In the world of gaming, few titles have made as significant an impact as the Dragon Quest series, and the latest entry, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, is no exception. Despite its modernized graphics, the game retains the classic charm and old-school feel that fans have come to love. One of the first critical tasks players face is selecting companions at Patty’s Party Planning Place, where they can choose from a variety of classes with unique abilities. But how do you choose the best ones, especially when their future viability may differ from their early-game performance?

Fear not, adventurers! This article presents a comprehensive tier list ranking the classes from best to worst based on their early-game advantages. One significant aspect to remember is that class changes are not permanent; thus, players should focus on how to maximize their team’s abilities in the initial stages of the game.

S-Tier: Must-Have Classes

1. Monster Wrangler The newly introduced Monster Wrangler class is quickly establishing itself as a fan-favorite for a reason. With the ability to deal impressive physical damage using whips—capable of striking multiple foes—Monster Wranglers also gain access to crucial healing skills that serve the party well. Their unique mechanic allows them to recruit friendly monsters throughout their journey, amplifying their attack capabilities with powerful moves like Monster Pile-On. If you want a versatile character that covers many bases early on, look no further.

2. Mage Mages have remained a staple choice across the Dragon Quest series, and the HD-2D Remake enhances their appeal further. With unparalleled access to devastating magic, Mages not only serve as top-tier damage dealers but benefit from a game mechanic that restores their HP and MP upon level-up. This means players can unleash powerful spells aggressively. Transitioning them to the Sage class later on only amplifies their utility.

A-Tier: Strong Contenders

3. Priest While players may think they need a dedicated healer, the Priest excels in providing much-needed support. They free up healing responsibilities from other party members and possess unique skills that improve the effectiveness of any class they evolve into. Adding basic magical attacks to their repertoire only sweetens the deal.

4. Martial Artist With a strong focus on physical attacks, Martial Artists specialize in hand-to-hand combat. They require minimal investment in gear, making them a budget-friendly option early in the game. Their skills, while specialized, can prove advantageous in various situations.

B-Tier: Decent Choices

5. Warrior The classic Warrior class is an essential physical attacker, equipped to handle various weapons and armor. However, its weak early game skills and reliance on gold make it a less attractive option initially. For players keen on grinding and gear optimization, picking Warrior will pay off in the long run.

6. Thief The Thief class offers unique abilities for discovering hidden treasures and reducing random encounters. However, their combat prowess suffers early on, making them better suited as a later class change. If you’re a completionist, consider making the Thief one of your first transitions.

C-Tier: Mediocre Alternatives

7. Merchant The Merchant class has merits, particularly in its ability to find extra gold after battles. However, their overall contributions in the long run are minimal. Fun to use as a novelty, they pale in comparison to other options with stronger capabilities.

D-Tier: Avoid if Possible

8. Gadabout Gadabouts are notorious for their poor performance and often hinder the party with their erratic behavior. While they can unlock unique abilities later, they should be avoided in early-game selections. The risks outweigh the benefits, leaving players wishing they had chosen a different class to begin with.

Conclusion

Choosing the right class for your Dragon Quest III HD-2D adventure is crucial for navigating the challenges ahead. While this tier list provides guidance, personal playstyle and party synergy play vital roles in determining the best approach to your journey. As you embark on this nostalgic yet fresh reimagining, remember that the choices you make now can shape the experience in surprising ways. Ready your weapons and spells—an epic quest awaits!