Square Enix has released a free playable demo for Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World on PS5, and it is available to download right now. The release is a notable moment for the series – this is the first Dragon Quest Monsters title to appear on a Sony platform in over 20 years.
The full game is set to launch on PS5 on 3rd December
What Kind of Game Is It?
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is a monster-collecting RPG in the same vein as others in the genre. Players explore the world, befriend creatures from the Dragon Quest universe, raise them, and take them into battle against enemy monsters. The combat loop will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time with Pokémon-style games.
One feature that sets the series apart is the ability to combine two monsters together to create a new, stronger one. This fusion mechanic adds a layer of strategy to how you build and manage your roster over time.
Demo Bonuses and Monster Transfer
Playing the demo comes with a few perks worth knowing about. First, you will receive a special item bundle called the Wrangler’s Bundle, which includes the following:
- Ring of Impulse x1
- Bonus Ball x1
- Smoked Sirloin x5
Beyond the items, you can also carry up to eight monsters from your demo party into the full game when it launches in December. It is worth noting that full save data transfer does not appear to be supported – only the monsters themselves will make the jump, not your entire progress.
Early Impressions
Those who have already got time with the game have come away with mostly positive thoughts. Push Square went hands-on with Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World at Gamescom and described it as a pleasant, easy-going experience. Some players who have tried the demo have noted it has an addictive and cozy quality, though a few have pointed out the difficulty feels quite low and the early setting is on the drab side – reportedly for story-related reasons.
Either way, for fans of the monster-collecting genre or Dragon Quest in general, getting a free taste before committing to a purchase is a worthwhile opportunity, especially given how long the series has been absent from PlayStation hardware.
How to Get the Demo
The demo for Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is available now on the PlayStation Store for PS5 at no cost. Simply search for the title in the store and download the demo version. Any monsters you recruit during your playthrough can be saved and transferred – up to eight of them – when the full game releases on 3rd December.
If you have been curious about the Dragon Quest Monsters spinoff series, or you are looking for a new monster-collecting RPG to sink time into this winter, the demo is a low-risk way to find out whether The Withered World is worth adding to your library.