Estark
Dragon Quest IV
DQIV Estark.png
Japanese name エスターク
Romaji Estāku
Old localization Esturk
Title Lord of the Underworld
Emperor of Monsterkind
Age Ancient beyond memory
Family
Warning: Spoilers!
Click expand to view content
Starkers (Son)
For the monster class in Dragon Quest VII, see Ersatz Estark (Vocation).

Estark is a recurring monster in the Dragon Quest series and an antagonist in Dragon Quest IV. Introduced in Dragon Quest IV, he is generally viewed as the Lord of the Underworld and the Emperor of Monsterkind and is often one of the most powerful beings in the games he appears in.

Characteristics

Estark is a large demon armed with two swords and has a body that looks more like an insect's exoskeleton than flesh. He has three eyes and a somewhat crazed, open-mouthed grin and is generally portrayed as being golden brown in color, though his original appearance had a cerulean blue color scheme.

Though folklore within the games usually state Estark as having caused troubles in the past, he is almost always asleep when encountered and must be awakened in order to fight. In some cases Estark has been asleep for so long that he can only remember his name and nothing else, not even if he is a good or evil being. This is not to say that his strength has waned during his slumber, however: Estark is a horrifyingly powerful demon that appears as a superboss in nearly all of his subsequent appearances.

Appearances

Dragon Quest IV

Estark  
Original (NES)
Sprite HP MP Attack
  2,700 255 210
Defense Agility Experience Gold
140 63 15,000 0
Bestiary No. 208
Spell(s) None
Skill(s) Acts twice per turn
Chilly Breath
Disruptive Wave
Eerie Light (45~65 damage)
Muster Strength
Location(s) Mamon Mine
Item Dropped None
Evasion Frizz Resistance * Sizz Resistance * Bang Resistance *
064 0% 0% 0%
Crack Resistance * Woosh Resistance * Zap Resistance * Drain Magic Resistance
25% 100% 0% 100%
Whack Resistance * Kamikazee Bracer Resistance Poof Resistance Fuddle Resistance
100% 100% 100% 100%
Snooze Resistance Dazzle Resistance Sap Resistance * Fizzle Resistance
75% 100% 75% 100%
Remakes (PSX, DS, Mobile)
Sprites Notable Changes
  None


He is the current Lord of the Underworld. A thousand years before the game begins, he used the Secret of Evolution to become the ultimate life-form, but was sealed into slumber and entombed under Mamon by the Zenith Dragon.

Roughly three-quarters of the way through the game, the miners in Mamon accidentally uncover the tomb and awaken him, driving all demons wild with the return of their lord. However, the Hero of Dragon Quest IV acts quickly and leads his or her party into the catacombs to fight him. Estark is not fully awake yet and is thus much weaker than he would be otherwise - with his only resistances being 25% crack and an immunity to woosh. He has a 75% resistance to sap and snooze, but due to the way the game is programmed, Meena's Kasnooze will put him to sleep 75% of the time.

Later, a nun in Azimuth states that Estark is gathering power for a future comeback, which foreshadows his appearances in other Dragon Quest games. If the player loses to Aamon in Chapter 6 and speaks to him again for a rematch, he will mention Estark while mocking Psaro, stating that "Estark awaits him (Psaro) in hell."


Dragon Quest V

Estark  
Sprite HP MP Attack Defense
  9,000 255 450 260
Agility Experience Gold Tame Rate
85 5,000 510 N/A
Bestiary No. Unnumbered boss
Spell(s) Kaboom
Kafrizzle
Skill(s) Attacks twice per round
C-c-cold Breath
Disruptive Wave
Scorch
Location(s) Estark's Labyrinth
Item dropped Mini medal 18
Evasion Frizz resistance * Sizz resistance * Fire Breath resistance *
164 0% 0% 0%
Bang resistance * Crack resistance * Ice Breath resistance * Woosh resistance *
0% 20% 20% 67%
Zap resistance * Drain Magic resistance * Whack resistance * Kamikazee resistance *
100% ? 100% 100%
Poof resistance Poison resistance * Fuddle resistance Snooze resistance *
100% 100% 100% 67%
Dazzle resistance * Sap resistance * Fizzle resistance Stun resistance *
100% 100% 67% 67%
PS2 model DS & Mobile sprite
   



Estark is a superboss that can be encountered in the post-completion dungeon players can find in Nadiria. As a superboss he is extremely powerful, much more than the main antagonist of the game Grandmaster Nimzo.

Estark favors all out offensive attacks, pausing only to use Disruptive Wave. Having Multiheal or Omniheal is necessary to withstand the fierce barrage of attacks. He doesn't just possess offense however, as Estark starts the battle with the Bounce spell already applied, allowing him to reflect any spells the party uses against him right back at them. If one wishes to use magic spells against Estark, first one must disable his Bounce status by using the Zenithian Sword as an item to cast Disruptive Wave, which will remove the Bounce status. Despite starting the battle with the Bounce status applied, Estark can't actually cast the Bounce spell itself, so this only needs to be done once.

Once Bounce has been removed, Estark has no resistance to bang, frizz, or sizz, but has a 20% resistance to crack, 67% for woosh, and complete immunity to zap. Tempting as it is to go all out with offensive magic, it's better to cut into him with Blizzard Blades for extra damage. Furthermore, Estark also has a 33% chance to get hit with snooze, fizzle, and any stun technique. Kasnoozes unique programming will raise this probability, but be warned that Estark will awaken very quickly.

Upon first defeating him, Estark will allow the party to use his personal T'n'T board: "Stark Raving Mad." He is revealed to have a son called Starkers, who will join the party if they manage complete the board. If the player can defeat Estark in 15 turns or less, they will receive the Catas Trophy knick-knack. Note all of this information only applies to the remakes, in the original there is no reward for beating Estark aside from the 5000 points of experience and 510 gold he drops.


Dragon Quest VIII

Estark  
Remake (3DS, Mobile)
Sprite HP MP Experience Gold Attack Defense Agility
25600 255 55555 0 999 256 333
Bestiary No. 331
Family ???
In-Game Description
Spell(s) Kafrizzle(400~500)
Kaboom(350~400)
Skill(s) Attacks twice per turn
Disruptive Wave
Hurricane From Hell (260~396)
Gigagash to one character for 1000~1200
Scorch(300~400)
Location(s) Memories Lane
Item(s) Dropped Lord's bracer (only once)
Evasion Attack Resistance Frizz Resistance * Sizz Resistance * Fire Breath
Resistance
*
Bang Resistance * Woosh Resistance * Crack Resistance *
164 0% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25%
Ice breath
Resistance
*
Stone/Strike Resistance * Zap Resistance * Troop Resistance * Death Resistance * Poison Resistance * Paralysis Resistance * Shock Resistance *
25% 25% 25% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Sleep * Confusion * Dazzle Resistance Fizzle Resistance Dance Sealing Resistance Sap Resistance * Drain Magic Resistance
50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%


Estark makes his appearance in the 3DS remake of Dragon Quest VIII, in a new area called the Memories Lane. This ancient maze allows for players to re-battle bosses from earlier in the game, with much higher difficulty, gaining rewards with each victory. Once they reach the end, the player will find Estark taking his usual nap. Once the battle begins, it becomes apparent that this is the strongest he has ever been.

He possesses a resistance to all offensive spells and skill elements, and complete immunity to all status afflictions save for slumber. Needless to say, Omniheal is going to see a lot of use during the battle.

Upon his first defeat, he gives out the Lord's bracer, with further rewards being 10 of a particular stat boosting seed.


Dragon Quest IX

#300 - Estark
 
HP MP Experience Gold
8000
16070 (99)
255 65600 2490
Attack Defense Speed
710
1507 (99)
590
885 (99)
320
512 (99)
Family ???
Bestiary # 300
Game Dragon Quest IX
Console DS
Description "Not only can he pound opponents with Kafrizzle and Kaboom, but he packs a powerful punch as well. Good luck!

This emperor of the underworld evolved into his horrific form after hibernating for many millennia."

Additional Attributes
Fire Ice Wind Earth Light Dark
50 100 100 100 100 150
Blast Dazzle Sleep Death Drain MP Confusion
50 0 0 0 100 0
Fizzle Inaction Paralyze Poison Charm Magic Res
0 0 0 0 5 25
Blunt Sap Decelerate
10 25 75

Estark appears as a Legacy Boss, obtained after completing Quest #152 (or received at special events). He is similar to his superboss incarnation from Dragon Quest V, and becomes enraged by anyone that inflicts a critical hit on him.

Treasure

Level Range Secondary Drop Orb
1-3 Zenithian gauntlets 15% Green Orb 5%
4-8 Zenithian gauntlets 20% Green Orb 5%
9-15 Zenithian gauntlets 25% Green Orb 6%
16-25 Zenithian leggings 15% Green Orb 6%
26-40 Zenithian leggings 20% Green Orb 7%
41-56 Zenithian leggings 25% Green Orb 7%
57-68 Zenithian helm 25% Green Orb 8%
69-80 Zenithian leotard 15% Green Orb 8%
81-90 Zenithian leotard 20% Green Orb 9%
91-99 Zenithian leotard 25% Green Orb 10%

Skills

Level New abilities
Initial Disruptive Wave, Kafrizzle, Kaboom, Scorch, critical attack, attacks twice per round
8 C-c-cold Breath
16 Hellfire, stops using Scorch
28 Psyche Up
41 Kaboomle, begins attacking 3 times per turn, stops using Kaboom
57 Gigagash


Dragon Quest Monsters

Esterk  
Sprite Level cap * HP growth MP growth
  80 5/5 5/5
Strength growth Resilience growth Wisdom growth Agility growth
5/5 3/5 5/5 5/5
Family ???
In-game description
Abilities RainSlash, BiAttack, GigaSlash
Habitat Gate of Sleep
Breeding chart
Frizz Resistance * Sizz Resistance * Fire Breath Resistance * Bang Resistance *
Weak Strong Strong Strong
Crack Resistance * Ice Breath Resistance * Woosh Resistance * Rock/Army Resistance *
Weak Weak Strong Weak
Zap Resistance * Gigaslash Resistance Magic Burst Resistance Drain Magic Resistance *
None Weak Weak Immune
Whack Resistance * Kamikazee Resistance * Poison Resistance * Paralysis Resistance *
Immune Immune Immune Strong
Fuddle Resistance * Snooze Resistance * Dazzle Resistance * Fizzle Resistance
Immune Immune Immune Immune
Ban Dance Resistance Gobstopper Resistance Stun Resistance * Sap Resistance *
Immune Immune Immune Strong
Decelerate Resistance * Curse Resistance
Strong Immune


Estark appears as the boss of the Gate of Sleep, the gate of zombies. Although the dungeon theme is that of Dragon Quest IV, the surrounding area and his dialogue are based off of his Dragon Quest V appearance.

Dragon Quest Monsters 2

Esterk  
Sprite Level cap * HP growth MP growth
80 8/10 9/10
Strength growth Resilience growth Wisdom growth Agility growth
8/10 7/10 7/10 7/10
Family  ???
In-game description
Abilities BiAttack, GigaSlash, RainSlash
Habitat
Breeding chart Pizzaro x Gorago, KingLeo
Frizz Resistance * Sizz Resistance * Fire Breath Resistance * Bang Resistance *
Weak Strong Strong Strong
Crack Resistance * Ice Breath Resistance * Woosh Resistance * Rock/Army Resistance *
Weak Weak Strong Weak
Water Resistance * Zap Resistance * Gigaslash Resistance Magic Burst Resistance
Weak None Weak Weak
Drain Magic Resistance * Whack Resistance * Kamikazee Resistance * Poison Resistance *
Immune Immune Immune Immune
Paralysis Resistance * Fuddle Resistance * Snooze Resistance * Dazzle Resistance *
Strong Immune Immune Immune
Fizzle Resistance Ban Dance Resistance Gobstopper Resistance Stun Resistance *
Immune Immune Immune Immune
Sap Resistance * Decelerate Resistance * Curse Resistance
Strong Strong Immune



Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker

Estark is present as a rank X member of the Material family and the last member listed in that group. He is also the only rank X monster the player can obtain in the game outside of the Wildcard World Cup, though not until beating the game and the subsequent post-game challenge. Players can find him at rest within the sewers of Domus Isle once they obtain the key to get to him, a battle in order before he joins you. Amusingly, although awake when spoken to, Estark is sleeping at the start of the fight.

Estark
Family Material
Rank X
Description A lord of the underworld from before recorded history.
Weapons Swords, Spears, Hammers, Staves
Traits Double Trouble
Resistances Whackproof, Fizzleproof, Vulnerable to Sleep
Skill Estark
Location Defeat the Estark after getting the brass key
Breeding chart Psaro x Beetlebully


Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2

Estark is a huge three-slot Rank X monster. He can be synthesized by combining Psaro and the Marquis de Léon. Again, Estark can be found as a recruitable superboss, this time under the condition that he be defeated in ten turns or less. Estark is located in a cave near the Zip portal, once again under deep slumber.

Dragon Quest Heroes II: Twin Kings and the Prophecy's End

Estark  
Model Experience Gold Marked Version?
? gg Yes
List No. 173
Field Notes As Lord of the Underworld, he discovered the Secret of Evolution, and used it to become the ultimate life form.
Fearing his new-found power, the forces of good sealed him away in an endless slumber, sabres still in hand.
Location(s)
Item(s) Dropped ,



Trivia

  • Estark's blue coloration in his first appearance is an indicator that he is not fighting at the full power seen in V and later games, supported by Meena's party chat after the battle.
  • Estark does not have a unique battle theme in any of his appearances; he shares his theme with Psaro the Manslayer for his first six phases in Dragon Quest IV and Dragon Quest IX, Nimzo in Dragon Quest V, Dhoulmagus/Rhapthorne in the 3DS version of Dragon Quest VIII, and his appearance in Dragon Quest Monsters 2, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 uses the regular boss theme.
  • Despite Starkers claiming to be his son, Estark cannot recall ever siring an heir at the time of Dragon Quest V.
  • In the Monsters series, Estark’s bestiary descriptions state that he is a being from the ancient past. However, in the games that portray Terry as either the protagonist or a supporting character (namely DQM, DQM2 and their remakes), this would be inaccurate as Terry lived before Estark’s time.
  • Estark is the only boss encountered in Memories Lane that speaks before and after he fights the party.

Related Enemies

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