Dragon Quest VII Remake Nottagen Guide: Complete Walkthrough for the Monster Town and the Worst Town Ever Achievement

What is Nottagen and Why Complete It?

Nottagen is a northern village in Dragon Quest VII and its remake, located north of Estard Island. When you first arrive, monsters have taken over, the sky is perpetually dark, and the villagers live in fear. The events in this area affect the present timeline, and completing it unlocks the "Worst. Town. Ever." achievement.

The following guide will take you through all the key steps, including exploration, battles, companion quests, and major decisions.

First Steps to Nottagen: From the Mystic Shrine

Nottagen is located at the northeast base of the red pillar in the Mystic Shrine. After entering the new area, don't rush into town. You'll see the "Hill Near Nottagen" with a yellow shard on the ground—be sure to pick it up.

Then head to the town entrance. Two Babygoyles will block your path, triggering a battle. Defeat them to enter Nottagen.

Entering Nottagen: Monster Takeover and Villagers' Plan

The town is overrun with monsters, and the villagers are secretly planning to get rid of a monster named Wiggles. You'll meet a villager named Buddy, who asks for your help.

Accept his request and follow Buddy to the Hill Near Nottagen. A cutscene will trigger, after which you'll automatically return to Nottagen. When you leave Buddy's house, you'll see a worm-like monster attacking a villager—jump into battle to protect them.

Nottagen Cavern: Defeat Malign Vine for the Green Shard

After the cutscene, head to the cavern near Nottagen. Deep inside, you'll encounter Malign Vine. Defeat it to obtain the green shard. Once you have the shard, use Evac to leave the dungeon.

After that, return to present-day Nottagen, and you'll find it still in ruins. It's recommended to save before going back to the past, as a major decision awaits that will affect the present outcome.

The Choice Between Present and Past: A Key Decision

Make sure to save before heading to past Nottagen. The game presents a major decision that will change the state of present-day Nottagen—whether to completely drive out the monsters or accept some form of reconciliation. The actual outcome is for you to experience, but remember to keep a save file to try different options.

Completing Buddy's Side Quest: Return to Buddy's House and Ending

After handling the major decision, return to Buddy's house and follow the prompts to leave the house, triggering the final cutscene. Then return to present-day Nottagen, where only a lonely bard remains. He'll tell you that Buddy's descendants now live at Monster Meadows.

This marks the completion of Buddy's side quest.

Optional Objective: Defeat Moostapha and Lift the Darkness

During the monster takeover, you may encounter Forky Pigs. Defeating them yields a key that unlocks the tower on the west side of town. Climb to the top and defeat the dark dragon Sulkk to restore light to Nottagen's sky.

Completing this line significantly improves the state of present-day Nottagen and is an important part of unlocking the achievement.

Summary: Nottagen Checklist and Achievement

Here is the complete step-by-step checklist:

• Pick up the yellow shard at the Hill Near Nottagen
• Defeat the two Babygoyles to enter Nottagen
• Help Buddy and follow him to the hill to trigger the cutscene
• Return to town and defeat the worm monster
• Defeat Malign Vine in Nottagen Cavern to get the green shard
• Return to the present, save, then go back to the past for the major decision
• Complete the follow-up events at Buddy's house
• Defeat Forky Pigs to get the key, climb the west tower, and defeat Sulkk

After completing the above, you should unlock the "Worst. Town. Ever." achievement and see the new look of present-day Nottagen.

References

• Nottagen Walkthrough Guide | Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined (DQ7)｜Game8
• Nottagen Cavern - Nottagen Scenario - Walkthrough | Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past | Gamer Guides®
• Monster Takeover - Nottagen Scenario - Walkthrough | Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past | Gamer Guides®
• Nottagen | Dragon Quest Wiki | Fandom
• Nottagen Region Past - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Walkthrough - Neoseeker