# What was announced at TGS Square Enix shared new screenshots and the gameplay trailer for Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World during Tokyo Game Show. The update highlights gameplay systems that change how you recruit and fight monsters, introduces a new story character, and showcases additional new monsters. The company also reminded players that a demo is available and reiterated the December 3 launch across consoles and PC.
# Quick Scouting and Scout Run Quick Scouting provides a low-friction alternative to traditional recruitment. Instead of entering battle and using a Show of Force, you can recruit some visible wild monsters by throwing meat at them in the field. Party monsters will rush in to perform the Show of Force, and if recruitment succeeds the new monster joins your main party or reserves immediately or goes to your monster depot if there's no space.
Meat quality matters: finer cuts improve recruitment chances. Certain monsters prefer unusual meats, so experimenting with different types increases your odds.
Scout Run is a dedicated enclosure that opens later in the story at Witherwood's paddock. It spawns rare monsters not found in the wild and requires Quick Scouting to recruit them. When you enter Scout Run you receive a quota of Scouty Snacks to spend on Quick Scouting attempts. New monsters become available in the Scout Run as you progress, making it a repeatable resource for filling out your roster.
# Joint Battles: two parties vs a massive monster Joint Battles occur when a massive monster blocks the protagonists' path. Each side uses two distinct parties: the main party and the reserves. In these fights, parties share HP and MP gauges across their monsters, and you can still adjust orders for the reserve party via Tactics.
# Story addition: Almira Almira is presented as Witherwood's former priestess and the Watcher of the Archeagles, Michelos and Lucifus. She was adored by Witherwood's people for her humanity and dedication to the Archeagles. The announcement states Almira's current whereabouts are unknown following the arrival of the Evil Eye and the disappearance of the Archeagles. The character is voiced by Grace Saif.
# Release details and context This announcement is the fourth major content update Square Enix has released for the game, following prior reveals on characters and story, monster recruitment/raising/fusion, and details about the Kingdom of Witherwood and related systems. The developer reiterated that Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches December 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch 1, and PC via Steam. A demo is currently available for players who want to try mechanics early.
# Quick practical takeaways
- Visit Scout Run regularly to access rare recruits and use Scouty Snacks efficiently.
- In Joint Battles, manage shared HP/MP and watch for Pet Hates to avoid empowering the boss's Rage.
- Try Joint Battles in the arena or online to earn rewards and practice multi-party coordination.