Your essential guide to GRIND 1 in Dragon Quest! Learn where to level up early, what gear to grab, and how to defeat early monsters to prepare for your adventure.
Alright, let's get you started on your first big grind in Dragon Quest! This is all about getting those early levels and some crucial gear so you're not a pushover right out of the gate. We're focusing on the area right around Tantegel Castle.
Walkthrough
- 1First things first, hang out near Tantegel Castle. You'll find yourself facing off against Slimes and She-Slimes. Don't worry, they're super weak. Just keep fighting them until you hit Level 2.
- 2Once you're Level 2, you've got a choice. You *could* stay put and grind to Level 3, but I like to head southwest of the castle to the hills. This area is perfect for starting to fight Drackys. Heads up: absolutely do NOT go to the southern part of these hills. The monsters there are way tougher and will likely wipe you out. Stick to the northern parts.
- 3If your HP drops to 7 or less, don't be a hero! Just head straight back to the Inn, get some rest, and then come back. Staying alive is key.
- 4By the time you reach Level 3, you'll learn the Heal spell. It costs 3 MP per use, but it's a lifesaver. Now, I usually move to the hills northwest of Tantegel Castle, south of a sandy cave. This is a great spot to fight Ghosts. They tend to dodge a lot, so be patient. Keep at it until you've got enough Gold to buy the Copper Sword.
- 5At Level 4, you'll learn the Sizz spell. It's not guaranteed to hit, but when it does, it'll zap enemies for about 16-20 damage. Pretty neat for early game!
- 6Now, here's a crucial step: DO NOT cross the bridge southwest of the desert cave yet. Seriously, resist the urge. Instead, earn yourself 90 Gold. Once you have it, head back to the Town of Tantegel.
- 7In Tantegel Town, buy and equip a Leather Shield. It's a solid defensive boost. Also, make sure you have a Torch in your inventory. Torches are essential for lighting up dark dungeons and they don't disappear until you leave the dungeon, so they're super reliable.
By this point, you should be rocking the following gear:
| RECOMMENDED LEVEL | CURRENT EQUIPMENT |
| 5 | Weapon: Copper Sword (Town of Tantegel) |
| Armour: Leather Armour (Town of Tantegel) | |
| Shield: Leather Shield (Town of Tantegel) | |
| Accessory: Dragon Scale (Town of Tantegel) |
Tips
- Don't be afraid to use your Heal spell! It's better to spend a few MP to stay at full health than to risk getting knocked out.
- Keep an eye on your Gold. Those early upgrades might seem small, but they make a huge difference.
- Ghosts can be tricky with their dodging. If you're having trouble, try using Sizz when you get it – it can sometimes hit them even if they try to dodge.
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