Editing Hero (Dragon Quest VIII)

{{Character
|Name=Hero
|Game={{DQ8}}
|Image=[[File:DQVIII_Hero_artwork.png|240px|center]]
|Sprite=
|Japanese name={{tt|エイト|Eight}}
|Roumaji=Eito
|Title= Captain of the Guard
|Class=Hero
|Race= {{spoiler|start}}Half-human, half-Dragovian{{spoiler|end}}
|Age=18
|Family= {{spoiler|start}}[[Eltrio]] (father)<br>[[Xia]] (mother)<br>Chen Mui (grandfather)<br>[[Clavius|King Clavius]] (uncle)<br>[[Charmles|Prince Charmles]] (cousin)<br>[[Medea]] (potential wife)<br> [[Trode]] (potential father-in-law)<br> {{Jessica}} (potential wife)<br> {{Rosalind}} (potential mother-in-law){{spoiler|end}}
|Voice Actor= [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2569233/ Yuki Kaji] ({{SSB5}})
|}}
The '''Hero''' of {{DQ8}} is a 18 year-old low-ranking royal guardsman at [[Trodain|Castle Trodain]], before becoming a refugee of the kingdom in the prologue. He was one of the small band who survived [[Dhoulmagus]]' deadly attack, along with [[Trode|King Trode]], [[Princess Medea]] and his pet mouse, {{Munchie}}. As is the series' tradition, The Hero is a silent protagonist whom the player is meant to project themselves upon, using him as an avatar to explore and interact with the game's world.

In promotional screenshots and the instruction manual for the {{PlayStation 2}} Version of the game, as well as in {{SSB5}}, The Hero of {{DQ8}} is given the default name '''Eight'''. 

The Hero is a versatile character, as equally proficient in armed combat as he is in using healing spells and support magic. His preferred weapons are {{Swords}}, {{Spears}} and {{Boomerangs}}. Once Rank E of the [[Monster Arena]] is cleared, he will gain the ability to call upon a monster team at the cost of 10 {{MP}}. Each monster team can only be summoned once per battle. With the help of his trusty companion Munchie and a variety of cheeses, he is also able to unleash [[List_of_cheeses_in_Dragon_Quest_VIII|breath attacks]] with various effects.

==Appearance and personality==
Due to his aforementioned status as a silent protagonist, very little can be said of the man's character that isn't decided by the player. That being said, the youth has demonstrated a remarkably humane nature in certain cutscenes. This is most apparent in the flashback to his meeting with Yangus, who accidentally broke the rope bridge that he was blocking while attempting to extort money from King Trode. Instead of letting the bellicose bandit fall to his death, the former guard pulled him to safety despite Trode's considerable umbrage.

In contrast to heroes of previous games, this Hero dresses very casually and historically coherent, wearing a saffron overcoat with a blue tunic, simple red bandana, and plain grey trousers with brown boots. He is also the second Hero in the series whose outfit can be changed in the game if he wears certain pieces of equipment.

{{clear}}
==Background==
{{Spoiler|start}}He is the son of [[Eltrio]] and [[Xia]], making him half-[[human]] and half-[[Dragovian]]. This union came about when the latter became curious of the human world, and decided to explore it. After encountering Eltrio, Xia fell in love with the young man and spent much time with him. Unfortunately, her father Chen Mui did not approve of the joining of human and Dragovian, feeling that the two races could never develop true love between them, and forced his daughter back to the Dragovian Sanctuary. Some time after this, the body of Eltrio was found near the sanctuary's outskirts, having braved the immense dangers alone to reach his beloved. The death of her loved devastated Xia, and day by day her very life force began to fade. Before joining Eltrio in the afterlife, however, Xia delivered their child in the sanctuary. The boy would live among the Dragovians for several years as the council of elders debated what to do with the anomaly, until one day it was decided that his memories would be sealed, and that he would be banished from his people. His grandfather, realizing the youth was his last connection to his daughter, begged for permission to accompany his grandson. It was decided that he could do so, but only if he took the form of a innocuous mouse, and never spoke a word to him.

One day while exploring the forest outskirts of the castle, Princess Medea of Trodain finds the young boy collapsed with a fever with the help of Munchie. The young princess pleads with King Trode to help the boy since he could die out in the woods. Eventually, the castle guards bring The Hero back in order to nurse him back to health. Medea stays at his bedside until he awakes, and the two would become close friends afterwards.

As the son of Eltrio, The Hero is also the nephew of King [[Clavius]] of [[Argonia]]. This blood connection is what enables him to superseded Prince [[Charmles]] in the right to marry the heir to Trodain. By the end of the game, he has become captain of the guard and, depending on the player's actions in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] Version, is either the son-in-law of King Trode after marrying Princess Medea or the son-in-law of Rosalind Albert after marrying {{Jessica}}.{{spoiler|end}}

An amnesiac since his early youth, The Hero grew up in Castle Trodain, eventually serving as a guard for some time before the events of the prologue took place. For much of {{Dragon Quest VIII}}, The Hero journeys with his faithful mouse friend, Munchie, [[Trode|King Trode]], [[Princess Medea]], and [[Yangus]]. The Hero is eventually joined by [[Jessica Albert]] and [[Angelo]], enlisting their aid in pursuing and confronting the wicked [[Dhoulmagus]].

==Munchie==
[[File:DQVIII Munchie.png|thumb|250px|Munchie]]
The Hero carries around his pet, Munchie, wherever he goes. A highly intelligent Pig-Rat, Munchie is capable of entering small spaces and exploring areas the party would otherwise have no access to, allowing the player to temporarily control him. If you give Munchie [[List of cheeses in Dragon Quest VIII|cheese items]], he gains special abilities. However, this can only be done twice per battle. Munchie rides in the pocket of The Hero's coat most of the time. Munchie will show his [[Chen Mui|true significance]] only after the game.
{{clear}}
==Stats==
{| style="width:65%; height:100px; text-align:center" border="1" 
|-<---!Headings are up first.!---> style="font-weight:bold; background:#A3AB47"
| Attribute || Starting Stats || Maximum Stats
|- style="font-weight:normal"
| Level || 1 || 99
|-
| {{HP}} || 22 || 806
|-
| {{MP}} || 0 || 478
|-
| {{Strength}} || 8 || 400
|-
| {{Agility}} || 6 || 200
|-
| {{Resilience}} || 6 || 215
|-
| {{Wisdom}} || 5 || 366
|-
| Initial gear ||colspan=2|[[Soldier's sword]], [[Plain clothes]], [[Bandana]]
|}
*The Hero also possesses a:
**25% resistance to zap-based spells and abilites
**Near total immunity to [[curses]]

==Abilities==
===Sword===
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Tension</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Oomph</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +5
| --
|4
| --
|no
|Increase the sword attack +5.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Dragon Slash]]
|0
|9
|one
|yes
|Inflicts 150% damage on dragons (otherwise normal damage).
|yes
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Flame Slash]]
|0
|15
|one
|yes
|Inflicts 130% damage (reduced if enemy is resistant to fire).
|yes
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +10
| --
|22
| --
|no
|Increase attack by ten when a sword is equipped.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Metal Slash]]
|0
|30
|one
|yes
|Inflicts 1~2 damage to metal slimes.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +15
| --
|40
| --
|no
|Increase attack by fifteen when a sword is equipped.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Critical Hit rate up
| --
|40
| --
|no
|Increase the critical hit rate from 1/64 to 1/32.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Falcon Slash]]
|0
|52
|one
|yes
|Slashes one enemy twice, each cut dealing 75% damage for 150% total.
|First hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +25
| --
|66
| --
|no
|Increases attack by twenty five when a sword is equipped.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Miracle Slash]]
|4
|82
|one
|yes
|Inflicts 125% damage and restores {{HP}} by 50% of damage inflicted.
|yes
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigaslash]]
|20
|100
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 207~239 damage to each member of a group.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigagash]]
|20
|100*
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 271~331 damage to each member of a group.
|
no
|}
*Requires 100 points in both swords and courage

===Spear===
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Tension</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Oomph</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +5
|0
|3
| --
|no
|Increase attack by five when a spear is equipped.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Mercurial Thrust]]
|0
|7
|one
|yes
|Strike first at 80% power.
|yes
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Thunder Thrust]]
|3
|12
|one
|yes
|25% for a critical hit, 25% for a normal stab, 50% to miss altogether.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +10
|no
|18
| --
|no
|Increase attack by ten when equipped with a spear.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Multithrust]]
|4
|25
|random
|yes
|Skewers 3~4 targets at half strength per jab.
|first hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Critical Hit rate up
|no
|40
|auto
|no
|Increase the critical hit rate from 1/64 to 1/32.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Clean Sweep
|0*
|45
|group
|yes
|Strike/rock element with decreasing damage range: 80% -> 64% -> 56% -> 40% -> 25% -> 16%.<br>Chance for [[Demon spear]]'s effect to trigger on each enemy.
|first hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Lightning Thrust
|0
|59
|one
|no
|More powerful version of Thunder Thrust, 50% to land a critical hit.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +25
| --
|77
| --
|no
|Increases attack by twenty five when equipped with a spear.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Lightning Storm]]
|25
|100
|all
|yes
|Inflicts 190-220 damage to all enemies.
|no
|}
*Clean Sweep costs 2 {{MP}} in the {{3DS}} Version.
===Boomerang===
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Tension</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Oomph</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Crosscutter Throw]]
|2
|6
|all
|yes
|The first enemy is hit twice. Strike/rock element.
|first hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +5
| --
|12
| --
| --
|Increases attack by five when a boomerang is equipped.
| --
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Power Throw]]
|4
|18
|all
|yes
|80% strength, but damage does not decrease per bonked monster. Strike/rock element.
|first hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +10
| --
|25
| --
| --
|Increases attack by ten when a boomerang is equipped.
| --
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Firebird Throw]]
|6
|32
|all
|yes
|36-44 fire damage to all enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +15
| --
|40
| --
| --
|Increases attack by fifteen when a boomerang is equipped.
| --
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Power Throw|Super Throw]]
|4
|52
|all
|yes
|120% damage, does not decrease per monster. Strike/rock element.
|first hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +20
| --
|66
| --
| --
|Increase the boomerang attack +20.
| --
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Starburst Throw]]
|8
|82
|all
|yes
|76-84 [[bang]] damage to all enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigathrow]]
|15
|100
|one
|yes
|Inflicts up to 233~284 zap damage to a single enemy.
|no
|}

===Fisticuffs===
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|valign="top" width="20%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|valign="top" width="5%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|valign="top" width="10%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|valign="top" width="5%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|valign="top" width="5%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Tension</font>'''
|valign="top" width="50%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|valign="top" width="15%" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Oomph</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +5
| --
|4
| --
| --
|Increases attack by five when unarmed.
| --
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Defending Champion]]
|0
|11
|self
|yes
|More powerful defending action (damage reduced by 90%).
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Stone's Throw]]
|0
|17
|group
|yes
|8-20 strike/rock damage to a group of enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Knuckle Sandwich]]
|2
|24
|one
|no
|Inflicts 150% points of strike/rock damage.
|yes
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +20
|no
|33
|auto
|no
|Increases attack by twenty when unarmed.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Thin Air]]
|2
|42
|all
|yes
|Inflicts up to 108~132 points of damage on all enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Critical Hit rate up
|no
|52
|auto
|no
|Increase the critical hit rate from 1/64 to 1/32.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Multifists]]
|0
|70
|random
|yes
|Four random swings at 33% power each.
|first hit
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Boulder Toss]]
|4
|82
|all
|yes
|Inflicts 72-104 strike/rock damage on all enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Attack +50
| --
|100
| --
| --
|Increases attack by fifty when unarmed.
| --
|}

===Courage===
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Points</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Tension</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|width="15%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Oomph</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Zoom]]
|1
|8
|party
|no
|Teleports player to entrance of known location (outdoors only).
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Tingle]]
|2
|16
|party
|no
|Cures party of sleep and parlyzed status changes.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Holy Protection]]
|3
|28
|party
|no
|Random encounters with enemies whose level is lower than The Hero are avoided.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Fizzle]]
|4
|40
|group
|no
|Prevents enemy group from using magic.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Zap]]
|6
|48
|all
|yes
|Inflicts up to 72~88 damage on all enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{MP}} discount
| --
|56
| --
| --
|Reduces the {{MP}} cost to 3/4.
| --
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Kamikazee]]
|1
|70
|all
|no
|The Hero sacrifices himself to deal high damage to all enemies.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Omniheal]]
|36
|82
|party
|no
|Restores full {{HP}} to all party members.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|{{MP}} discount
|no
|90
|auto
|no
|Reduces the {{MP}} cost to 1/2.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Kazap]]
|15
|100
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 180~220 damage to a group of monsters.
|no
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigaslash]]
|20
|100
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 207~239 damage to each member of a group.
|yes
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Gigagash]]
|20
|100*
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 271~331 damage to each member of a group.
|no
|}
*Requires 100 points in both swords and courage

===Magic===
{|width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1" style="text-align:center"
|width="20%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Name</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">{{MP}}</font>'''
|width="10%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Level</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Target</font>'''
|width="5%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Tension</font>'''
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background:#4682B4"|'''<font color="#ffffff">Info</font>'''
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Heal]]
|2
|3
|one
|yes
|Restores 30-40 {{HP}} to one character.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Squelch]]
|2
|4
|one
|no
|Cures one character of poison and envenomation.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Evac]]
|2
|6
|party
|no
|Teleports player back to dungeon entrance.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Sizz]]
|4
|11
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 29~35 fire damage on each member of a group.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Midheal]]
|3
|18
|one
|yes
|Restores 75-90 {{HP}} to one character.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Sizzle]]
|6
|20
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 53~62 fire damage on each member of a group.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Fullheal]]
|6
|27
|one
|no
|Restores all {{HP}} to one character.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Zing]]
|8
|29
|one
|no
|Revives a dead character with 50% of {{HP}} (50% success rate).
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|[[Kasizzle]]
|10
|32
|group
|yes
|Inflicts up to 150~170 fire damage on each member of a group.
|-
!bgcolor="#fa8072"|Dragon Soul
|64
|65/70*
|one
|yes
|Inflicts 420~520 non-elemental damage to one enemy.
|}
*Dragon Soul was first created for the {{PS2}} Version of ''VIII''
**Dragon Soul is learned at level 70 in the {{3DS}} Version and deals 375~450 damage.

==Equipment==
{{VersionTabs|Weapons|{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Weapon}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Cypress stick]]|statModifier=Attack +4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Soldier's sword ]]|statModifier=Attack +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Stone sword]]|statModifier=Attack +12}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Copper sword]]|statModifier=Attack +13}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Boomerang}}|statModifier=Attack +19}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Ye Olde Sword of Erdrick}} ({{3DS}} only)|statModifier=Attack +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron lance]]|statModifier=Attack +24}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Edged boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +27}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Long spear]]|statModifier=Attack +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Reinforced boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Steel broadsword]]|statModifier=Attack +35}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Falcon blade]]|statModifier=Attack +37}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Holy lance]]|statModifier=Attack +39}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Platinum sword]]|statModifier=Attack +40}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Battle fork]]|statModifier=Attack +42}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Razor wing boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +42}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dream blade]]|statModifier=Attack +43}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Partisan]]|statModifier=Attack +44}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Rusty sword|Rusty old sword]]|statModifier=Attack +45}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Swallowtail]]|statModifier=Attack +53}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Zombiesbane]]|statModifier=Attack +54}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Über falcon blade]]|statModifier=Attack +55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bastard sword]]|statModifier=Attack +61}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Flametang Boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +63}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sandstorm spear]]|statModifier=Attack +67}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragonsbane]]|statModifier=Attack +72}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Zombie slayer]]|statModifier=Attack +65}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Double-edged sword]]|statModifier=Attack +76}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Über double-edge]]|statModifier=Attack +76}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Miracle sword]]|statModifier=Attack +80}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon slayer]]|statModifier=Attack +83}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Demon spear]]|statModifier=Attack +86}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Blizzard blade]]|statModifier=Attack +90}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal wing boomerang]]|statModifier=Attack +90}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Über miracle sword]]|statModifier=Attack +95}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Hero spear]]|statModifier=Attack +100}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian sword}}|statModifier=Attack +107}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Liquid metal sword]]|statModifier=Attack +118}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king spear]]|statModifier=Attack +120}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian king sword}}|statModifier=Attack +137}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Helmets|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Helmet}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bandana]]|statModifier=Defense +1}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Leather hat]]|statModifier=Defense +3}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Turban]]|statModifier=Defense +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Feathered cap]]|statModifier=Defense +9}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron helmet]]|statModifier=Defense +16}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bronze helmet]]|statModifier=Defense +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Hermes' hat]]|statModifier=Defense +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mercury's bandana]]|statModifier=Defense +23}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron mask]]|statModifier=Defense +25}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Pirate's hat]]|statModifier=Defense +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Platinum headgear]]|statModifier=Defense +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron headgear]]|statModifier=Defense +32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Hades' helm E}}|statModifier=Defense +33}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mythril helm]]|statModifier=Defense +38}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Great helm]]|statModifier=Defense +45}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian helmet}}|statModifier=Defense +50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sun crown]]|statModifier=Defense +52}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king helm]]|statModifier=Defense +55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Armor|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Armor}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Plain clothes]]|statModifier=Defense+4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Wayfarer's clothes]]|statModifier=Defense+7}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Leather armour]]|statModifier=Defense+11}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Scale armour]]|statModifier=Defense+17}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bronze armour]]|statModifier=Defense+24}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron armour]]|statModifier=Defense+32}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Full plate armour]]|statModifier=Defense+39}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Silver mail]]|statModifier=Defense+50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Magic armour]]|statModifier=Defense+55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon mail]]|statModifier=Defense+60}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Spiked armour]]|statModifier=Defense+68}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Platinum mail]]|statModifier=Defense+72}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Alistair's armour]]|statModifier=Defense+80}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sacred armour]]|statModifier=Defense+84}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mirror armour]]|statModifier=Defense+92}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Liquid metal armour]]|statModifier=Defense+101}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian armour}}|statModifier=Defense+110}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king armour]]|statModifier=Defense+120}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Shields|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Shields}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Leather shield]]|statModifier=Defense+4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Scale shield]]|statModifier=Defense+7}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Bronze shield]]|statModifier=Defense+10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Iron shield]]|statModifier=Defense+15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Light shield]]|statModifier=Defense+17}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Steel shield]]|statModifier=Defense+22}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Magic shield]]|statModifier=Defense+27}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon shield]]|statModifier=Defense+30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ice shield]]|statModifier=Defense+33}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Power shield]]|statModifier=Defense+38}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mirror shield]]|statModifier=Defense+43}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ogre shield]]|statModifier=Defense+45}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Silver shield]]|statModifier=Defense+48}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ruinous shield]]|statModifier=Defense+50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Thanatos' shield]]|statModifier=Defense+55}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item={{Dragovian shield}}|statModifier=Defense+60}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Metal king shield]]|statModifier=Defense+65}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|note|text=}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}|Accessories|
{{CharacterEquipmentList|header|title=Dragon Quest VIII|subtitle=All|equipmentType=Accessories}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Agility ring]]|statModifier=Agility +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Argon ring]]|statModifier=Attack +20<br>Agility +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Catholicon ring]]|statModifier=Defence +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Devil's tail]]|statModifier=Agility +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Dragon's scale]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Elevating shoes]]|statModifier=Agility +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Full moon ring]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Goddess ring]]|statModifier=Wisdom +20}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gold bracer]]|statModifier=Defence +4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gold ring]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gold rosary]]|statModifier=Wisdom +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Gospel ring]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Holy talisman]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Life bracer]]|statModifier=Defence +5<br>Max HP +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Meteorite bracer]]|statModifier=Agility +50}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Mighty armlet]]|statModifier=Attack +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Prayer ring]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Recovery ring]]|statModifier=Defence +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of awakening]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of clarity]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of immunity]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ring of truth]]|statModifier=Defence +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Ruby of protection]]|statModifier=Defence +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Scholar's specs]]|statModifier=Wisdom +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Skull ring]]|statModifier=Agility +15}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Slime earrings]]|statModifier=Defence +4}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Sorcerer's ring]]|statModifier=Wisdom +10<br>Max MP +30}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Strength ring]]|statModifier=Attack +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Templar's Equipment#Templar's ring|Templar's ring]]|statModifier=Defence +5}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Templar's Equipment#Templar Captain's ring|Templar Captain's ring]]|statModifier=Attack +10<br>Wisdom +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Titan belt]]|statModifier=Attack +10}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|entry|item=[[Tough guy tattoo]]|statModifier=Attack +8}}
{{CharacterEquipmentList|footer}}}}

==Skill Tips==
'''Swords''' pay off if you are in pursuit of metal monsters, with ''Metal Slash'' (30 points) being particularly useful. If you accumulate 100 points in swords and courage you learn the almighty gigagash, although this takes quite some time to achieve.

'''Spears''' are ideal for hunters of metal monsters in particular, with ''Thunder Thrust'' (12 points) and ''Lightning Thrust'' (59 points). The ''Multithrust'' (25 points) is also worth a try against single enemies.

'''Boomerangs''' are a real boon in the beginning of the game because they attack all enemies. Later, however, this skill becomes less useful (over 40 points: ''Attack + 15), so it is advisable to switch to developing different skills.''

'''Fisticuffs''' is largely ineffectual to the other skills, although ''Defending Champion'' (11 points) is a very useful ability and some actions are worth a try like ''Thin Air'' (42 points). The Hero can only make a real impression when he learns ''Attack + 50'' (100 points).

'''Courage''' is extremely useful as a means of learning traits that reduce {{MP}} consumption (at 56 and 90 points). Don't ignore the advanced attacks either (''Zap'', 48 points and ''Kazap'' at 100 points), or the ''Omniheal'' spell at 82 points.

'''Suggested Strategies:''' Learn Courage up to 8 points (''Zoom'') initially, then learn Boomerangs up to 40 points (''Attack + 15'') followed by courage up to 100. Next, increase your Swords skill to 66 (''Attack + 25'') or Spears up to 59 (''Critical Hit'').

Another option would be to forgo Boomerangs altogether and start by dividing points equally between Swords and Courage (up to Swords 66), then switching to Spears and Courage. However, since you come across some extremely effective spears in the opening stages of the game, you may prefer to concentrate on mastering spears from the outset.

==Other appearances==
==={{SSB5}}===
The Hero of ''VIII'', under the name Eight, appears as one of four [[Hero (Super Smash Bros.)|Hero]]es, alongside the Heroes of ''[[Hero (Dragon Quest XI)|XI]]'', ''[[Hero (Dragon Quest III)|III]]'', and ''[[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|IV]]''. He wields the {{Dragovian king sword}} and {{Dragovian shield}}. Unlike in his home game, Eight does not retain his curse immunity in ''Ultimate'', presumably because of his status as an alternate character and/or for gameplay balance.

While playing as the Hero in Classic Mode, Eight appears as Round 5's opponent and is fought on the Battlefield form of Gaur Plains. He is allied with a tiny Pikachu, in reference to {{Munchie}}.

==Trivia==
*In the {{PS2}} version of the game, when The Hero's [[tension]] is maxed, his appearance changes drastically. His bandana flies off and his hair spikes up, making him resemble Super Saiyan Son Goku of ''Dragon Ball Z'' fame. This little feature was added to the Western release of the game, as a shoutout to fans of Toriyama's work.
*Munchie is an obtainable monster in {{DQMJ2P}}.
*In the international versions of {{DQ11}}, the [[Luminary (Dragon Quest XI)|Luminary]] can wear an outfit that allows him to dress like the Protagonist of ''VIII''.
*While designing the ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' version of The Hero, series creator Masahiro Sakurai specifically requested permission from Square-Enix to include {{Dragon Quest VIII}}'s Hero as an alternate costume, due to the game being the most popular entry in the West and its role in reintroducing the series to American and European audiences.
**In ''Ultimate,'' Eight is given a voice (albeit largely for various wordless expressions of exertion or pain). His voice actor is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yūki_Kaji Yūki Kaji], a popular Japanese VA and singer. According to Masahiro Sakurai, Kaji was very excited to play Eight, and considered roles in both ''Dragon Quest'' and ''Super Smash Bros.'' to be two of his dream jobs.

==Videos==
{{Videos|''Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road Victory'' finishing move|{{#ev:youtube|g3m85MFHjS8|250}} }}

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Image:Dq8 Hero.jpg|
Image:DQVIII_Hero_front.png|
Image:DQVIII_Hero_back.png|
Image:DQVIII Hero Face.png|
Image:DQVIII_Hero_concepts.png|
Image:DQVIII Hero High Tension.png|
Image:Dragon-quest-VIII-Dragovian Hero.jpg|Hero's transformation.
Image:Munchie.png|Munchie.
Image:Munchie_pose.png|
Image:Dragovian equipment set 3ds.JPG|Hero wearing the [[Dragovian Equipment]].
Image:DQVIII Metal King Equipment.jpg|Hero wearing the [[Metal king armour]], [[Metal king shield|shield]] and [[Metal king helm|helm]].
Image:DQVIII Hero Gothic.jpg|Hero wearing the [[Gothic mitre]] and [[Gothic vestment]]. ({{3DS}} Version only)
Image:DQVIIIHeroSSBU.png|{{SSB5}}
</gallery></center>

{{Hero}}
{{DQVIII}}
{{SSBU}}

[[Category:Party members]]
[[Category:Royalty]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest VIII characters]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest Rivals characters]]