Dragon Quest X Online Ends Free Play Promotion After 13 Years
While it may feel distant for players in the SEA Region, Dragon Quest X Online remains one of Japan’s most successful MMORPGs. Thanks to its affordable subscription model and legendary franchise roots, the game has maintained a strong player base for over a decade, spanning platforms from Wii and 3DS to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. With the upcoming Version 8 expansion planned for next year, the game continues to evolve even after 13 years of service.
However, Square Enix has now announced a major change to one of Dragon Quest X Online’s most unique features. The company has officially confirmed that its long-running free play time promotion, often referred to as the “after-school hours” program, will be discontinued starting June 25, 2026, the same day Version 8 launches.
This promotion previously allowed players to log in and enjoy the core gameplay for up to two hours per day without subscription fees, specifically targeting students after school. According to Square Enix, the original audience that the promotion was designed for has now grown up, and internal surveys show that most accounts using the free time slots are no longer students, but adults. As a result, the promotion is considered to have fulfilled its original purpose.
After the cutoff date, players can continue using their existing accounts under the standard subscription model. On PC, the base subscription starts at 1,200 yen per 30 days with three character slots, with discounts available for longer plans. On PlayStation 4, the entry price is 1,500 yen, offering more character slots. Even so, Dragon Quest X Online remains one of the more affordable premium MMORPGs in Japan.
It is also worth noting that despite its long lifespan and loyal fanbase, the game is still officially available only in Japan, and players must understand Japanese to fully enjoy the story and systems. After more than a decade, many fans continue to wonder whether Square Enix will ever bring Dragon Quest X Online to global audiences.
