The Dragon Quest series has been around since the mid-1980s, and the formula has remained unchanged for the most part. The classic JRPG formula remains Dragon Quest 11. One can even switch to a 2D mode making the game more in line with the classic NES and SNES classics. Thanks to the beautifully updated visuals, there's something for all fans of the genre.
The classic style extends to Dragon Quest 11's combat system, which plays almost identically to its predecessors. However, the most recent entry in the series introduces the new Pep powers mechanic. Pep powers are similar to Tension powers in its predecessors or Final Fantasy's Limit Breaks, where the party can cast powerful super attacks. Unlike Limit Breaks, Pep power attacks are a more team-based affair that requires at least two party members to be in a powered-up state and is more akin to 1995's Chrono Trigger's Tech attacks.
How To Pep Up
The Pep powers won't become available in Dragon Quest 11 until after the Luminary and Erik escape from the Heliodor Dungeon. Upon waking up in the church, the game will briefly prompt the player with an explanation of the Pep powers.
An individual party member can Pep up after they take or inflict a certain amount of damage in battle. The game is unclear how much damage this is, but the Pep powers are activated when the characters glow blue. The Pep powers will temporarily boost the character's stats in combat between six and eight turns.
Pep-Powered Team Attacks
Outside the church on the overworld, a warrior is standing underneath a tree on the church grounds. Speak to the warrior, and he will explain the importance of team-based Pep attacks. He will also give the Luminary and Erik a side quest called 'It Takes Two' to complete that requires them to activate The Real Decoy on an enemy.
The easiest way to complete the quest and activate The Real Decoy Pep's power is to fight the monsters outside the church. After taking some hits from enemies, the Luminary and Erik's Pep will likely trigger at slightly different times. Even so, the fastest way to initiate the power is by fighting Bodkin archers using the defense mechanic and waiting for the Bodkin to summon allies into battle, killing them off one by one.
After a few fights, the hero and Erik's pep animation will start, and the Pep Power option will be available in the battle menu. It's possible to store pepped-up Dragon Quest 11 characters when more join the party. With a character's Pep active, swap them out with another character and wait until each character has the ability initiated to attack in unison.
Dragon Quest 11 is available now for the 3DS, PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.