The Start of a Journey — Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Walkthrough

Begin your adventure in Dragon Quest XI S by choosing between 2D or 3D mode, a setting adjustable at Churches or Goddess Statues. The narrative follows a young man, the Luminary reborn, who embarks on a quest to uncover his past after being branded "The Dark spawn." Assemble a band of adventurers and journey across continents to confront an ominous threat.

Upon starting the game:

Choose a name for the main character (referred to as "Hero").
Select 3D or 2D mode. This guide is for 3D mode, which allows for avoiding random encounters and offers preferred tactical options.
Choose language, camera controls, and brightness.
Watch the opening cutscene (can be skipped by holding the X button).
Climb the vine by pressing the A button, navigate the ledges, and proceed to a cutscene.
Return to the starting point and save at the priest.
Head down the path towards Hotto.
In Hotto, go up the stairs to the right, enter the bar on the left, and exit through the left.
Talk to the man with a purple dot over his head to begin a side quest.
Open the chest behind him.
Use the fun-size forge (press the Start button) to craft a +2 ring: bash three times on the left, four times on the right, then once more on the left.
Hand over the ring to the man to receive a Crucerang, a good weapon for Eric against groups of enemies. (This completes 1 of 40 side quests).
Leave the bar, go down the ramp, and up the stairs to enter the hot baths for a cutscene.
Tockles, originally DLC, are now part of the base game. Locate all 25 Tockles with Pastwords to access and save worlds from previous Dragon Quest games in Tickington.
Agree with the Tockle and follow it to Tickington. Leave after getting the first Pastword (0/25 Pastwords). Missing Pastwords can be checked in the info menu.