Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake: How to inspire Zalen and find Erdrick's Helm

by Adam Vitale on 30 October, 2025

New to the remake of the original Dragon Quest in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a game-long sidequest involving an NPC named Zalen. He is a descendant of Galen, a character in Dragon Quest III and the namesake of the town of Galenholm. As you play through Dragon Quest I HD-2D remake, you can optionally run into Zalen several times throughout the game, ultimately leading to a handful of rewards. Don't worry, nothing in Zalen's sidequest is missable. This page will list out the steps in order.

Completing Galen's quest will reward you with a few things, including a mini medal, Erdrick's Helm (needed for the 'Erdrick's Legacy' achievement), and the 'A New Song of Erdrick' achievement.

If you follow our full Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake walkthrough, you will complete Zalen's quest naturally as you approach the end of the game.

How to complete Zalen's quest in Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake

Note: The main story event flags listed below may not be the earliest possible time these Zalen events are available, but this list should provide an opportune timeline to make sure you see each event in sequence. As I said before, none of these events are missable and you can do them all at the end of the game, if you want to.

Step 1 - Forgotten Ruins

When first entering Forgotten Ruins on the North continent, you'll meet Zalen here to start his quest. Simply make sure you see the cutscene with him.

Step 2 - Nameless Ruins

After seeing the Gwaelin flashback scene and being tasked to head to Craggy Cave, stop by Nameless Ruins on the western continent. You'll meet Zalen again for your second meeting with him.

Step 3 - Damdara

After completing the Faerie medicine part of the storyline and gaining the Magic Key, stop by Damdara to meet Zalen for your third encounter with him.

Step 4 - Cantlin

After fighting Spiketail in Kol and gaining the Ultimate Key, stop by Cantlin to find Zalen on the center bridge for your fourth meeting.

Step 5 - Galenholm

After gaining all the Sigils and going through the Grave of Galen to obtain the Lyre of Ire, you can find Zalen on the beach in Galenholm for your fifth meeting.

Step 6 - Western Isle

This is the longest step, or rather series of steps, since it can all be done at the same time.

After getting the Rainbow Drop, head to the Field of Flowers for a cutscene. Then, head to the Shrine of Rain for a cutscene with the Dream-Whisperer. You'll be taken to Western Isle.

On Western Isle, after the cutscene, you will obtain Erdrick's Helm. You can also pick up a Mini Medal at the dead end of the north-most pier. Check out our Mini Medal Locations guide for more information if you need it!

Talk to Dream Whisperer to return to Shrine of Rain.

Step 7 - Rimuldar

To complete Zalen's quest, head to Rimuldar and head to the center island. You get the "A New Song of Erdrick" achievement for finishing this event.

You can find all our Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake guides here including our complete walkthroughs of Dragon Quest I and Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake, all Mini Medals (DQ1 and DQ2), Canon names (DQ1 and DQ2), Scroll locations (DQ1 and DQ2), and much more.