“Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate” is the latest work in the series that Square Enix announced on the 35th anniversary program on May 27, 2021. Despite the fact that many years have passed since the announcement, there are very few follow-up reports, so various rumors and predictions are flying around among fans. Here, we will organize and explain official/confirmed information and rumors/forecasts separately.
When is the release date of Dragon Quest 12? (as of 2026)
Currently, no official release date has been announced.
Since the official announcement in 2021, Square Enix has not released any clear information about the release date or specific platforms.
Yuji Horii, series director, has only commented that “development is ongoing and we would like to release information little by little.” Therefore, it is accurate to say that the release date is undecided at this stage.
Furthermore, some fans believe that based on the series’ production period and development progress, there is a high possibility that it will be announced and released after 2026, but this is just a rumor and is not an official announcement.
What hardware is supported?
This is also unofficially announced, but since it is developed using Unreal Engine 5, it is expected that it will be likely to be developed for next-generation game consoles (e.g. Nintendo Switch successor, PlayStation/Xbox/PC). Main titles in the Dragon Quest series tend to be multi-platform titles with simultaneous worldwide release in mind, and it is likely that they will be released on the Switch successor (Switch 2, etc.).
However, this is not an official announcement, but is based on the environment, development technology, and fan expectations.
■ The worldview is clearly stated as “for adults” and “dark route”
At the time of the official announcement, series creator Yuji Horii revealed that “Dragon Quest 12” will have a “dark and adult” theme that is different from previous series. The story includes elements that make “choices” and “decisions” important, suggesting that the story may change depending on the player’s actions. This is a direction not seen in previous series, and there are also rumors of a multi-ending format where players can reach multiple endings. Although there has been no direct official announcement yet, comments that emphasize the “weight of choice” have pointed out that the story structure may have a higher degree of freedom than the traditional one-track scenario.
Changes to the battle system (based on official statements)
Square Enix has hinted at a revamped command battle for Dragon Quest 12, but detailed specifications have not been made public.
According to the official announcement, “The combat command system is being reviewed, but it is currently in the prototype stage,” and it is predicted that new information will be released in the future.
What we can say for sure from this information is
- “The traditional classic turn-based command battle may not stay the same”
That’s the point.
However, the official does not explicitly state that it will be a real-time battle, so the exact format is unknown at this time.
Rumored predictions of changes in battle
From here on, we are at the stage of rumors and speculation, but we will summarize the predictions that have been talked about a lot by fans and the press.
*The following are all predictions and interpretations that have not been officially announced.
● Theory of transition to “ATB (Active Time Battle) style”
There are some predictions that Square Enix will introduce a battle system similar to ATB (Active Time Battle), which is used in the FF series. This is a way between turn-based and real-time where players choose actions based on the passage of time and gauges.
However, there has been no official statement regarding this.
● Possibility of emphasizing real-time
There are also widespread rumors that the game will become more of a complete real-time action game, citing the flow of FF7 Remake and other series, but this is also just a community prediction. However, since Square Enix has actively incorporated action elements and a real-time system in past works, it is thought that there is a certain possibility that the game will go beyond a completely fixed turn system.
● Some commands + real-time integrated type
The proposal of “a system that combines traditional command selection with real-time elements” is also a hot topic among fans. For example, this could be a hybrid format where options are activated in real-time during combat, while some are traditional menu controls. Although this is still at the rumor stage, it is a prediction that reflects the expectation that the tempo will be increased while retaining its strategic nature.
About “Dark Story”
The official announcement indicates that Dragon Quest 12 will have “serious and adult themes” than previous series. Especially in Mr. Horii’s remarks,
“The player needs to make choices while proceeding”
“My way of life and play style affects the game”
Words to this effect have been spoken, and the possibility of adding weight to the story has been officially stated.
For this reason, it has been pointed out that rather than simple promotion of good and evil, clashing and conflicting values may become important elements.
Summary (confirmed information + predictions)
Current confirmed information
- “Dragon Quest XII: Flame of Chosen Fate” has been officially announced in 2021.
It is still under development, and Yuji Horii has indicated that he will continue to release information in the future.
The command system is officially mentioned as being under review.
The plan is for the story to be heavier and more serious than before.
Rumor/anticipation stage
- The combat system may change from the traditional completely fixed turn system.
- It is expected that the system will have action elements and an ATB-like integrated/real-time system.
- It is expected that multiple endings and a story development that emphasizes choice will be introduced.
Finally
Official information regarding “Dragon Quest
However, since the official website has released keywords such as “review of the battle system,” “adult-oriented = heavy scenario,” and “emphasis on choices,” it can be said that it is likely to be a work that takes on new challenges while maintaining the traditional Dragon Quest feel.
We will definitely have to wait for further news from Square Enix, but we would like to keep an eye on future official development reports.
