The Dragon Quest 3 Remake is an expansive game that invites exploration. The game world is full, with many locations you’ll often revisit, primarily for new keys you’ll need to progress.
There are three unique keys in the Dragon Quest 3 Remake. The first two unlock specific door types, while the last allows you to open any door throughout the game. Each key has its own requirements for acquisition, starting with the Thief’s Key.
Where to Find the Thief’s Key
The Thief’s Key is the first special key you’ll collect, and it’s the simplest. This key unlocks all red doors across the game world.
Gathering Information in Reeve
You can find the Thief’s Key at Dreamer’s Tower, where it is given to you by an Old Man at the top. This tower is situated on a small island in the middle of the larger island where your adventure begins, which includes Aliahan and Reeve.
While there are numerous ways to reach Dreamer’s Tower, your journey will commence from Reeve, located in the northwest section of the island.
Upon arriving in Reeve, go to the most northern building near the pond. Inside, a boy at the table will inform you about a hidden passage in the woods south that will lead you to Dreamer’s Tower.
Finding the Tunnel to Dreamer’s Tower
Once you leave Reeve, head straight south to find the tunnel in the woods, located in a gap between the trees. Entering this area will lead you to the Shrine of the Plains; from there, make your way to the tunnel at the upper left corner of the map.
A Mini Medal can be found in the barrel on the southwest side of the Shrine of the Plains area.
Inside Dreamer’s Tower
Entering the tunnel brings you to the first level of Dreamer’s Tower (B1). From here, proceed south down a long hallway to find the staircase leading up. Ascend the staircase to reach the main floor of Dreamer’s Tower.
This floor offers more pathways and rooms than B1. Climb the staircase to B2, and take the southwest staircase to B3. On B3, the spiral staircase in the center will lead you to the Old Man.
On the northwest side of the first floor, there is a staircase descending to an Inn, providing a place to rest if needed.
Once you reach the Old Man at his location on B4 of Dreamer’s Tower, he will hand you the Thief’s Key.
How to Acquire the Magic Key
The Magic Key is a tougher challenge than the Thief’s Key, yet it remains relatively easy if you’re comfortable with the combat system. This key will unlock every blue door throughout the game.
Departing from Asham
Inhabitants of Asham will discuss various topics, including the Magic Key and a nearby desert city, hinting at your next destination in the western desert.
To get there from Asham, travel southwest past the narrowing strip of land and venture into the expansive desert.
Making Your Way to Ibis
Ibis lies on the southern edge of the desert by an oasis, and is a distinct desert city with several clues about the Pyramid located north of it. This Pyramid is where you need to go to acquire the Magic Key, so make sure you’re well-prepared before setting out.
Many hints regarding the Pyramid mention that it contains a plethora of traps.
Locating the Magic Key in the Pyramid
The Pyramid is situated north of Ibis and is one of the more intricate dungeons in the game. Although combat remains consistent with other dungeons, it features more traps and puzzles.
The Pyramid comprises seven floors, including a basement level you can fall into through false floors. On the first floor, head to the northeast staircase, while avoiding the traps in the hallway junctions.
On the second floor, take the south staircase to reach the third floor, where the Magic Key awaits. Notably, you’ll encounter a puzzle to unlock the chamber with the key, along with a boss that you must defeat to obtain it.
The Puzzle and the Boss
For the puzzle, activate the right button first, followed by the left button to open the door to the boss’s chamber.
When facing the boss, quickly eliminate the two minor enemies before focusing on the boss. This strategy minimizes damage taken during the battle, making the boss easier to handle.
Once you defeat them, the Magic Key will be in the chest on the right.
How to Acquire the Ultimate Key
The Ultimate Key is the final key you will acquire, and it grants you the ability to open any door in the game.
The Fading Jenny in Lanson
In Lanson, there are a few hints for obtaining the Ultimate Key, though they might not clearly indicate that they refer to this key. A shopkeeper will note that you’ll need a special Bottomless Pot to acquire the Ultimate Key. Additionally, a Slime will mention Edina and note that entering the castle requires a Fading Jenny.
Fortunately, there’s a vendor in Lanson who sells a Fading Jenny, and you’ll only need one to continue your quest. After purchasing the Fading Jenny, make your way to Edina, which is located on an island in the map’s northwest.
Solving the Puzzle in Edina
Once you arrive in Edina, use your Fading Jenny. This will make you and your party invisible, allowing you to sneak past the guard who would otherwise stop you. Once inside, you don’t need to maintain your invisibility.
Head down the staircase on the left to reach a room with a rock puzzle. This puzzle is quite simple, involving moving three rocks onto pressure plates at the far end of the area:
- Shift the middle rock one spot to the right.
- Move the left rock up one space, then to the right until it’s in front of the opening, and finally up onto a pressure plate.
- Lower the right rock by one space.
- Reposition the middle rock to the left to its original position (where the left rock was).
- Repeat the previous steps for the left rock on the middle rock.
- Raise the right rock by one space.
- Perform the same actions for the right rock as you did for the middle rock.
Completing the puzzle will open the large door at the end of the room, allowing you to enter and access the treasure chest, which contains the Bottomless Pot. Inside the Pot, you will find a note directing you to your next destination: the Shrine of the Shallows.
Using the Bottomless Pot
To reach the Shrine of the Shallows, sail east from Edina, over the western continent, and navigate through the wide gap between the two continents to the north. You’ll find a large rocky outcrop extending into the sea; use your Bottomless Pot here to drain the water and reveal the entrance to the Shrine.
The Shrine of the Shallows
Once you enter the Shrine of the Shallows, head into the initial room where the first chest will hold the Ultimate Key.