Key

Keys are a recurring feature of the Dragon Quest series. Keys appear in all main series games and most spinoff games.

From time to time over the course of a Dragon Quest game, the player will encounter locked doors that can only be opened with the correct key. Usually, one key can open all the associated doors of its type, though in some games they are one-use items and other keys must be found or purchased to use that type of key again. Typically the player will find progressively higher level keys throughout the course of the game, with higher level keys working on all levels lower as well, making old keys obsolete. Most commonly, the player will first obtain the thief's key, then later the magic key, and finally the ultimate key that can open any locked door.

In Dragon Quest of the Stars, many keys are used for having a chance at various bosses at Level 99 with no revival permitted.