Claw Weapon Family

From Dragon Quest Wiki

Claws are a recurring type of weapon in the series and have appeared in practically every installment in the series since their introduction. They are favored by martial artists and other barehanded brawlers since conventional weapons do not suit them. Due to their somewhat primitive designs, claws are also wielded by characters who are closer to nature and even monster companions. Claws are also used by some enemy monsters, such as Riptides and Claws, discounting those with natural blades such as nearly every dragon.

Some notable claws throughout the series are the Golden claws, the Cobra claw, and the Orichalcum claws. Beginning with Dragon Quest IX, every claw will deal an extra 10% damage to members of the Machine family.

Appearances[edit]

Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation[edit]

Claws are introduced in this game, being the preferred weapon type of Martial Artists. They are the only weapons they can use which do not impart a penalty to their attack power. In remake versions of the game, more claws have been added and Thieves can also equip some of them, as well.

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen[edit]

Alena can use all of the claws in the game, as can Psaro in the remakes. Maya, oddly enough, is able to wield the cobra claw despite not using the other two.

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

Claws could only be used by the various monster companions in the original SNES version of the game, especially Saber. Fangs are distinct as they can only be wielded by monsters. In the DS version, Debora is able to wield claws, as well.

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation[edit]

Carver and Amos have access to various claws, as well as the Slime companions. Once again, fangs are limited to monster companions rather than human characters. Terry is also able to equip the Orichalcum fangs.

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

Ruff is the only character in the game who can use claws, being a former wolf cub himself.

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

Claws only appear in the 3DS version of the game, being one of the weapon types that Morrie can equip. Many of the claws that appear are notable for ditching their traditional effects in exchange for dealing extra damage to monsters of specific families, with this low bonus being 130% and the high being 160%.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies[edit]

Claws can be used by the Martial Artist and Thief vocations. However, once a character has fully mastered the claw skill tree, they can use Claws with any vocation.

Dragon Quest X[edit]

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age[edit]

Both Jade and Rab can equip claws. Claws are wielded in both hands, so the user will be able to attack twice but is unable to use a shield when using them. When compared to most weapons classes, claws have lower attack power, but have a greater chance to land a Critical Hit.

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

Ruff makes use of claws, owing to his lupine origins, as well as Lazarel and Teresa when they use the thief vocation.