Dragon Quest Builders

 Switch
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 108
  3. Negative: 8 out of 108
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  1. legacy2xer
    Feb 16, 2018
    10
    A very good game to play! The game offers a variety of different options to build. The graphic is cute and the NPC's are unique in its own way. With the new version on the switch, We are now able to play on the go and this game is pretty relaxing to play on public transport and such as it is very casual and easy.

    It allows you to do a lot of things and the features for building is just    A very good game to play! The game offers a variety of different options to build. The graphic is cute and the NPC's are unique in its own way. With the new version on the switch, We are now able to play on the go and this game is pretty relaxing to play on public transport and such as it is very casual and easy.

    It allows you to do a lot of things and the features for building is just great. I would highly recommend this game to others.    … Expand
  2. John_Mullins
    Feb 9, 2018
    8
    great game for minecraft and dragon warrior fans.

    The only thing that really "hurts" the game overall is it's distinct lack of a multiplayer experience. However, for what it offers, its a great game to spend some time with, at home or on the go!
  3. inkling_girl
    Feb 23, 2018
    10
    Let me start off by saying that I’ve never played a DQ game before and have never been a fan of Minecraft, I’ve tried Minecraft a couple of times but just couldn’t get into it. That said, I decided to buy DQB in the eShop and I’m very glad I did. I thought maybe because I don't like Minecraft I'll definitely not like this game too but I was so wrong. I am surprised by how much I’m enjoyingLet me start off by saying that I’ve never played a DQ game before and have never been a fan of Minecraft, I’ve tried Minecraft a couple of times but just couldn’t get into it. That said, I decided to buy DQB in the eShop and I’m very glad I did. I thought maybe because I don't like Minecraft I'll definitely not like this game too but I was so wrong. I am surprised by how much I’m enjoying DQB! I guess it’s because of the RPG elements and because there are objectives and quests and not just building for the sake of it (looking at you, Minecraft). Anyway, for anyone on the fence because they think it's like Minecraft, just know that it isn't, it's completely different. This game is addictive and there's just so much to do! Get this game, you won't regret it.… Expand
  4. kiwijinxter
    Dec 11, 2018
    5
    The game is cute and is quite endearing. The building mining and building are both quite relaxing activities. The battling is a little onerous with rather imprecise aiming with melee weapons. The worst part is the inability to run. However, my main problem is that after I completed the 1st world and boss, the 2nd world feels a bit of a rehash as it forces you to restart from scratch,The game is cute and is quite endearing. The building mining and building are both quite relaxing activities. The battling is a little onerous with rather imprecise aiming with melee weapons. The worst part is the inability to run. However, my main problem is that after I completed the 1st world and boss, the 2nd world feels a bit of a rehash as it forces you to restart from scratch, artificially making some even basic materials harder to get so suddenly it went from a relatively fun experience from the 1st world to a rather grindy and not-so-fun experience in the 2nd world. Good if you don't mind retreading the game elements, but I prefer a straightforward "progress" through a game.… Expand
  5. DinoBeam
    Aug 10, 2020
    5
    At first this game is amazing and addicting, them comes chapter 2, one of the most annoying and frustrating things i've ever done in a video game, and god that end boss is just made to piss you off. All the cracks in the game will become more apparent. You have a very small distance window for attacking enemies, too far away and you don't hit, get to close and you get damaged ANDAt first this game is amazing and addicting, them comes chapter 2, one of the most annoying and frustrating things i've ever done in a video game, and god that end boss is just made to piss you off. All the cracks in the game will become more apparent. You have a very small distance window for attacking enemies, too far away and you don't hit, get to close and you get damaged AND STAGGERED. Luckily they changed that in 2, and i'm hoping it fixes all the problems in this poorly designed game… Expand
  6. MrComrade
    Feb 13, 2018
    10
    I love this game so much. The building is fun and it has that Dragon Quest charm. The story and characters are interesting. The music is fantastic, too. I'm addicted to it. I can't stop playing.

    Don't worry if you've never played a Dragon Quest game before. There are a few references to older games but the game's story stands on its own. You don't have to play any other game to be able    I love this game so much. The building is fun and it has that Dragon Quest charm. The story and characters are interesting. The music is fantastic, too. I'm addicted to it. I can't stop playing.

    Don't worry if you've never played a Dragon Quest game before. There are a few references to older games but the game's story stands on its own. You don't have to play any other game to be able to understand it.    … Expand
  7. Rtheom
    Mar 15, 2018
    7
    This is Minecraft with a little bit of direction. There really isn't much to make this a Dragon Quest game besides the style. There's a little bit of direction because the other characters give you quests, but you can do them or ignore them, it really doesn't matter too much. Unfortunately, unlike Minecraft, you lack the ability to look straight up or straight down or go into first personThis is Minecraft with a little bit of direction. There really isn't much to make this a Dragon Quest game besides the style. There's a little bit of direction because the other characters give you quests, but you can do them or ignore them, it really doesn't matter too much. Unfortunately, unlike Minecraft, you lack the ability to look straight up or straight down or go into first person mode, so it's Minecraft that is distinctly harder to navigate and control. Overall a fine game, but there's nothing new here and no reason to call it Dragon Quest.… Expand
  8. night4
    Mar 2, 2018
    6
    It does have a certain charm to it, even for people who are not a fan of Minecraft or Minecraft-like games.

    The problem is that the weapons and combat are *extremely* boring. I don't think you can ever get anything other than a sword/axe/hammer type weapon, so the entire game is just running into melee and swinging a melee weapon. That gets old really fast. Part of the appeal of the    It does have a certain charm to it, even for people who are not a fan of Minecraft or Minecraft-like games.

    The problem is that the weapons and combat are *extremely* boring. I don't think you can ever get anything other than a sword/axe/hammer type weapon, so the entire game is just running into melee and swinging a melee weapon. That gets old really fast. Part of the appeal of the Dragon Quest series is all the magic, and that's gone here.

    The building part of the game is much better than the combat, but it's just not quite enough to justify the cost.    … Expand
  9. FanFreak777
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    The perfect game that combines the Minecraft style with the classic JRPGs from Square Enix. Highly recommended.
  10. DizavidHZ
    Nov 4, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game couldn't more clearly project "We didn't listen to our QA testers" than if you'd told me the developer was Square Enix. While there's lots to have fun with here, a lot of the good items in the open world option are locked behind just an awful story mode. The villagers don't help you rebuild after an attack is the most grievous issue. I'm sure would say that's part of the fun, but even Square disagrees: the *MUCH* better sequel fixes this issue. In fact, DQ Builders 1 feels like a game designed to make us the QA testers for the *real* game, and they charged us sixty bucks for both. The absolute worst comes near the end of the third chapter, when a secret weapon you've spent all chapter seeking out turns out to not only be useless but a detriment and hazard to your health. It's a *vehicle* that controls like it drove through Wet Platinum and forgot turning until the last pieces were in place. Given the "jumpiness" of the control stick in this game, aiming at the main enemy while charging up in place is just luck (getting hit takes you out of the vehicle, with lots of methods of damage going off everywhere). It's the only way to damage the boss, in case that wasn't obvious. It's little things like this that plague the entire game; it appears polished but rub even one spot a tiny bit and the imperfections come hemorrhaging out. I'd suggest trying before you buy. Or better yet: Pretend this one doesn't exist and just get part 2. It's an easy 9/10. Giving this a 4 is the most generous thing I've done this year.… Expand
  11. djcole28
    May 19, 2019
    8
    Didn't think I would like this game since I'm not a big fan of Minecraft type games, but this one was really fun. I've played through the story multiple times and still have fun. It does have its flaws such as the build height and gathering materials can be a little annoying, but nothing that ruins the game play.
  12. Kirixa
    Jan 2, 2021
    7
    Addicting gameplay, but quite kiddy and a lot of handholding. The familiar dq mobs and adorable artstyle makes this minecraftesque jrpg nice on the eyes but it's not as good as Minecraft in my opinion.
  13. 22446688Bb
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    A beautiful game close to the idea of Maine Craft where the story and drawing a beautiful and attractive world game is different from the original series by providing content more attractive game awesome deserve
  14. SappyNoypi
    Oct 29, 2018
    8
    A very refreshing and welcome take on a RPG! The building aspect and mechanics are awesome. Ensuring that every game-through by every player will be different from each other. Story is quite interesting. A little voice over will make this game even more awesome. One of my favorite parts where from Chapter 3. Because... Bodybuilders. LOL! Recommended to those who haven't played it. I'mA very refreshing and welcome take on a RPG! The building aspect and mechanics are awesome. Ensuring that every game-through by every player will be different from each other. Story is quite interesting. A little voice over will make this game even more awesome. One of my favorite parts where from Chapter 3. Because... Bodybuilders. LOL! Recommended to those who haven't played it. I'm looking forward for the sequel.… Expand
  15. Steffer33
    Jul 11, 2018
    10
    I loved this game. I enjoyed the difficulty change from one chapter to the other. my only "problem" with the game was its addiction and forgetting time while playing this game. I am a person that takes my time when playing games and I am at 100 + hours ( please keep in mind that most of that is leveling mountains in each chapter. I mean why go around a mountain when you have the powerI loved this game. I enjoyed the difficulty change from one chapter to the other. my only "problem" with the game was its addiction and forgetting time while playing this game. I am a person that takes my time when playing games and I am at 100 + hours ( please keep in mind that most of that is leveling mountains in each chapter. I mean why go around a mountain when you have the power to bring it to its knees.)… Expand
  16. Neatqt
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    Cast: 9/10
    Story: 7/10
    Fun: 10/10
    Gameplay: 10/10

    Recommended
    ----------------------
  17. Francisbrake
    May 20, 2018
    9
    Dragon Quest fans will absolutely love this gem. Even with a dislike for the simplicity of Mine Craft or no experience playing you will easily jump right into the beef of this game and enjoy it. Don’t assume this game is easy - it isn’t. The story is cute and very true to the essence of Dragon Quest but I found myself clicking through and not reading about half of the dialogue because IDragon Quest fans will absolutely love this gem. Even with a dislike for the simplicity of Mine Craft or no experience playing you will easily jump right into the beef of this game and enjoy it. Don’t assume this game is easy - it isn’t. The story is cute and very true to the essence of Dragon Quest but I found myself clicking through and not reading about half of the dialogue because I was too excited to craft the next time and get on with it. You are also not forced or rushed to play through the rewarding linear plot to this game. I loved the full 45 hours it took me to complete this game. I was saddened by my decision to not invest the time to unlock all of the unlockables. Those who are not afraid to go off the beaten path will be pleasantly rewarded. One of my top picks for Switch thus far and makes me eager for DQXI… Expand
  18. yic191
    Oct 5, 2018
    8
    Amazing game, so fun, and addictive. i played for 150 hours. i like this fusion on the RPG and the Survival creative.
  19. ravihe
    Jul 23, 2019
    9
    Very fun game to play, addictive, it's good even for someone who isn't into building games. Here there is a sense of direction and at the same time you can just farm stuff to build something you want. Combat is not very good but it's not that bad.
  20. Barb1
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    My favourite game on the Switch. I used to love LEGO as a child, but this is the ultimate way to build. The controls are superb, I can’t stress this enough. The game plays like a dream. I never expected to like this game at all before Wood from BeatEmUps made a video about it. I thought it wasn’t for me as I don’t like minecraft, but this game got me hooked. I’m now 290 hours in and I’mMy favourite game on the Switch. I used to love LEGO as a child, but this is the ultimate way to build. The controls are superb, I can’t stress this enough. The game plays like a dream. I never expected to like this game at all before Wood from BeatEmUps made a video about it. I thought it wasn’t for me as I don’t like minecraft, but this game got me hooked. I’m now 290 hours in and I’m just replaying all the chapters while continuing to build in the free build mode Terra Incognita to my hearts content. The possibilities are endless there, and gathering the materials is so much fun.

    I do recommend completing all the chapters (story mode) first though, so you can unlock all the equipment and building materials.

    There are four chapters. Each one separate, in that you start from scratch with every new chapter, but you are free to revisit old chapters and continue to build there if you really want to.

    When I first started playing the game, I thought I had beaten the game when I finished the first chapter, feeling quite satisfied... Little did I know there was so much more!

    Also, the music is brilliant, just like in the other Dragon Quest games. I find myself humming the tunes all the time. Across the board 10/10 from me.    … Expand
  21. SirAwesomeness5
    Jan 30, 2019
    8
    I like the art style and the building mechanics of the game, but the combat could be better. 8 out of 10.
  22. LS2019
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    I have never been a huge fan of minecraft but I am addicted to this game. The quests are fun, the dialogue is humorous, the graphics are cute - it is a relaxing game to play at the end of a long day.
  23. sitebender
    May 18, 2019
    9
    Dragon Quest Builders gives a relaxing, cheery, charming vibe to Minecraft, even if they put you in dire days of Alefgard. I am into Dragon Quest far more than Minecraft and this is just a world I want to be in. It's enjoyable and everything is broken into chapters so you don't spend the entire game hunkered down in one place, although there is a sandbox mode. You're working in limitedDragon Quest Builders gives a relaxing, cheery, charming vibe to Minecraft, even if they put you in dire days of Alefgard. I am into Dragon Quest far more than Minecraft and this is just a world I want to be in. It's enjoyable and everything is broken into chapters so you don't spend the entire game hunkered down in one place, although there is a sandbox mode. You're working in limited space and you need to make everything fit into your little town. There are boss battles and the game continues to amaze me with it's never ending bag of tricks. Except magic... doesn't seem like there's any usable magic at least in the early 10 hours of the game.… Expand
  24. LanceLabrin
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Muy buen juego en el que puedes pasar horas creativas con muy interesante historia. No pongo mejor nota debido al lag que muchas veces fastidia la partida.
  25. BenjaRPG
    May 20, 2020
    8
    Dragon Quest Builders es un juego de construcción, simulación y RPG desarrollado por Square Enix.
    Controlamos al protagonista quien es el llamado "constructor legendario", el elegido por la divinidad para recorrer distintos mundos, reconstruirlos y purificarlos de la energía negativa que los inunda. El juego se estructura en 4 capítulos, cada uno ambientado en una dimensión diferente    Dragon Quest Builders es un juego de construcción, simulación y RPG desarrollado por Square Enix.
    Controlamos al protagonista quien es el llamado "constructor legendario", el elegido por la divinidad para recorrer distintos mundos, reconstruirlos y purificarlos de la energía negativa que los inunda. El juego se estructura en 4 capítulos, cada uno ambientado en una dimensión diferente donde el objetivo es relativamente similar : reconstruir la ciudad principal que ha sido devastada por monstruos, rescatar personajes que se encuentran repartidos por el mundo, incorporarlos como habitantes de la ciudad y cumplir los requerimientos que nos puedan plantear, recolectar los diferentes ítemes y materiales que encontramos para construir diversas estructuras y recetas que nos servirán para progresar en la historia.

    Debo confesar que a primera vista me costó un poco entender la dinámica del juego (no suelo ver videos ni espoilearme antes de jugar), ya que la pantalla principal y menú son bastante minimalistas. Solo tendremos visible la barra de hambre, la barra de experiencia de la "base" (ciudad) y los puntos de vida del protagonista. Tampoco existe un tutorial obligatorio. Sin embargo, el juego es intuitivo, es recomendable lanzarse a explorar y hablar siempre con los habitantes de nuestra ciudad que nos darán tips de cómo proseguir en la historia.

    La música y sonidos del juego son muy agradables y adecuados para el género, escucharemos las típicas melodías que sonarán por días en nuestra cabeza luego de haberlo terminado.

    Un detalle que me gustaría destacar es que los NPC del juego, por irrelevantes que sean, se expresan con diálogos ingeniosos y llenos de humor, los personajes tienen mucho carisma y una personalidad propia. Para explotar al máximo esta característica recomiendo hablar regularmente con todos los personajes de la ciudad, ya que son pocos los diálogos obligatorios.

    El único y gran punto negativo y también el motivo de mi calificación es la ausencia del sentido de progresión en el juego. Como explicaba al principio, son 4 capítulos independientes entre sí y en cada uno "partimos de 0", es decir, abandonamos todo el progreso en conseguido en el mundo anterior. Entonces es un poco frustrante esforzarse por conseguir todas las recetas o ser prolijo en la construcción y decoración de nuestra ciudad, si luego tendremos que empezar de nuevo en la pobreza. También me hace falta algún sistema de "leveleo" para el combate, en DQB la única forma de mejorar a tu protagonista para que pegue más es con equipo, no existe algún sistema donde ganemos experiencia y ganemos poder conforme vayamos batallando.

    En general, DQB es un juego creativo, que logra un excelente complemento entre el género de simulación y el RPG propiamente tal, incorpora varios elementos innovadores en cuanto a la jugabilidad y entrega muchas horas de diversión. Me parece recomendable para fans del RPG, así como también para jugadores que no sean tan cercanos al género.    … Expand
  26. Mithrandirkun
    Apr 8, 2020
    8
    Un juego estilo Minecraft, adaptado al universon Dragon Quest.
    El juego esta realmente bien conseguido en su propósito, es realmente divertido jugarlo y su ritmo se adapta muy bien a la forma de jugar de cada jugador, pudiendo ir al grano y a hacer las misiones que te plantea el juego, o perderte en su mundo construyendo libremente según se te antoje.
    - Gráficamente es correcto. Tiene    Un juego estilo Minecraft, adaptado al universon Dragon Quest.
    El juego esta realmente bien conseguido en su propósito, es realmente divertido jugarlo y su ritmo se adapta muy bien a la forma de jugar de cada jugador, pudiendo ir al grano y a hacer las misiones que te plantea el juego, o perderte en su mundo construyendo libremente según se te antoje.

    - Gráficamente es correcto. Tiene un estilo muy respetuoso con lo que es la saga dragon Quest, quizá un poco más simplificado, pero aceptable al fin y al cabo. Respecto a juegos como Minecraft, Dragon quest Builders se ve muchisimo mejor.
    - El Apartado sonoro incluye banda sonora orquestada de la serie Dragon Quest, con piezas muy memorables y de gran calidad.
    - La jugabilidad esta muy bien conseguida y da muchas opciones. En este aspecto es inferior a Minecraft, porque no tienes tantas opciones de construcción ni de personalización, pero las suficientes para tener una muy buena experiencia de juego.
    - En este caso el juego incorpora historia y una serie de misiones que nos guían a través de los mundos del juego. Una história adaptada del primer juego de Dragon Quest de NES, que nos anima a seguir jugando hasta completar el juego.
    - El juego incorpora además un modo libre que nos da total libertad de construcción. Este modo lo iremos desbloqueando y mejorando a medida que avancemos en la historia principal, y permite cierta conectividad online, para poder ver las construcciones de otros jugadores.    … Expand
  27. Anonime
    Jul 10, 2020
    8
    Great game.

    Visually it is very beautiful, playably it has its improvements but it fulfills very well, the story is very good, without being outstanding, but it also hooks you, especially on the part of discovering new areas, worlds, objects, constructions ... If you like to build you will spend many hours here. Bosses are a challenge, it's not just hitting the button, you have to    Great game.

    Visually it is very beautiful, playably it has its improvements but it fulfills very well, the story is very good, without being outstanding, but it also hooks you, especially on the part of discovering new areas, worlds, objects, constructions ... If you like to build you will spend many hours here.

    Bosses are a challenge, it's not just hitting the button, you have to think about it well.

    Music faithful to the saga, as it should be.    … Expand
  28. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 25, 2021
    9
    Man, the sequel really improved on this game in a lot of ways. Still a really good time, though. It's just that I HIGHLY recommend the sequel instead.
  29. GAME-OVERcv
    Nov 1, 2022
    6
    the games building saved it for me the rest was basically just fetch quests and boring combat
  30. laur_650
    Jul 24, 2023
    9
    the game is great the gameplay is fun with the base building being smooth and relaxing and the combat being exciting and way more in depth then it had to be the story is pretty good kind of basic but it is cool how it's based on an alternate ending of dragon quest my only problem is that the second world is kind of sluggish but other then that I highly recommend

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best Switch Game of 2018
57
#57 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
76
#76 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. My Nintendo News
    Jul 15, 2018
    80
    Dragon Quest Builders is both a great Dragon Quest spin-off and an interesting take on the somewhat overplayed sandbox genre that’s only made better on Nintendo Switch. It’s a game that can be played for hours or in shorts bursts, so it’s perfect on a portable console.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Apr 3, 2018
    80
    It’s not just a Minecraft rip-off. Square Enix expanded Mojang’s concept and infused the game with tons of Dragon Quest. [03/2018, p.74]
  3. New York Daily News
    Mar 12, 2018
    80
    It is plenty of fun, a terrific evolution of Minecraft that’s made its way to a perfect console.
    Read full review
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