Dragon Quest Monsters 4 Details Crossplay and Online Modes

Square Enix has revealed details of the online and arena content in Dragon Quest Monsters 4, including crossplay support that lets players on different platforms play together, according to 4gamer.net. All screenshots released so far are from the PC version, which is still in development.

Online co-op allows up to four monster masters to team up against giant monster subjugation quests. Giant monsters in normal quests come with three difficulty levels so players can choose one matching their progression. A solo mode called "play alone" lets a single player take part in online co-op, and during battle a message-select command offers simple communication. Supporting allies with healing or support builds up a "co-op bonus" that raises everyone's damage and healing according to its multiplier. High-difficulty event quests against special giant monsters appear as well, with targets changing periodically. Monster eggs can be earned as rewards from online co-op and other content; they come in four colors, and hatched monsters can join the player's party.

Ranked play and arena content

Master Rank Match pits players against opponents of similar skill to raise their rank. Ranks span seven tiers from Beginner to Legend, with promotion based on rank points earned from wins and with rewards on offer. A Private Match feature allows setting the number of rounds and standby swaps. Online Other-Country Masters has other players appear as other-country masters in the communication tavern, where they can fight their parties. A communication shop is also available, with stock that changes by day of the week and by story progress.

Offline arena content comes in two types, Arena Battle and Co-op Battle, each with seven classes from G to A, and winning earns prizes. Arena Battle is a format of winning three fights in a row, with HP and MP fully restored after each fight. During battle, tactics can be set per monster and changed according to the situation.

Progressing through the story opens a new arena content called "Path to True Monster Master". There, players form a party from monsters prepared by Warubou that differ each time and take on a 50-match winning streak in a roguelike format. After winning a match, players can choose the opponent monster they just fought as a breeding partner to strengthen their party for the next battle. Master points earned can be spent in a dedicated shop to buy items useful for raising monsters, and monsters and opponents differ for each attempt, allowing repeated play.

In communication content such as online co-op and Master Rank Match, "Master's Aura" does not activate, and monsters fight with their own strength.