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Square Enix does not publish a precise typical time for reaching the first credits or finishing the post-credits continuation in Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition. Its “well over 100 hours” description covers the game’s broader offering, including side quests and mini-games—not a main-story-only estimate. After the first credits, players report that the narrative continues, but Square Enix’s FAQ does not specify what carries into that continuation.
How long does Dragon Quest XI S take?
There is no defensible official hour count in the available sources for reaching the first credits, completing the post-credits story, or finishing everything. Square Enix’s Steam listing describes the side quests and mini-games as providing “well over 100 hours” of content. That is a broad description of the game, not a measured average for the main story or a separate estimate for the continuation after the credits. Xbox Wire repeated the same broad claim in its December 4, 2020 release announcement; it is promotional wording, not a playtime study.
It helps to distinguish three different goals: reaching the first credits, finishing the story material that follows, and pursuing optional content or completion goals. The official sources do not break the total into hours for those categories, so a single number should not be treated as a reliable time commitment for any one of them.
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Players commonly describe the material unlocked after the first credits as a continuation of the story, rather than simply optional cleanup. That characterization comes from player reports, not an explicit explanation in Square Enix’s FAQ. The FAQ does not set out a post-credits save-state rule or say exactly what progress carries into that continuation. Keep this question separate from the FAQ’s documented 2D/3D mode-switch rules.
#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.
What carries over when switching between 2D and 3D?
Square Enix’s official FAQ says players can change between 2D and 3D at a church or campsite, choosing the current chapter or one already completed. It says most information carries between modes unless a story-related reason prevents it. Specifically, the FAQ names party members’ levels and attributes, inventory, battle history, Draconian Quest choices, quest completion status, and accolades. Progress through Drustan’s Labyrinth is the stated exception: it does not carry over between modes.
This answer concerns switching modes. It should not be read as a confirmation of what is retained when loading or continuing a save after the first ending; the FAQ does not establish that separate rule.
Rank #2
Do editions differ in story content or optional activities?
Square Enix says the Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Game Pass, Steam, and Epic versions have the same content, although graphical presentation can differ with hardware. Physical and digital editions also contain the same content, according to the FAQ. The Steam listing highlights Definitive Edition additions that can extend a playthrough: character-specific scenarios, a choice of 2D or 3D play, Tickington’s retro-style side-quest area, faster battle speeds, extra Draconian Quest settings, and photo mode. These features add activities and options, but the listing does not assign them separate hour totals.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy the massive content of the base game plus new character specific scenarios, which offer the possibility to learn more about some of your favourite companions.
- play as you want, Switch between 3D HD or 2D 16 bit modes, original soundtrack or Orchestral version of the music, and English or Japanese audio.
- dive into the 16 bit world of tickington An additional side quests area that see You journeying to past Dragon quest worlds reimagined in retro style.
- speed up battle by X2 and X4, ride new mountable monsters and attack with them on the field to earn experience points
- Spice up the adventure with new three draconian quest settings such as 'Super shypox', 'townsfolk talk tripe', or 'party wiped out if protagonist perishes'..immortalise your adventure with the Photo mode, pose each of the characters and snap some pictures with the beautifully designed world of erdrea in the background
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- Unravel an Epic Mystery in a Riveting Tale – DRAGON QUEST XI tells the tale of a hunted hero: denigrated as a demon and pursued by a malicious monarch, you must embark on a quest to unravel the mystery of your fate and save a doomed world
- Assemble a Colorful Cast of Loyal Companions – Accompanying the hero on his quest is an endearing band of adventurers; The Definitive Edition adds new story scenarios to learn more about some of your favorite companions
- Explore a Beautiful, Living World in 3D or 2D – Switch between 3D HD or 2D 16-bit modes to explore the massive, gorgeous world or Erdrea with excitement lurking around every corner
- Personalize your Adventure – Customize your audio experience by selecting options for the original in-game soundtrack or a new orchestral version of the music, as well as English or Japanese voice audio
- Engage in Classic Battles with a Modern Twist – DRAGON QUEST XI’s strategic battle system eases players into combat with an accessible experience that features mechanics simple enough for the novice but with enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans
What to use when planning a playthrough
- For a main-story estimate: Do not treat “well over 100 hours” as the time to reach the first credits; Square Enix does not provide a main-story average in the cited materials.
- For the post-credits question: Players report a story continuation, but the official FAQ does not specify its save carryover behavior.
- For a platform or format choice: The FAQ says listed editions share content; choose based on hardware and whether you prefer physical or digital ownership.
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