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Wonderful game music

[Dragon Quest BGM] Iconic and popular tracks from the Dragon Quest series

The Dragon Quest series is a flagship title among Japanese RPGs.

Of course, the games themselves are fantastic, but the in-game music is also hugely popular! All of the in-game tracks were composed by Koichi Sugiyama, who also arranged them himself, and they have even been performed in orchestral concerts.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most popular pieces from these meticulously crafted and beautiful works.

Immerse yourself, body and soul, in the world of Dragon Quest!

[Dragon Quest BGM] Masterpieces and popular tracks from the Dragon Quest series (21–30)

In the dappled sunlightsugiyama kouichi

Tried playing “In the Dappled Sunlight” from Dragon Quest VI (DQ6)
In the dappled sunlightsugiyama kouichi

Among the tracks you hear most often while playing Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, “In the Town” (Kimorebi no Naka de) stands out.

It’s the music that plays when you step outside after sleeping at home.

While the Dragon Quest series features many grand and tense pieces, this one has a relaxing atmosphere.

It’s even a great choice for an alarm tone.

By the way, this track is also used briefly in other titles.

See if you can find where it appears!

Endless Worldsugiyama kouichi

BGM Dragon Quest II Endless World Orchestra Version Extended
Endless Worldsugiyama kouichi

The piece that plays in-game in Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line when you venture out onto the field with your party assembled.

Its grand, dazzling sound evokes the beginning of an adventure with your companions.

Overseas, the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s arrangement also captures the game’s world in an orchestral version.

This track has been used as BGM in many titles, starting with the numbered Dragon Quest series.

Take a moment to listen to its beautiful melody, which conjures up a world that stretches on forever.

[Dragon Quest BGM] Masterpieces and Popular Tracks from the Dragon Quest Series (31–40)

Finalesugiyama kouichi

Dragon Quest I Symphonic Suite – Finale
Finalesugiyama kouichi

The very first game in the series, Dragon Quest.

The piece that plays during the end credits after you clear the game is Finale.

Since it’s used in the most rewarding end credits, many people probably remember it well.

It’s a fresh yet glamorous tune that lets you finish the game on a bright note.

It isn’t used as an end-credits theme in other titles, though it’s used a little in Dragon Quest Walk.

shrinesugiyama kouichi

Dragon Quest / Shrine Medley: Dragon Quest – Shrine Theme Medley (Strings)
shrinesugiyama kouichi

A medley of the shrine BGM used from Dragon Quest II through Dragon Quest V.

Listening to them side by side like this, you can really tell they’re similar yet each slightly different.

They’re all wonderful, but which ‘shrine’ BGM do you like best?

Tower of Deathsugiyama kouichi

Dragon Quest V (PS2) – Tower of Death
Tower of Deathsugiyama kouichi

The BGM used in the tower dungeon from Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, released for the Super Famicom in 1992.

As the title “Tower of Death” suggests, it’s a somewhat scary, eerie piece with a strong unsettling feel.

It evokes a dim, gloomy image of the tower’s interior and heightens the sense of fear, making the tower dungeon even more intimidating for those who already dislike it.

Searching for a Love Songsugiyama kouichi

Famicom sound source Dragon Quest II resurrection password input screen BGM “Searching for a Love Song” 15-minute endurance video
Searching for a Love Songsugiyama kouichi

“Love Song Sagashite” was the BGM that played on the screen where you entered the “fukkatsu no jumon” (resurrection spell) in Dragon Quest II.

Back then, there were no save files, so you had to revive using a 52-character password.

Many people who wrote the resurrection spell down by hand ended up listening to this song over and over due to misreading or transcription errors.

Glimmers of Lovesugiyama kouichi

This piece is used in the eleventh entry of the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, released in 2017.

The track, Love’s Lilt, which plays during scenes and events centered on the World Tree—a key element in the game—perfectly matches its title: a grand symphonic work that evokes gentle, tranquil love.

It conveys the World Tree’s fantastical, mystical image, is frequently used in other event scenes, and resonates deeply with the listener—a true love song in symphonic form.