DRAGON QUEST Smash/Grow Modes Guide

Use this page when you are asking what to play next. Start with Story for unlocks, move into Shrines when bosses become the blocker, use Co-op when help saves time, and save Gauntlette for cleaner score runs.

Quick Answer

Best mode order: Story first, then Shrines, Co-op, and Gauntlette.

Most players should push Story until the important unlocks are online. After that, pick the next mode by the problem in front of you: boss pressure, room help, farming value, or score improvement.

Story: unlock allies, account systems, and early checkpoints first.
Shrines: test your main carry against bosses once the account is stable.
Co-op: use room codes or matching when the same boss or shrine floor is easier with help.
Gauntlette: push score and consistency after your build stops feeling unfinished.

Story unlocks Shrine bosses Co-op rooms Gauntlette scores

DRAGON QUEST Smash/Grow exploration scene for story and mode guidance

Story First

Story Guide

Start here if you are new, stuck on unlock order, or unsure when to leave story for other modes.

Start with Story

Choose Next

Pick by what is blocking you now

Choose the guide that matches today’s problem: unlocks, boss pressure, room setup, or score consistency.

Boss Checks

Shrines Guide

Use this when bosses, shrine keys, or rough floors are the thing slowing your account down.

Prepare for Shrines Team Play

Co-op Guide

Open this when room codes, public matching, or host-vs-join choices decide whether the run clears.

Set up Co-op Score Runs

Gauntlette Guide

Use this once your build is stable and you want better score runs instead of basic account unlocks.

Plan Gauntlette

Modes FAQ

Common mode questions

Answer Which mode should I play first?

Start with Story. It gives the early unlocks and checkpoints that make the other modes easier to judge.

Answer When should I try Shrines?

Try Shrines after you have one stable carry and a clear reward target. If the boss pressure is the problem, prepare the build or use co-op.

Answer Is Co-op required for progress?

No, but it is useful when a boss, shrine floor, or repeated farm target is taking too long alone.

Next Guides

Use these when the mode is not the problem

Builds Fix the team before forcing a mode

Use builds if your clears fail because the setup is weak, not because the mode route is unclear.

Beginner Guide Check the first-day route

Use the beginner guide when story order, first upgrades, and daily priorities still feel messy.

Farming Spend stamina where it helps

Use farming pages when the real question is XP, gems, materials, or daily repeat value.