Documented for this version

Which controls does this version use?

Actions

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen action controls
D-Pad
Move the character or cursor
A
Confirm a selection, talk, search, or open a menu command
B
Cancel a selection or close a menu

Control notes

  • Button functions can vary slightly between the Japanese Dragon Quest IV release and the North American Dragon Warrior IV release.

How it plays

How does Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen play?

The game uses a top-down exploration view for towns, fields, caves, towers, and other locations. Players talk to residents, search containers, buy equipment, solve straightforward progression problems, and enter random turn-based battles while traveling.

The adventure is structured into five chapters. The early chapters focus on individual heroes and unusual party arrangements; the final chapter follows the Hero and eventually unites the main cast. Battles use menus for attacks, spells, items, defense, and other commands, with experience, equipment, and party composition driving progression.

The fourth chapter includes computer-controlled companions during combat, while later chapters provide broader party management. Exploration, dungeon navigation, treasure collection, and town information are essential to locating the next objective.

Plan your run

What is the best way to play Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen?

Talk to people in every new settlement and record unusual clues, names, and locations. Key items are often obtained through conversations rather than obvious dungeon rewards.

Keep several party members equipped instead of concentrating all upgrades on one fighter. In battle, exploit enemy weaknesses with spells, use healing before the party is in danger, and change formation when the front line becomes vulnerable.

Save money for weapons, armor, and important supplies, but do not ignore medicinal items. If progress stalls, revisit towns, inspect newly accessible buildings, and check whether a key item must be used from the inventory.

Meet the cast

Who are the key characters?

1

The Hero

The central protagonist, whose identity and origins are revealed through the chapter-based story.

2

Ragnar McRyan

A veteran soldier and the protagonist of the first chapter.

3

Alena

A headstrong princess who leaves her kingdom to seek adventure.

4

Cristo

Alena’s loyal cleric and traveling companion.

5

Borya

An elderly wizard who accompanies Alena and Cristo.

6

Torneko Taloon

A merchant whose chapter focuses on trade, shop work, and independent adventure.

7

Meena Mahabala

A fortune-teller who travels with her sister in pursuit of the truth behind their family tragedy.

8

Maya Mahabala

A talented dancer and spellcaster who joins Meena on her journey.

9

Psaro the Manslayer

A powerful antagonist whose motives and relationship to humanity become important to the later story.

Before you begin

What should you know before playing?

  1. 1

    Use the wagon and party selection carefully when the full cast becomes available.

  2. 2

    Buy equipment for the characters you expect to use, but keep older gear for reserve members when money is limited.

  3. 3

    The chapter structure rewards paying attention to dialogue and remembering locations.

Editorial context

What do players highlight?

A story-driven NES RPG with an unusually ambitious multi-chapter structure.

Its classic menu battles and distinctive party members remain its strongest features.

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