription service called “Walk Pass” that provides daily bonuses and exclusive items. While it is possible to play without spending money, progression may be slower. Prices vary, but gems are typically sold in packs ranging from a few dollars to over $50. As with any free-to-play game, it is easy to spend more than intended, so set a budget if you choose to make purchases.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Playing any location-based game requires you to share your real-time location, and Dragon Quest Walk is no different. Here are some safety tips:

Be aware of your surroundings: Do not walk into traffic or private property while looking at your phone.
Limit location sharing: The game needs your location to function, but you can adjust your phone’s privacy settings to limit how often it is accessed.
Use official app stores: If you download the APK from a third-party site, you risk malware. Only use trusted sources.
Beware of scams: Some websites offer “hacks” or “mods” for the game, but these are often scams that steal your data.

Also, remember that using VPNs or location spoofing can compromise your account security. Always use reputable VPN services and avoid sharing your account details with anyone.

Alternatives for Non-Japanese Players

If you cannot play Dragon Quest Walk, there are other Dragon Quest mobile games that are available globally:

Dragon Quest Tact: A tactical RPG that is available worldwide and features many of the same monsters and characters.
Dragon Quest of the Stars: A space-themed RPG that has been released in some Western countries, though it was discontinued in 2024.
Dragon Quest Builders: A block-building action RPG that you can play on consoles and PC, not mobile.

These alternatives do not have the walking mechanic, but they offer the Dragon Quest experience in a more accessible format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Dragon Quest Walk in English?

No, the game is only available in Japanese. There is no official English version, and Square Enix has not announced any plans to add English support.

Will Dragon Quest Walk ever be released globally?

There is no official word from Square Enix. Given that the game has been Japan-only for over five years, a global release seems unlikely, but it is not impossible if the company decides to invest in localization.

Is it safe to use a VPN to play Dragon Quest Walk?

Using a VPN is generally safe, but it may violate the game’s terms of service. There is a risk of being banned, and you may experience connectivity issues. Always use a reputable VPN provider.

Can I play Dragon Quest Walk on PC?

There is no official PC version. However, you can use Android emulators like BlueStacks to run the APK, but this may require a VPN and location spoofing, which carries the same risks as on mobile.

How much data does Dragon Quest Walk use?

The game uses a moderate amount of data, similar to other AR games. Expect to use around 50-100 MB per hour of play, but this can vary depending on map loading and battles.

Is Dragon Quest Walk still supported in 2025?

Yes, the game is still active in Japan, with regular events and updates. However, support is only in Japanese, and the game’s future remains tied to its Japanese player base.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →