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[[File:DQVI monster companions.jpg|right|thumb|350px|The cast of {{DQ6}} along with several monstrous mates and [[Lizzie]].]]
[[File:DQVI monster companions.jpg|right|thumb|350px|The cast of {{DQ6}} along with several monstrous mates and [[Lizzie]].]]
Introduced in {{DQ5}}, the recruitment of bested beasts has appeared in some capacity in nearly every title in the series since 1992.
Introduced in {{DQ5}}, the recruitment of bested beasts has appeared in some capacity in nearly every title in the series since 1992. Specifically, the system was present in every even-numbered title beginning with {{DQ6}} until the release of the HD-2D remake of the third game in 2024.


Specifically, the system was present in every even-numbered title beginning with {{DQ6}} until the release of the HD-2D remake of the third game in 2024.
Monster recruitment has been a core aspect of the ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters (series)|Dragon Quest Monsters spin-off series]]'' since its inception in 1996 , as the player takes the role of a [[Monster Wrangler]] who is unable to fight his or her own battles.


=={{DQ3HD}}==
=={{DQ3HD}}==
Monster recruitment is set to be in the game's 2D-HD Remake, though details are currently unknown.
Monster recruitment is featured Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for the new [[Monster Arena (Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake)|Monster Arena]], which replaces the tradtional gambling dens in previous versions of the game. There players compose a team of monsters they have recruited, and have them challenge opposing contestents to earn prizes.
 
Throughout the world, players will find friendly monsters that do not attack humans living in various parts of town or dungeons and are tasked by [[Monty|Monty the Monster Monitor]] to rescue them. While they do not attack humans, these monsters are very timid and will run away due to their strong sense of smell or hearing altering them of the party’s precense. In order to approach them: the use of [[Musk]] will allow the party to cover their scent, while the skill [[Padfoot]] prevents the monster from hearing the party’s footsteps. The precense of a [[Monster Wrangler|Monster Wrangler]] will allow the party to approach monsters without the need of either effect.
 
Some monsters found in towns or Secret Spots will also take on the form of humans to better hide. These monsters cannot be recruited until the player has obtained [[Ra%27s_Mirror|Ra’s Mirror]] in order to remove their disguise.


=={{DQ5}}==
=={{DQ5}}==
Line 244: Line 248:


===Available in all versions===
===Available in all versions===
{|
<div style="max-width: 60ch; columns: 13ch; column-gap: 2ch;">
|-
| width="50%" align="{{{align|left}}}" valign="{{{valign|top}}}" style="border:0"|
*[[Archer]]
*[[Archer]]
*[[Archfiend (Recruit)|Archfiend]]
*[[Archfiend (Recruit)|Archfiend]]
Line 285: Line 287:
*[[Jewelbag (Recruit)|Jewelbag]]
*[[Jewelbag (Recruit)|Jewelbag]]
*[[Jockey]]
*[[Jockey]]
| width="50%" align="{{{align|left}}}" valign="{{{valign|top}}}" style="border:0"|
*[[Klub kong]]
*[[Klub kong]]
*[[Lonely Joe]]
*[[Lonely Joe]]
Line 323: Line 324:
*[[Trick Bag (Recruit)|Trick Bag]]
*[[Trick Bag (Recruit)|Trick Bag]]
*[[Twiggy]]
*[[Twiggy]]
|}
</div>


=={{DQ10}}==
=={{DQ10}}==
Certain {{MFamilies}}s can be recruited by players beginning in version 2.0, which saw the return of the [[Monster Master]] vocation to the series after nearly 14 years of absence. Version 2.1 added the [[Item Master]] vocation and it's selection of monsters. The former tames organic {{MFamilies}}s, while the latter handles [[Material family|living objects]] and [[Machine family|robots]], with each having 15 species to choose from.
Certain {{MFamilies}}s can be recruited by players beginning in version 2.0, which saw the return of the [[Monster Wrangler]] vocation to the series after nearly 14 years of absence. Version 2.1 added the [[Item Master]] vocation and it's selection of monsters. The former tames organic {{MFamilies}}s, while the latter handles [[Material family|living objects]] and [[Machine family|robots]], with each having 15 species to choose from.


Taming itself is fairly simple, but players must perform research on the species they want prior to the encounter. This is done in the form of obtaining zoological books on {{MFamilies}}s or user manuals for machines, and using one as an item in battle to unlock the scouting attack for that particular breed. This attack creates a base 10% chance to capture the {{MFamilies}} once it falls. The skill does not need to be the final blow of the battle; as long as it has been used over the course of the encounter the chance to recruit the beast is established. Once tamed, the {{MFamilies}} can join the player immediately or be sent off to the monster bar where most scouting books are obtained, and one character can store up to 24 {{MFamilies}}s at the pub.
Taming itself is fairly simple, but players must perform research on the species they want prior to the encounter. This is done in the form of obtaining zoological books on {{MFamilies}}s or user manuals for machines, and using one as an item in battle to unlock the scouting attack for that particular breed. This attack creates a base 10% chance to capture the {{MFamilies}} once it falls. The skill does not need to be the final blow of the battle; as long as it has been used over the course of the encounter the chance to recruit the beast is established. Once tamed, the {{MFamilies}} can join the player immediately or be sent off to the monster bar where most scouting books are obtained, and one character can store up to 24 {{MFamilies}}s at the pub.


Monsters that have joined players are controlled through A.I. dependent on their [[Personality|personality]] and essentially serve as [[party]] members for times when the player's friends and comrades are offline. Monsters have a Level cap of 50, but can undergo a process similar to a [[Revocation]] to further raise their stats. The equipment pool of a given {{MFamilies}} is fixed and cannot be changed, but gear can be shared between the {{MFamilies}} and master: for example a [[Monster Master]] and Hacksaurus can simultaneously wield the same [[Kaiser axe]] in a battle for the sake of player convenience. New to the series is the concept of bonding, a stat that denotes the level of attachment a {{MFamilies}} has to its master and is raised by fighting together. Raising this stat will confer benefits such as additional skill points, and once this stat reaches a certain threshold, a {{MFamilies}} will follow a character regardless of their {{vocation}}.  
Monsters that have joined players are controlled through {{A.I.}} dependent on their [[personality]] and essentially serve as [[party]] members for times when the player's friends and comrades are offline. Monsters have a Level cap of 50, but can undergo a process similar to a [[Revocation]] to further raise their stats. The equipment pool of a given {{MFamilies}} is fixed and cannot be changed, but gear can be shared between the {{MFamilies}} and master: for example a [[Monster Master]] and Hacksaurus can simultaneously wield the same [[Kaiser axe]] in a battle for the sake of player convenience. New to the series is the concept of bonding, a stat that denotes the level of attachment a {{MFamilies}} has to its master and is raised by fighting together. Raising this stat will confer benefits such as additional skill points, and once this stat reaches a certain threshold, a {{MFamilies}} will follow a character regardless of their {{vocation}}.  


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 375: Line 376:
|[[Bambooligan]] || 2.1 || Spears || Heavy armour || Sold at tavern
|[[Bambooligan]] || 2.1 || Spears || Heavy armour || Sold at tavern
|-
|-
|[[Fromage Fray]] || 2.1 || Heavy wands || Robes || Sold at tavern
|[[Fromage fray]] || 2.1 || Heavy wands || Robes || Sold at tavern
|-
|-
|[[Golem]] || 2.1 || Greatswords || Heavy armour || Sold at tavern
|[[Golem]] || 2.1 || Greatswords || Heavy armour || Sold at tavern
Line 412: Line 413:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Monster Name !! Location !! Gimmick
! Sprite !! Monster Name !! Location !! Gimmick
|-
|-
|Bloody Hand || Unholy Holm || Plays with islanders<br>crafts items at workstations
|[[File:DQB2 MON 24.png|center|40px]] ||[[Bloody hand|Bloody Hand]] || Unholy Holm || Plays with islanders<br>Crafts items at workstations
|-
|-
|Brownie || Iridescent Island ||Demolishes blocks marked with a smashing sign
|[[File:DQB2 MON 60.png|center|60px]]||[[Brownie]] || Iridescent Island ||Demolishes blocks marked with a smashing sign
|-
|-
|Chimaera || Blossom Bay || Flying mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 11.png|center|60px]]||[[Chimaera]] || Blossom Bay || Flying mount<br>Cooks food at bonfires
|-
|-
|Corpse Corporal || Laguna Perfuma ||Bartender
|[[File:DQB2 MON 29.png|center|50px]]||[[Corpse corporal|Corpse Corporal]] || Laguna Perfuma ||Bartender
|-
|-
|Cosmic Chimaera || Rimey Reef ||Flying mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 13.png|center|60px]]||[[Cosmic Chimaera]] || Rimey Reef ||Flying mount<br>Cooks food at bonfires
|-
|-
|Ghoul || Rimey Reef ||Bartender
|[[File:DQB2 MON 30.png|center|50px]]||[[Ghoul]] || Rimey Reef ||Bartender
|-
|-
|Gold Golem || Coral Cay ||Can use terraforma tiles<br>Melee mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 131.png|center|70px]]||[[Gold Golem]] || Coral Cay ||Can use terraforma tiles<br>Melee mount
|-  
|-  
|Golem || Sunny Sands (one per visit) ||Can use terraforma tiles<br>Mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 129.png|center|70px]]||[[Golem]] || Sunny Sands (one per visit) ||Can use terraforma tiles<br>Mount
|-
|-
|Great Sabrecub || Blossom Bay ||Double-jump mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 134.png|center|45px]]||[[Great Sabrecub]] || Blossom Bay ||Double-jump mount
|-
|-
|Great Sabrecat || Soggy Skerry ||Double-jump mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 135.png|center|70px]]||[[Great Sabrecat]] || Soggy Skerry ||Double-jump mount
|-
|-
|Hammerhood || Sunny Sands ||Demolishes blocks marked with a smashing sign
|[[File:DQB2 MON 59.png|center|60px]]||[[Hammerhood]] || Sunny Sands ||Demolishes blocks marked with a smashing sign
|-
|-
|Healslime || nearly all Explorer's Shores ||Casts Heal in battle<br>Bartender
|[[File:DQB2 MON 33.png|center|35px]]||[[Healslime]] || nearly all Explorer's Shores ||Casts Heal in battle<br>Bartender
|-
|-
|Hocus Chimaera || Iridescent Island ||Flying mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 12.png|center|60px]]||[[Hocus chimaera|Hocus Chimaera]] || Iridescent Island ||Flying mount<br>Cooks food at bonfires
|-
|-
|Hunter Mech || Rimey Reef ||Farmer
|[[File:DQB2 MON 108.png|center|75px]]||[[Hunter mech|Hunter Mech]] || Rimey Reef ||Farmer
|-  
|-  
|Killing Machine || Laguna Perfuma ||Farmer
|[[File:DQB2 MON 107.png|center|75px]]||[[Killing machine|Killing Machine]] || Laguna Perfuma ||Farmer
|-
|-
|Living Statue || Rimey Reef (one per visit) ||Produces dyes at stain extractors
|[[File:DQB2 MON 82.png|center|65px]]||[[Living Statue]] || Rimey Reef (one per visit) ||Produces dyes at stain extractors
|-
|-
|Liquid Metal Slime || Laguna Perfuma ||Plays tag
|[[File:DQB2 MON 115.png|center|65px]]||[[Liquid Metal Slime]] || Laguna Perfuma ||Plays tag
|-  
|-  
|Muddy Hand || Soggy Skerry ||Plays with islanders<br>crafts items at workstations
|[[File:DQB2 MON 23.png|center|40px]]||[[Muddy hand|Muddy Hand]] || Soggy Skerry ||Plays with islanders<br>Crafts items at workstations
|-
|-
|Powie Yowie || Rimey Reef ||Feed ice lollies to freeze ground
|[[File:DQB2 MON 106.png|center|70px]]||[[Powie Yowie]] || Rimey Reef ||Feed ice lollies to freeze ground
|-
|-
|She-Slime || Sunny Sands ||Double-jump mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 2.png|center|37px]]||[[She-Slime]] || Sunny Sands ||Double-jump mount<br>Produces [[Orange oil]] at bonfires
|-
|-
|Slime || Blossom Bay ||Double-jump mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 1.png|center|37px]]||[[Slime]] || Blossom Bay ||Double-jump mount<br>Produces [[Blue goo]] at bonfires
|-
|-
||Stone Golem || Iridescent Island (one per visit) ||Can use terraforma tiles<br>Melee mount
|[[File:DQB2 MON 130.png|center|70px]]||[[Stone Golem]] || Iridescent Island (one per visit) ||Can use terraforma tiles<br>Melee mount
|-
|-
|Stone Guardian || Unholy Holm || Produces dyes at stain extractors
|[[File:DQB2 MON 83.png|center|65px]]||[[Stone guardian|Stone Guardian]] || Unholy Holm || Produces dyes at stain extractors
|-
|-
|Walking Corpse || Soggy Skerry ||Bartender
|[[File:DQB2 MON 28.png|center|50px]]||[[Walking Corpse]] || Soggy Skerry ||Bartender
|}
|}


==''[[Dragon Quest Monsters|Dragon Quest Monsters 1]]'' & ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters 2|2]]''==
==''[[Dragon Quest Monsters|Dragon Quest Monsters 1]]'' & ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters 2|2]]''==
While monsters retain a base chance to join the player upon defeat as in previous games, the chance can be greatly enhanced by using Monster munchies in battle.  
While monsters retain a base chance to join the player upon defeat as in previous games, the chance can be greatly enhanced by using [[monster munchies]] in battle.  


=={{DQMJ}} series==
=={{DQMJ}} series==
Recruitment is implemented via the ''Scout'' option in the battle menu. When selected, the player's team of {{MFamilies}}s will perform a group assault on the target to impress the {{MFamilies}} into joining. The percentile chance is displayed onscreen, and can easily reach 100% if the group's sum attack power is high enough. However, if the enemy is too durable then the assault can easily leave the player with a big fat 0%--it is imperative to apply [[Oomph]] and [[Sap]] to raise the chances even higher.
Recruitment is implemented via the ''Scout'' option in the battle menu. When selected, the player's team of {{MFamilies}}s will perform a group assault on the target to impress the {{MFamilies}} into joining. The percentile chance is displayed onscreen, and can easily reach 100% if the group's sum attack power is high enough. However, if the enemy is too durable then the assault can easily leave the player with a big fat 0%--it is imperative to apply [[Oomph]] and [[Sap]] to raise the chances even higher.
*In {{Joker 2}}, tossing a bundle of [[Beastie bites]] at the foe will raise the chance by a flat 10%.
*In {{Joker 2}}, tossing a bundle of [[beastie bites]] at the foe will raise the chance by a flat 10%.
 
=={{DQM3}}==
Monster recruitment builds upon the foundation laid by the ''Joker'' sub-series, but now the wisdom stat will be used for scouting calculation if it is higher than a monster's attack stat. Additionally the [[Big Bully]] and [[Little Menace]] will increase the scouting chance when used against larger or smaller monsters.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==

Latest revision as of 04:37, 20 November 2025

The cast of Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation along with several monstrous mates and Lizzie.

Introduced in Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, the recruitment of bested beasts has appeared in some capacity in nearly every title in the series since 1992. Specifically, the system was present in every even-numbered title beginning with Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation until the release of the HD-2D remake of the third game in 2024.

Monster recruitment has been a core aspect of the Dragon Quest Monsters spin-off series since its inception in 1996 , as the player takes the role of a Monster Wrangler who is unable to fight his or her own battles.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake[edit]

Monster recruitment is featured Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for the new Monster Arena, which replaces the tradtional gambling dens in previous versions of the game. There players compose a team of monsters they have recruited, and have them challenge opposing contestents to earn prizes.

Throughout the world, players will find friendly monsters that do not attack humans living in various parts of town or dungeons and are tasked by Monty the Monster Monitor to rescue them. While they do not attack humans, these monsters are very timid and will run away due to their strong sense of smell or hearing altering them of the party’s precense. In order to approach them: the use of Musk will allow the party to cover their scent, while the skill Padfoot prevents the monster from hearing the party’s footsteps. The precense of a Monster Wrangler will allow the party to approach monsters without the need of either effect.

Some monsters found in towns or Secret Spots will also take on the form of humans to better hide. These monsters cannot be recruited until the player has obtained Ra’s Mirror in order to remove their disguise.

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride[edit]

Monster recruitment was simplistic in its original inception, being a fixed percentage that could not be changed by the player. If multiple recruitable monsters appear in the same encounter, only the final felled foe will have a chance to join the Hero. In the Nintendo DS and cell phone versions, monster allies will only alternate between two lines of dialogue during Party Chat, as opposed to the fuller conversations of human characters.

As of 2019, the Cell phone ports saw the addition of the Monster magnet accessory for the the Hero, which when equipped can increase the odds of a monster joining up by one rank. This is likely due to the release of Dragon Quest: Your Story, which would have attracted a new audience to the title and such players would have desired an easier time collecting monsters.


Sprite Monster Name SFC PS2 DS & Phone Tame Rate Level required Recruitment locations
ArchdemonMUG DQV DS.png Archdemon No No Yes 1⁄64 30 Mantleplace
BadappleMUG DQV DS.png Bad apple No Yes Yes 1⁄4 7 Faerie Lea, Dwarf's Den
Barbatos DS mugshot.png Barbatos Yes Yes Yes 1⁄256 41 Estark's Labyrinth
BattlepipMUG DQV DS.png Battle pip No Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Faerie Lea
BeastmasterMUG DQV DS.png Beastmaster No Yes Yes 1⁄4 30 Mantleplace
BlizzybodyMUG DQV DS.png Blizzybody No Yes Yes 1⁄64 26 Estuary Sanctuary
Bomboulder DS mugshot.png Bomboulder Yes Yes Yes 1⁄256 30 Neverglade, Talon Tower, Estark's Labyrinth
BrownieMUG DQV DS.png Brownie Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 7 Whealbrook Adit, Fortuna area, Talon Tower area
ChimaeraMUG DQV DS.png Chimaera Yes Yes Yes 1⁄16 15 Mount Magmageddon
ConkererMUG DQV DS.png Conkerer No Yes Yes 1⁄32 27 Neverglade area, Stairway to Zenithia area
ConkjurerMUG DQV DS.png Conkjurer No Yes Yes 1⁄32 27 Neverglade area, Stairway to Zenithia area
ConkuisitorMUG DQV DS.png Conkuisitor No Yes Yes 1⁄32 27 Neverglade area, Stairway to Zenithia area
ConkuistadorMUG DQV DS.png Conkuistador No Yes Yes 1⁄32 27 Neverglade area, Stairway to Zenithia area
Cross eye DS mugshot.png Cross eye Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 9 Abovitall Tower, Scary Lair, Zoomingale Tunnel
CureslimeMUG DQV DS.png Cureslime Yes Yes Yes 1⁄64 16 Dominicus' Dominion area, Cataract Caves, Helmunaptra area
Dracky DS mugshot.png Dracky Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 7 Coburg area, Fortuna area,
Drag goof DS mugshot.png Drag-goof Yes Yes Yes 1⁄16 18 Gotha Path, Gotha area
Dwight DS mugshot.png Dwight No Yes Yes N/A N/A Dwarf's Den (3rd generation)
Epipany DS mugshot.png Epipany No Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Faerie Lea
Fandangow DS mugshot.png Fandangow Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 9 Coburg area
Fat rat DS mugshot.png Fat rat No Yes Yes 1⁄2 7 Talon Tower area
Flamethrower DS mugshot.png Flamethrower No Yes Yes 1⁄64 16 Helmunaptra area, Mount Magmageddon
Funghoul DS mugshot.png Funghoul No Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Coburg area, Zoomingale area, Whealbrook area, Fortuna area
Ghost DS mugshot.png Ghost No Yes Yes 1⁄2 7 Porgie Estate
Gigantes DS mugshot.png Gigantes Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 34 Nadiria, Estark's Labyrinth
Golem DS mugshot.png Golem Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 25 Lofty Peak area, summoned by Metal dragons and Muddy hands.
Goodybag DS mugshot.png Goodybag Yes Yes Yes 1⁄16 16 Mount Magmageddon, Cataract Caves
Great dragon DS mugshot.png Great dragon Yes Yes Yes 1⁄64 35 Nadiria, Estark's Labyrinth
Grudgerigar DS mugshot.png Grudgerigar Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 9 Coburg castle dungeon, Fortuna area
Hades helm DS mugshot.png Hades' helm No Yes Yes 1⁄64 29 Diggery Pokery, Mantleplace
Hawk man DS mugshot.png Hawk man No Yes Yes 1⁄32 23 Knightmare Towers
Healslime DS mugshot.png Healslime Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 7 Abovitall Tower, Faerie Lea
Hellion DS mugshot.png Hellion Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 23 Knightmare Towers
Hoodlum DS mugshot.png Hoodlum Yes Yes Yes 1⁄16 25 Stairway to Zenithia, Lofty Peak area, Central Continent
Hulagan DS mugshot.png Hulagan No Yes Yes 1⁄16 9 Abovitall Tower, Hay area
Hyperanemon DS mugshot.png Hyperanemon Yes Yes Yes 1⁄64 41 Estark's Labyrinth
Jailcat DS mugshot.png Jailcat No No Yes 1⁄16 7 Fortuna area
Killing machine DS mugshot.png Killing machine Yes Yes Yes 1⁄256 34 Nadiria, Estark's Labyrinth
King cureslime DS mugshot.png King cureslime Yes Yes Yes 1⁄64 28 Stairway to Zenithia
King slime DS mugshot.png King slime Yes Yes Yes 1⁄64 10 Helmunaptra area, Dominicus' Dominion area
Liquid metal slime2.png Liquid metal slime Yes Yes Yes 1⁄256 20 Central Continent, Gotha Path, Riteof Passage, Knightmare Towers, Ancient Ruins area (G3), Mantleplace, Nadiria, Estark's Labyrinth,
Magic marionette DS mugshot.png Magic marionette Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 12 Mostroferrato area, Scuttlebutt area
Man o war DS mugshot.png Man o' war Yes Yes Yes 1⁄2 18 Ocean
Mandrake marshal DS mugshot.png Mandrake marshal Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 32 Talon Tower, Crocodilopolis, Estark's Labyrinth
Metal slime3.png Metal slime No Yes Yes 1⁄256 7 Whealbrook Adit (G2), Abovitall Tower, Scary Lair, Cataract Caves, Dominicus' Dominion, Neverglade, Nadiria, Estark's Labyrinth
Minidemon DS mugshot.png Minidemon Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 20 Gotha Path, Knightmare Towers
Moosifer DS mugshot.png Moosifer Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 30 Neverglade, Talon Tower
Mudraker DS mugshot.png Mudraker No Yes Yes 1⁄4 11 Scary Lair
Old man of the sea DS mugshot.png Old man of the sea Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 25 Ocean
Orc king DS mugshot.png Orc king Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 21 Gotha area, Riteof Passage
Pip fighter DS mugshot.png Pip fighter No Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Faerie Lea
Pocus poppet DS mugshot.png Pocus poppet No Yes Yes 1⁄16 10 Scary Lair, Zoomingale outskirts, Lodestar Harbor outskirts
Powie yowie DS mugshot.png Powie yowie Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 7 Coburg area
Prestidigitator DS mugshot.png Prestidigitator Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 10 Scary Lair area, Fairy Lea, Lodestar Harbor area, Zoomingale area
Rebjørn No Yes Yes N/A N/A The Pothold
Restless armour DS mugshot.png Restless armour No Yes Yes 1⁄64 10 Scary Lair area, Abovitall Tower, Zoomingale area
Revaulting horse DS mugshot.png Revaulting horse Yes Yes Yes 1⁄16 27 Central Continent
Rockbomb DS mugshot.png Rockbomb Yes Yes Yes 1⁄64 15 Mount Magmageddon, Knightmare Towers
Rotten apple.png Rotten apple No Yes Yes 1⁄2 7 Coburg area
Saber DS mugshot.png Saber Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A Roundbeck
Samigina DS mugshot.png Samigina Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 20 Gotha area, Riteof Passage, Knightmare Towers
DQ5-NDS-SLIME-MUGSHOT.png Slime Yes Yes Yes 1⁄2 7 Whealbrook Adit, Fortuna outskirts, Dominicus Dominion, Desert near Talon Tower
Slime knight DS mugshot.png Slime knight Yes Yes Yes 1⁄4 7 Fortuna area, Coburg area
SmallfryMUG DQV DS.png Small fry Yes Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Fortuna area, Coburg area
SnowbirdMUG DQV DS.png Snowbird Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 34 Nadiria
Starkers No Yes Yes N/A N/A Estark's Labyrinth -Stark Raving T'N'T board
TickingtimeburrmMUG DQV DS.png Ticking timeburrm Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 7 Whealbrook area, Fortuna area
Walking corpse1.png Walking corpse Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 7 Coburg castle dungeon, Whealbrook Adit
Warhog.png Warhog Yes Yes Yes 1⁄32 28 Diggery Pokery, Talon Tower, Mantleplace
Wax murderer.png Wax murderer No Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Porgie Estate
Wiz pip.png Wiz pip No Yes Yes 1⁄16 7 Faerie Lea

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation[edit]

In the original SFC version of VI monster recruitment worked identically to V, though someone in the party must be a Monster Master for the chance to activate. When the DS version (and subsequent Cell phone ports) were produced, this mechanic was retired in favor of "Slime Buddies": Slimes players could interact with in towns and dungeons like NPCs who would join the party once certain conditions were met as was the case with Lizzie. These Slimes are not treated as full characters, however, and thus lack the detailed Party Chat of humans and Lizzie.

In both versions of the game, any recruited Slime may enter into the gladiatorial contests at Slimopolis.

Available in the SFC version[edit]

Sprite Monster Name Tame Rate Rank required
Dq6batteringramsnes.png
 Damned ram 1⁄16 4
Bosstroll DQVI SNES.gif
 Boss troll 1⁄16 5
Dg6chimaerasnes.png
 Dreamaera 1⁄32 4
Furrat.gif
 Feralball 1⁄4 1
Windmage.gif
 Gustbluster 1⁄64 3
Dq6healslimesnes.png
 Healslime 1⁄16 2
Dq6highdjinkssnes.png
 High djinks 1⁄256 8
Dq6 king slime.png
 King slime 1⁄64 5
Dq6lesserdemonsnes.png
 Lesser demon 1⁄4 3
Dq6LMSsnes.png
 Liquid metal slime 1⁄256 6
Dq6lipssnes.png
 Lips 1⁄64 1
Dq6mudmannequainsnes.png
 Mud mannequin 1⁄64 2
Dq6overkillingmachinesnes.png
 Overkilling machine 1⁄64 7
Dq6rockbombsnes.png
 Rockbomb 1⁄32 4
DQ6-SFC-SLIME.png
 Slime 1⁄2 1
Dq6slimeknightsnes.png
 Slime knight 1⁄4 2
Supertensk.gif
 Sluggernaut 1⁄4 3
Dq6walkingcorpsesnes.png
 Walking corpse 1⁄32 2

Available in the DS & phone versions[edit]

Sprite Monster Name Location
Goowain mugshot.png Goowain Howcastle
Healie mugshot.png Healie Clearvale
Spot mugshot.png Spot Castle Graceskull
Kinglsey mugshot.png Kingsley Château de Sass
Goober mugshot.png Goober Slimopolis
Lizzie mugshot.png Lizzie Arkbolt
Curie mugshot.png Curie Suite Dreams
Shelley mugshot.png Shelley Underwater Inn
Mercury mugshot.png Mercury Suite Dreams

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past[edit]

Monster recruitment is not present in the seventh game; instead, monsters will sojourn off to a sort of wild life reserve called the Monster Meadows that is unlocked during the normal course of the game. Once there, they can be spoken to in their natural habitat as if they were NPCs, though only three lines of dialogue will be spoken. The Animal Magnetism skill makes taming these beasts much easier than in previous games, being the first time a player has direct influence on the probability in a numbered title.

Additionally, defeated monsters will occasionally drop Monster Hearts. These function similarly to the Dragonic Diligence and Liquid Metal Mind scrolls from VI, and allow the character holding them to take on monster-based vocations at Alltrades Abbey. The main difference is that a character's sprite will change into the corresponding monster once the vocation is mastered.

  • In the 3DS remake, the character will immediately become a monster after using a heart.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King[edit]

In the PS2 version of the game, players will notice several monsters wandering the overworld. These infamous beasties prove much more capable than their randomly encountered counterparts, but once the player pays a visit to Morrie's place they can join the party. This allows the monsters to enter the competition in Morrie's Monstrous Pit, and through the use of the Call Team skill they may be summoned into battle for 3 or more turns. All recruited monsters grow more powerful as the Hero's Level rises, and do not need to gain battle Experience themselves.

Available in all versions[edit]

Dragon Quest X[edit]

Certain monsters can be recruited by players beginning in version 2.0, which saw the return of the Monster Wrangler vocation to the series after nearly 14 years of absence. Version 2.1 added the Item Master vocation and it's selection of monsters. The former tames organic monsters, while the latter handles living objects and robots, with each having 15 species to choose from.

Taming itself is fairly simple, but players must perform research on the species they want prior to the encounter. This is done in the form of obtaining zoological books on monsters or user manuals for machines, and using one as an item in battle to unlock the scouting attack for that particular breed. This attack creates a base 10% chance to capture the monster once it falls. The skill does not need to be the final blow of the battle; as long as it has been used over the course of the encounter the chance to recruit the beast is established. Once tamed, the monster can join the player immediately or be sent off to the monster bar where most scouting books are obtained, and one character can store up to 24 monsters at the pub.

Monsters that have joined players are controlled through A.I. dependent on their personality and essentially serve as party members for times when the player's friends and comrades are offline. Monsters have a Level cap of 50, but can undergo a process similar to a Revocation to further raise their stats. The equipment pool of a given monster is fixed and cannot be changed, but gear can be shared between the monster and master: for example a Monster Master and Hacksaurus can simultaneously wield the same Kaiser axe in a battle for the sake of player convenience. New to the series is the concept of bonding, a stat that denotes the level of attachment a monster has to its master and is raised by fighting together. Raising this stat will confer benefits such as additional skill points, and once this stat reaches a certain threshold, a monster will follow a character regardless of their Vocation.

Monster Name Version available Weapon Armour Book
Brownie 2.4 Hammers Heavy armour Monster battle road prize
Chimaera 2.0 Wands Robes Casino prize
Dracky 2.3 Heavy wands Robes Monster battle road prize
Great sabrecat 4.1 Claws Clothing Monster drop
Hacksaurus 2.0 Axes Heavy armour Casino prize
Healslime 2.0 Wands Robes Sold at tavern
Imp 2.2 Spears Robes Sold at tavern
Jailcat 2.0 Claws Robes Monster drop
Mandrake major 2.0 Swords Heavy armour Sold at tavern
Meowgician 2.0 Heavy wands Robes Sold at tavern
Mischievous mole 2.0 Staves Clothing Monster drop
Slime 2.0 Boomerangs Clothing Sold at tavern
Slime knight 2.0 Swords Heavy armour Sold at tavern
Small fry 2.2 Claws Clothing Sold at tavern
Teeny sanguini 2.0 Wands Robes Sold at tavern


Monster Name Version available Weapon Armor Book
Bambooligan 2.1 Spears Heavy armour Sold at tavern
Fromage fray 2.1 Heavy wands Robes Sold at tavern
Golem 2.1 Greatswords Heavy armour Sold at tavern
Goodybag 2.1 Fans Robes Casino prize
Harmour 2.1 Swords Heavy armour Casino prize
Hat hamwitch 2.1 Heavy wands Robes Monster drop
Hellbound horror 2.3 Axes Clothing Sold at tavern
Killing machine 2.2 Greatswords Heavy armour Sold at tavern
Magic marionette 2.2 Knives Clothing Sold at tavern
Mecha-mynah 2.1 Claws Clothing Sold at tavern
Needle man 2.1 Knives Clothing Sold at tavern
Pocus poppet 4.2 Boomerangs Clothing Monster drop
Prancing pillar 2.1 Fans Clothing Sold at tavern
Restless armour 2.1 Swords Heavy armour Sold at tavern
Wardrobe mimic 2.4 Bows Robes Sold at tavern

Dragon Quest Builders 2[edit]

On explorer's shores after Skelkatrez, one can recruit monsters with Monster munchies. When a monster that can be tamed is defeated, there is a chance that it will stand up instead of fading away and a thirty second timer will begin to count down--the munchies must be used in this period or the monster will become annoyed and go away.

Tamed monsters join the residents of the Island of Awakening as NPCs, who go about their daily routines as the other islanders do, and some have special effects: the Chimaeras can be ridden to fly, the Powie yowie can be given an ice lolly to spread snow, the Liquid metal slime will play tag once a day for 100 hearts, etc.

Sprite Monster Name Location Gimmick
DQB2 MON 24.png
 Bloody Hand Unholy Holm Plays with islanders
Crafts items at workstations
DQB2 MON 60.png
 Brownie Iridescent Island Demolishes blocks marked with a smashing sign
DQB2 MON 11.png
 Chimaera Blossom Bay Flying mount
Cooks food at bonfires
DQB2 MON 29.png
 Corpse Corporal Laguna Perfuma Bartender
DQB2 MON 13.png
 Cosmic Chimaera Rimey Reef Flying mount
Cooks food at bonfires
DQB2 MON 30.png
 Ghoul Rimey Reef Bartender
DQB2 MON 131.png
 Gold Golem Coral Cay Can use terraforma tiles
Melee mount
DQB2 MON 129.png
 Golem Sunny Sands (one per visit) Can use terraforma tiles
Mount
DQB2 MON 134.png
 Great Sabrecub Blossom Bay Double-jump mount
DQB2 MON 135.png
 Great Sabrecat Soggy Skerry Double-jump mount
DQB2 MON 59.png
 Hammerhood Sunny Sands Demolishes blocks marked with a smashing sign
DQB2 MON 33.png
 Healslime nearly all Explorer's Shores Casts Heal in battle
Bartender
DQB2 MON 12.png
 Hocus Chimaera Iridescent Island Flying mount
Cooks food at bonfires
DQB2 MON 108.png
 Hunter Mech Rimey Reef Farmer
DQB2 MON 107.png
 Killing Machine Laguna Perfuma Farmer
DQB2 MON 82.png
 Living Statue Rimey Reef (one per visit) Produces dyes at stain extractors
DQB2 MON 115.png
 Liquid Metal Slime Laguna Perfuma Plays tag
DQB2 MON 23.png
 Muddy Hand Soggy Skerry Plays with islanders
Crafts items at workstations
DQB2 MON 106.png
 Powie Yowie Rimey Reef Feed ice lollies to freeze ground
DQB2 MON 2.png
 She-Slime Sunny Sands Double-jump mount
Produces Orange oil at bonfires
DQB2 MON 1.png
 Slime Blossom Bay Double-jump mount
Produces Blue goo at bonfires
DQB2 MON 130.png
 Stone Golem Iridescent Island (one per visit) Can use terraforma tiles
Melee mount
DQB2 MON 83.png
 Stone Guardian Unholy Holm Produces dyes at stain extractors
DQB2 MON 28.png
 Walking Corpse Soggy Skerry Bartender

Dragon Quest Monsters 1 & 2[edit]

While monsters retain a base chance to join the player upon defeat as in previous games, the chance can be greatly enhanced by using monster munchies in battle.

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker series[edit]

Recruitment is implemented via the Scout option in the battle menu. When selected, the player's team of monsters will perform a group assault on the target to impress the monster into joining. The percentile chance is displayed onscreen, and can easily reach 100% if the group's sum attack power is high enough. However, if the enemy is too durable then the assault can easily leave the player with a big fat 0%--it is imperative to apply Oomph and Sap to raise the chances even higher.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince[edit]

Monster recruitment builds upon the foundation laid by the Joker sub-series, but now the wisdom stat will be used for scouting calculation if it is higher than a monster's attack stat. Additionally the Big Bully and Little Menace will increase the scouting chance when used against larger or smaller monsters.

Gallery[edit]

  • Level requirements and percentages in V.

  • Tara & Cobi demonstrating the day-to-day obligations of raising monsters; it isn't all just battles

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