When it comes to turn-based RPGs, few franchises stand taller than Dragon Quest. Revered for decades, particularly in Japan, the series has enjoyed an almost mythical status, so much so that new releases in the past reportedly triggered waves of school and work absences on launch day. Now, as Square Enix continues work on the long-anticipated Dragon Quest XII, rumours are swirling that the company is looking to capitalise on nostalgia once more with a remake of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past.
Originally released for the PlayStation in 2001, Dragon Quest VII was later remade for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016. According to a report from MP1st, an internal document obtained by the site suggests that Square Enix is planning yet another remake of the title, this time aimed at modern platforms. The remake is reportedly targeting a release window as early as 2026.
What makes this rumour particularly intriguing is the internal project title, which allegedly only labels the game as “Remake,” not “HD Remake,” as seen with previous projects like Dragon Quest I–III HD-2D Remake. MP1st speculated this could point toward a larger-scale production, possibly even on par with the ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake, with more significant overhauls in gameplay, visuals, and storytelling.
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past Remake
However, this speculation was quickly tempered by seasoned gaming journalist Jason Schreier, who commented on the rumours via the ResetEra forums.
While Schreier confirmed that the idea of a Dragon Quest VII remake aligns with Square Enix’s broader strategy of reviving classic Dragon Quest titles, he was sceptical of MP1st’s assumptions about the scale of the project. According to Schreier, the remake is likely to be far more modest in scope and budget than the Final Fantasy VII Remake. It should not be expected to deliver that level of cinematic ambition.
As of now, Square Enix has not issued any official statements regarding a remake. The company is currently focused on the release of Dragon Quest I–II HD-2D Remake, scheduled to launch in October 2025. Whether or not Dragon Quest VII will be the next in line remains to be seen, but for fans of the franchise, even the possibility is enough to stir excitement.
