It helps to remove some of the boring routine, but creators Yuji Horii and producer Masaaki Hoyasaka warn that you cannot rely on it in difficult battles.
In an interview, the developers discussed auto-battle and its purpose. Technologies have advanced greatly since the introduction of this feature in Dragon Quest IV. According to Horii, in the old games he wanted players to actively participate in battles. But the HD remake is designed for modern standards and those who like auto-battle, so it has become more convenient.
The Tactics system is simple at first glance: five battle settings (one for Dragon Quest II). Settings like "Focus on Healing" or "Don't Use MP" seem like limitations, but auto-battle intelligently adapts to the current situation, intelligently allocating resources and moves.
The developers emphasize that auto-battle will make routine battles easier, but bosses and strong enemies require manual control. Horii recommends using auto-battle for leveling up, and it is better to take control into your own hands for difficult enemies.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC.