The Hacksaurus is a recurring monster in the Dragon Quest series. Introduced in Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, they are depicted as a mix between a tyrannosaurid dinosaur and a traditional European dragon wielding a broad axe.
Hacksauri are powerful members of the dragon family, introduced in VI as one of the strongest end-game enemy types. Though later titles would have the species trade positions with the Tyrantosaurus monsters, the Hacksaurus is still considered by most players to be a dangerous foe when first encountered. As demonstrated in the Arkbolt cave, the species exhibits r-type reproductive strategy, with the mother only watching over her offspring until their eggs hatch. Also of note, said eggs will hatch into Diethons when examined by the player. Though this is likely due to game difficulty balancing more than anything, it could suggest a metamorphic relationship between the two types of monsters in a similar to the fan-perceived relationship between Small Fries and Great dragons.
Interestingly, the species has made a name for itself by being one of the most easily recruitable members of the Dragon family. This precedent was set by Lizzie, the very first Hacksaurus introduced in the series and the most popular monstrous companion in the series, outside of the slime family. This theme was reinforced in VIII by Hackzilla, one of the first infamous monsters (on-screen encounter) new players will stumble upon in the PS2 Version, and by the fact that the species is present in every title that has monster taming.
Taking this into consideration, it can be assumed that Hacksauri have a high regard for physical strength, and will respect anyone who bests them in battle. This notion was picked up by Koei-Tecmo when developing the first Heroes spin-off, and wrote it into the monster's description.
While a normal hacksaurus won't be encountered until the player reaches the Royal Hunting Grounds, it is possible to run into a special roaming one near Farebury at the very start of the game. It is ill-advised to fight this hacksaurus until much later on since she can easily wipe out a low-level party using its fire breath and falcon slash techniques, though having a monster team will enable one to recruit the powerful monster after defeating it.
Reappearing from the start of Version 2 onwards, they can also be recruited once again, similar to past entires. They first appear in the False Renshinda.
Reptilian rogues who like nothing more than to flambé foes with blazing breath and then cut them into cubes. They're known to admire enemies deft enough to defeat them, and are often found fighting for former foes.
Reptilian rogues who like nothing more than to flambé foes with blazing breath and then cut them into cubes. They're known to admire enemies deft enough to defeat them, and are often found fighting for former foes.
Hacksaurus appears as a B-rank monster of the Dragon family, first being recruitable in the second part of the limited "Dragon Fest" event. It will join the player in Chapter 3, Episode 2 of the event quests and it can participate in Bobonga's Battle Road as a party member. The hacksaurus can be fully awakened by completing the Scalewood Entrance stage of the Dragon Island: Forest at any difficulty. Prior to that, they were a C-rank monster. It can also be recruited from Chapter 2, Episode 2: Carver during the limited Dragon Quest VI event at any difficulty and it can participate in Carver's Battle Road as a party member. Hacksaurus can participate in Baran's Battle Road as a party member, as well.
Super Famicom artwork.
DQM sprite.
DQM 2 sprite.
DQM I & II sprite.
Caravan Heart sprite.
Joker model.
Joker 2 model.
Battle Road Victory cut-in.
Terry confronting Lizzie.
Appearing in VII's Big Book of Beasts in the remake.
Appearance in Stars.
Rivals card.
