Dragon Quest 3: Yellow Orb Acquisition Revealed

This guide explains how to obtain the elusive Yellow Orb in the Dragon Quest III Remake. While the process is relatively simple, its obscurity makes it challenging for many players. The key lies in understanding the role of Merchantburg, a town initially represented as "???" on the map.

Locating Merchantburg (???)

After obtaining the ship from the King of Portoga (following the Black Pepper quest), Merchantburg is accessible. Its location is marked on the map's northeast corner. You can sail west from the coast to reach the easternmost edge of the eastern continent.

Optimal Timing for Visiting Merchantburg

While orb acquisition order is flexible, visiting Merchantburg early is recommended. The town requires significant growth time before yielding the Yellow Orb. Establishing it early allows you to collect other orbs concurrently.

Acquiring the Yellow Orb

1. Establish Merchantburg: Hire a Merchant from PALS in Aliahan. Travel directly to Merchantburg to minimize combat encounters. Enter the building and speak to the old man to establish the town using your hired Merchant. The town's name will be determined by the Merchant's name.

2. Merchantburg's Growth: After establishing the town, proceed with acquiring the Purple Orb (Orochi's Lair) and Blue Orb (Gaia's Navel). You'll receive notifications prompting return visits to Merchantburg as it grows through five stages. Each visit reveals a larger town, culminating in a cabaret's construction. During your fourth visit, you'll notice growing tension between the Merchant and the townsfolk.

3. The Revolt and the Orb's Location: On your fifth and final visit (at night), you'll find the Merchant imprisoned in the house south of his former residence, following a town revolt. Speak with the imprisoned Merchant to learn the Yellow Orb's location. Return to the Merchant's house; the orb is hidden behind the sofa, marked by a quest marker.

The Yellow Orb is typically the penultimate orb acquired. The Red Orb (Pirates' Den), Green Orb (Theddon), and Silver Orb (Maw of the Necrogond/Necrogond Shrine) can be obtained beforehand.