Square Enix has released a free demo for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, giving players access to the opening hours of the remake ahead of its full launch on February 5, 2026.
The demo is available now across Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with save data carrying over to the full game. Players who complete the demo and continue into the retail release will unlock a cosmetic “Day Off Dress” outfit for Maribel.
A remake of Dragon Quest VII?
A popular PlayStation game from 2000 (released as Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past), the game is one of the series’ longest and most ambitious entries. Reimagined rebuilds the adventure with a new 3D art style inspired by dioramas, redesigned characters based on Akira Toriyama’s originals, and a streamlined structure intended to reduce some of the pacing issues that divided opinion back in the day.
Square Enix says the story remains faithful, but the remake introduces optional side content, new vocations, and significant changes to combat. These include the ability to combine vocations, a new Monster Master role, and a “Let Loose” mechanic designed to add more momentum to battles.
Is this really needed?
There’s no shortage of ambition here, but it does raise familiar questions around modern remakes. If Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is intended to replace the original, preservation-minded players may wonder what happens to the slower, rougher-edged experience that defined the 2000 release.
If it isn’t, then the purpose of such a comprehensive rebuild becomes less clear.
It’s a tension Square Enix has navigated before (particularly with Dragon Quest I and II), and one that continues to divide fans of long-running RPG series. With the demo now live, players can at least decide for themselves how much of the original Dragon Quest VII still shines through. For collectors, physical editions are available for Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X/S. Learn more and find store links on the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined website.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches February 5, 2026, priced at $59.99.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
