My Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich in the Dragon Quest XI S Casinos
Ah, the casino. That glittering oasis of chance and fortune tucked away in the world of Dragon Quest XI. I remember the first time I walked into one in Puerto Valor. The sounds of the slots, the intense stares at the poker tables, the sheer opulence of it all. I was hooked, not just by the games, but by the incredible prizes you can only get there.
After spending more hours than I’d care to admit (and making more than a few “donations” to the house), I’ve learned the ins and outs of these establishments. Whether you’re in it for the fun, the fashion, or the fantastic gear, this guide is here to help you turn your token stash from a pittance into a princely sum. Let’s break it down!
First Things First: The Two Casinos & Getting Tokens
Before you can play, you need the currency: Tokens (コイン). You can’t buy them directly with gold, which is both a blessing and a curse. Here’s how to get started:
Puerto Valor Casino: This is the first casino you’ll encounter in Act 1. It’s your introduction to the games.
Octagonian Casino: A much larger, grander casino unlocked later in the game (in Act 2). This is where the high-stakes action and the best prizes are.
To get your first tokens, you have a few options:
Trade Items: You can trade Mini Medals for tokens at the counter. It’s a decent way to get a starting fund.
Win Them!: This is the real way. Dive into the games and start building your fortune. I recommend starting with…
The Best Games to Play (And How to Win)
Not all games are created equal. Some are pure luck, while others have strategies that can seriously tilt the odds in your favor.
1. Slots (スロット)
The classic. It’s simple, mindless, and can sometimes pay out huge. The Puerto Valor slots are fine, but the real jackpot potential is at the Octagonian Casino with the “Super Slot” machines.
My Strategy: I use a rubber band. Seriously. For the standard slots, you can hold down the confirm button to auto-spin. I find a machine, wrap a rubber band around my controller to hold the button down, and go make a cup of tea. It’s a slow-but-steady method that sometimes nets a nice jackpot while I’m not even looking. It’s perfect for grinding while you do something else!
2. Poker (ポーカー)
This is where I made my first major token haul. It’s not just about luck; there’s actual strategy involved.
The Key Strategy: Know when to hold and when to fold. The goal isn’t to win every hand; it’s to maximize your wins on good hands and minimize losses on bad ones.
My Golden Rule: I only play hands that have high potential from the start. I immediately fold anything less than a pair of 10s or a hand that could lead to a high straight or flush. It feels boring to fold so often, but it conserves your tokens for the big wins. A single Two Pair or better can double your bet, and a Royal Flush is the ultimate prize.
Here’s a quick reference table for Poker payouts:
Hand Payout (on a 100-Token Bet)
Royal Flush 10,000 Tokens
Straight Flush 2,500 Tokens
Four of a Kind 1,000 Tokens
Full House 250 Tokens
Flush 100 Tokens
Straight 50 Tokens
Three of a Kind 25 Tokens
Two Pair 10 Tokens
3. Roulette (ルーレット)
Roulette is the most volatile game. You can win big fast, or lose everything even faster. I use it sparingly, usually when I feel lucky.
My Preferred Bet: I like to place tokens on the “3rd 12” (25-36) and also on the number 29 specifically. It’s a quirky habit, but 29 has been strangely good to me! A win on a single number pays 36x your bet, which is an incredible return.
A word of caution from a seasoned gambler: “Roulette is a fantastic way to turn a large pile of tokens into a small one. Tread carefully!”
What to Buy: The Must-Have Prized Possessions
Okay, you’ve grinded your way to a small fortune. Now for the best part: spending it! The prize counters are filled with amazing, unique items you can’t get anywhere else. Here are my top picks, in order of priority:
Essential Purchases:
Electro Light Recipe: This is arguably the most important item in the casino. This recipe lets you craft an item that can transform regular enemies into Metal Slimes, making level grinding a breeze. Get this first!
Special Bets: These are items that double the experience or gold from a battle. Incredibly useful for power-leveling your party.
Incredible Gear:
Hela’s Hammer: A powerful weapon for Jade that can occasionally instant-kill enemies.
Dragon Robe / Goddess Shield / Miracle Sword: All fantastic pieces of equipment that will give you a huge edge in combat throughout the mid-game.
Fun Stuff:
Outfits: Don’t forget the costumes! They’re purely cosmetic but add so much fun and personality to your party.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I keep losing! How do I get started without any tokens? A: Your best bet is to trade Mini Medals for your initial stake. Even a small amount of 100-200 tokens is enough to start a careful Poker run.
Q: Is there a way to cheat or guarantee a win? A: Not exactly, but there is a known “trick” for the Octagonian slots. If you see two 7s on the first two reels, quickly press the start button to stop the third reel. With perfect timing, you can often land the third 7 for a Jackpot. It takes practice!
Q: Do the casinos have different prizes? A: Yes! The Octagonian Casino has a much larger and better selection of items, including the Electro Light Recipe and the best weapons. Focus your efforts there once it’s unlocked.
Q: Should I save my tokens for a later part of the game? A: No! The great gear from the casino is most impactful during the main story. Don’t be afraid to spend your tokens on powerful weapons and the Electro Light recipe as soon as you can afford them. They will make your journey much smoother.
The casino can be a delightful (and rewarding) time sink in Dragon Quest XI S. Remember, the house always has an edge, so play smart, know when to walk away, and most importantly, have fun!
What’s your favorite casino game? Any amazing win stories? Let me know in the comments!
Happy gaming!
A Fellow Luminary