My Ultimate Guide to Raking in the Rewards: Conquering the Dragon Quest XI S Casino
Ah, the casino. That glittering, chime-filled paradise tucked away in the world of Dragon Quest XI S. I’ll admit it—the first time I walked into the casino in Puerto Valor, I completely lost track of time. What was supposed to be a quick 30-minute diversion turned into a multi-hour session of slot machine pulls and poker hands.
But it wasn’t just for the thrill of the game. The prizes you can exchange your hard-won tokens for are some of the best, most unique items in the entire game. After spending more time than I’d like to admit (and building a small fortune in tokens), I’ve put together this guide to help you get the most bang for your buck (or should I say, token?) at the DQXI S casino.
Why Bother with the Casino? The Loot is Incredible!
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. The casino isn’t just a mini-game; it’s a vital resource for powerful gear, rare crafting materials, and fun cosmetic items. The gear you can get here, especially early on, can give you a massive edge in battle.
Here’s a breakdown of the must-have prizes, separated by the casino they’re available in.
Puerto Valor Casino Prizes (Act 1)
This is the first casino you’ll encounter, and its prize pool is perfect for the mid-game.
Item Token Cost Why It’s Amazing
Silver Sabatons 1,000 Great boots that boost Agility. A staple for your physical attackers.
Happy Hat 2,000 Restores MP periodically. An absolute game-changer for your spellcasters!
Magic Bikini 5,000 Not just for laughs! Provides solid magical defense and looks fabulous.
Cactiball 10,000 Deal damage and sometimes paralyze enemies. A fantastic weapon for Jade.
Elfin Elixir 100 each A limited stock of these! Buy them all for Pep Pop crafting.
A seasoned hero once told me:
“Don’t sleep on the Happy Hat. Equip it on your mage as soon as you can get it, and you’ll rarely have to worry about MP for the rest of Act 1.”
He was absolutely right. It’s my first major purchase every single playthrough.
Octagonian Casino Prizes (Act 2)
After a major story event, you’ll gain access to a second, grander casino in Octagonia. The stakes are higher, and so are the rewards. This is where you’ll find the true end-game treasures.
Item Token Cost Why It’s Amazing
Princess Jewellery 30,000 Makes you immune to nearly all negative effects. It’s as broken as it sounds.
Super-Sparkly Spangled 50,000 The best fan in the game for Serena. A must-have for her build.
Liquid Metal Sword 100,000 An incredibly powerful sword for the Hero, obtainable long before you can craft its equivalent.
Pep Pop 2,500 each The ultimate Pep-builder. Stockpile these for the super bosses!
My Strategy for Casino Success: Tokens on Tap
So, how do you actually get these mountains of tokens? While games like Slimes are fun, they’re not the most efficient. Here’s my personal step-by-step strategy:
Start in Puerto Valor: Play Poker. It’s the perfect blend of low risk and solid reward. Your goal is to win a few thousand tokens to use as a stepping stone.
The Double-or-Nothing Trick: After any Poker win, you’re offered a Double-or-Nothing game. You have to guess the color (red or black) of the next card. I stick to a simple strategy: always pick the same color (I’m a “red” guy, myself). The odds are 50/50, and you can quickly multiply a 200-token win into 10,000+ tokens in just a few successful guesses. Just know when to walk away!
Graduate to the Slots: Once you have about 2,000 tokens, head to the Monster Jackpot slot machines. Bet the maximum (90 tokens). You’re aiming for the jackpot, which is usually around 10,000 tokens, but even the smaller wins add up quickly. Put something on the trigger button and watch a show; it’s the most passive way to earn.
The Octagonia Powerhouse: In Octagonia, the Roulette table is king. Once you have a decent bankroll (20,000+ tokens), you can start placing complex bets. My favorite is to bet on a single number (like 14) for the 35x payout and cover the surrounding numbers with split bets as a safety net. It’s a fantastic way to build your token count into the hundreds of thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I keep losing! Is there a way to cheat the system? A: Not exactly, but you can save-scum! Save your game right before you start a big gambling session. If you lose all your tokens, just reload your save and try again. No shame in it!
Q: What’s the single best prize I should get first? A: For power, the Happy Hat from Puerto Valor is unmatched for its point in the game. For pure, game-breaking fun later on, save up for the Princess Jewellery in Octagonia.
Q: Are the prizes different in the 2D mode? A: The prizes are the same, but the casinos themselves are classic 16-bit style! It’s a wonderful nostalgia trip, but the games and exchange lists function identically.
Q: What do I do with all my leftover tokens after buying everything? A: Keep them! You can buy endless Pep Pops and Elfin Elixirs, which are invaluable for post-game boss fights and forging the ultimate gear.
My Final Checklist for Casino Domination
Before you go, here’s a quick list to ensure your success:
Save Before You Play: Always.
Start with Poker: Build a small foundation.
Abuse Double-or-Nothing: But be smart about it.
Prioritize Your Purchases: Get the Happy Hat and Princess Jewellery first.
Have Fun! It’s a casino. If you’re getting frustrated, take a break and come back later. The games will always be there.
The casino in Dragon Quest XI S is one of my favorite side activities in any RPG. The thrill of the win, the joy of cashing in for a legendary item—it’s all so satisfying. I hope this guide helps you clear out those prize counters and kit out your party in style.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the roulette wheel calling my name. Good luck