The Ultimate key (sometimes called Final or Last Key) is a recurring item that is needed to unlock the barred jail doors. It is usually necessary to advance the later stages of the story.

Appearances

Dragon Quest III

The Ultimate Key is found at the Ultimate Key Shrine, which requires a mini-quest to be completed in order to enter the shrine.

Location

Acquiring the final key is one of the first major tasks the player must accomplish after receiving the ship in Portoga. It requires visiting at least 3 separate locations.

Lanson

The village has an item shop which sells Fading Jennies. These herbs turn the Hero's party invisible for a short amount of time. At least one Fading Jenny is needed to proceed.

Edina

The castle is guarded so that outsiders may not enter by normal means. By using a Fading Jenny, the hero's party can sneak by the sentries guarding the entrance. Inside, there is a boulder puzzle located on the second floor which must be solved. The player must push three boulders around water hazards into a straight line on the north wall. After successfully completing the puzzle, the hero is rewarded with the Bottomless pot.

North Central Sea and Final Key Shrine

In the north central sea (just north of where the 2 continent "arms" cross each other), there is a small grouping of shoals in a 'T' pattern. By guiding the ship adjacent to the south center shoal, the hero can use the Bottomless Pot to raise the Ultimate Key Shrine. Inside the shrine, the ultimate key is located inside a chest.

Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake

Appearing in the game's HD-2D Remake, it is stolen in Kol by Spiketail after successfully interrogating Cantlin's Priest by using his Merchant son from Damdara as a hostage at Weeping Isle, though the key is then obtained by Erdrick's Descendant after he defeats the monster in battle.

Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake

The Ultimate Key is given to the Scions of Erdrick by a priest within the Shrine of Rendarak. It unlocks black doors and teal chests.

Dragon Quest IV

The Ultimate Key is given by the Queen of Femiscyra after confronting the rosary thief Kirk Buzzer in Cove's Cove. It is needed to obtain the Zenithian shield in the basement of Femiscyra Castle.

Dragon Quest V

The Ultimate Key is obtained after defeating Bjørn the Behemoose. It is necessary to open the door in the Estuary Sanctuary leading to the portal to Nadiria as well as to obtain the Zenithian armour in Crocodilopolis.

Dragon Quest VI

Found in a chest while exploring the Sunken Ship at the bottom of the sea in the Real World.

Dragon Quest VII and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

The ultimate key is found while traversing the Cathedral of Light for the first time.

Dragon Quest VIII

The Ultimate Key is given by Marta shortly before she is murdered by Rhapthorne while possessing Sir Leopold. It is needed to find the pirate's map.

Dragon Quest IX

The Ultimate Key is obtained in the Gortress after defeating Goreham-Hogg. It is needed to free the captured celestrians.

Dragon Quest XI

Not available in the main storyline. The player must initiate Act III, then call Cetacea to ride to Havens Above. After speaking with the Watchers, head into the north-west forum to find a chest with the ultimate key.

Dragon Quest Builders

It is used in Chapter 4 of the main storyline to unlock the room with the King of Darkness.

Other languages

Other languages
French	Clé suprême Clé ultime
German	Universalschlüssel
Spanish	Llave suprema
Italian	Chiave del Potere
Chinese	最後的鑰匙