Dragon Quest IV
Dragon Quest IV

Walkthrough: Chapter 1

Complete Dragon Quest IV Chapter 1 with Ragnar McRyan. Follow this guide for combat tips and quest progression from Burland Castle to the end.

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Walkthrough: Chapter 1

Welcome, aspiring hero, to the world of Dragon Quest IV! Chapter 1 introduces us to Ragnar McRyan, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue kidnapped children. This chapter serves as an excellent introduction to the game's mechanics and sets the stage for the grand adventure ahead.

Burland Castle

Your journey begins in the bustling Burland Castle. After the initial cutscene, you'll gain control of Ragnar. Your first task is to explore the castle and gather information.

  • Talk to everyone: Engage with all NPCs. They often provide valuable clues, lore, or even hints about hidden items.
  • Check the well: Head to the castle courtyard and inspect the well. You'll find a hidden Medicinal Herb.
  • Explore the towers: Ascend the castle's towers. In the western tower, you'll find a chest containing a Leather Shield. Equip this immediately for improved defense.
  • Visit the King: Speak with the King of Burland in his throne room. He will formally task you with investigating the disappearances and grant you permission to leave the castle.

Before venturing out, ensure Ragnar is adequately equipped. You should have his starting Copper Sword and Leather Armor, along with the newly acquired Leather Shield.

Burland Town

Exit Burland Castle and enter the adjacent town. This is your first opportunity to interact with a town's services.

  • Weapon Shop: Check the weapon shop. For now, your Copper Sword is sufficient, but keep an eye on upgrades as you earn gold.
  • Armor Shop: The armor shop offers a Chain Mail for 480 gold. While a good upgrade, it's quite expensive at this early stage. Prioritize saving money for now.
  • Item Shop: Stock up on Medicinal Herbs. Having 3-5 on hand is a good idea for early encounters.
  • Inn: The inn costs 4 gold per night. Use it to restore your HP and MP after battles.
  • Church: The church allows you to save your game and revive fallen party members (though Ragnar is alone for now). Always save before heading into a new area or after a significant battle.

Hidden Items in Burland Town:

  • Inspect the barrels near the item shop to find a Seed of Strength.
  • Check the pot inside the house near the church for a Pot Lid (a very basic shield, but every bit helps if you missed the Leather Shield).

The World Map & Santeim

Once you're prepared, exit Burland Town to the world map. Your immediate destination is the town of Santeim, located to the east.

Combat Tips for Early Game:

  • Grind a little: Engage in a few battles around Burland to gain a couple of levels. Slimes and She-Slimes are common and easy foes.
  • Use Medicinal Herbs: Don't be afraid to use your Medicinal Herbs when your HP drops below half. It's better to use an item than to be defeated and lose half your gold.
  • Focus fire: In battles with multiple enemies, focus your attacks on one enemy at a time to defeat them quickly, reducing incoming damage.

As you travel east, you'll encounter a cave. This is the Santeim Cave, but you cannot proceed through it yet. Continue past it to reach Santeim.

Santeim

Santeim is a small, quiet town. Speak to the villagers to learn more about the missing children and the strange occurrences.

  • Inn: The inn costs 6 gold per night.
  • Item Shop: Purchase more Medicinal Herbs if needed.
  • Information Gathering: Pay close attention to the old man in the house near the well. He mentions a "secret passage" or "hidden path" in the cave. This is your key to progressing!

Hidden Items in Santeim:

  • Check the pots in the house where the old man is to find a Seed of Agility.
  • Search the dresser in the same house for a T'n'T Ticket.

Revisiting Santeim Cave

With the hint from the old man, return to the Santeim Cave.

  • Finding the Secret Passage: Upon entering the cave, head north. You'll notice a wall that looks slightly different or has a small crack. Interact with it to reveal a hidden path.
  • Navigating the Cave: The cave is straightforward. Follow the path, battling any monsters you encounter.
    • Enemies: You'll face Slimes, She-Slimes, and occasionally Horned Rabbits. Be cautious of the Horned Rabbits; they can hit a bit harder.
    • Treasure: You'll find a chest containing a Seed of Life within the cave.
  • Reaching the Exit: Continue through the cave until you emerge on the other side.

The Village of Strathba

After exiting Santeim Cave, you'll find yourself in a new area. Travel a short distance north to reach the Village of Strathba.

  • Investigate the Village: Strathba is where the children are being held. Speak to the villagers to gather more information. You'll learn about the monster responsible and its lair.
  • Prepare for Battle: Ensure Ragnar is at least Level 5-6. If not, spend some time grinding outside Strathba. Make sure you have a full stock of Medicinal Herbs.
  • Locate the Monster's Lair: The monster's lair is the large building in the center of the village.

Boss Battle: The Abominable Showman

Enter the monster's lair in Strathba. You'll confront the Abominable Showman.

Strategy:

  • Attack Relentlessly: The Abominable Showman doesn't have any particular weaknesses, so focus on physical attacks with your Copper Sword.
  • Heal When Necessary: Keep a close eye on Ragnar's HP. Use Medicinal Herbs when his HP drops below 30-40.
  • Patience is Key: This battle can be a bit of a war of attrition. Don't rush, and prioritize survival.

After defeating the Abominable Showman, the children will be rescued, and Chapter 1 will conclude with a celebratory return to Burland Castle. Congratulations, hero!