The Dragon Quest Arukundesu, often called the “Slime pedometer”, is a Japanese electronic toy shaped like a Slime that combines pedometer, virtual pet and adventure. The more you walk, the further your Slime travels across a map made up of different terrains. Where you go, the terrain you cross and the care you give all shape its transformations. This guide covers the original Arukundesu, the Arukundesu 2 and the Arukundesu Returns.
What is the Dragon Quest Arukundesu?
The first Dragon Quest Arukundesu was released in Japan in 1998, published by Enix. The idea is simple: the device counts your steps and turns them into movement for your Slime across a map. As you walk, you discover terrains, hidden places and new transformations.
The line continued with the Arukundesu 2, and then the Arukundesu Returns, released in 2011 for Dragon Quest’s 25th anniversary. The Returns is an updated re-release of the Arukundesu 2.
Arukundesu, Arukundesu 2 and Returns compared
| Arukundesu | Arukundesu 2 | Arukundesu Returns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Era | 1998 | Late 1990s | 2011 |
| Concept | Pedometer, adventure and transformations | An expanded version | Built on the Arukundesu 2’s content |
| Batteries | 2 × LR44 | 2 × LR44 | Lithium cell: check the reference in the compartment |
The idea: walk to move your Slime
Unlike a standard Tamagotchi, the Arukundesu runs on your real steps. The device records your walking and moves the Slime across a grid map. You pick a direction, and your steps then carry it from square to square.
The map has 7 terrain types. Each Slime form needs more or fewer steps to cross each of them, and some cannot cross water at all without a teleport item.
Terrain affinity and transformations
The key mechanic to understand is terrain affinity. Walk enough of one terrain type and your Slime builds up affinity with it, which can transform it into a form suited to that terrain.
- Transformations therefore do not depend on time or care alone.
- The route you take across the map is central to aiming for a specific form.
- The special food raises affinity too: it isn’t only there to feed your Slime.
- So it pays to decide which transformation you want before maxing out an affinity.
The exact requirements differ between versions, so a growth guide for one version should not be applied blindly to the other two.
The main functions
Unlike a Tamagotchi, the Slime doesn’t poop: there is nothing to clean up.
| Function | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Map | See where you are and choose which way to go. |
| Steps | Check how many steps have been recorded. |
| Status | Check your Slime’s condition and key information. |
| Food | Two options: the special food raises affinity, the meal fills hunger. |
| Game | Play a mini-game with your Slime. |
| Medicine | Treat injuries and health problems. |
| Wake up | Wake your Slime. |
| Transformation | Check your Slime’s current form. |
Moving around the map
The map doesn’t push you towards a set destination: you choose the direction. Once a direction is set, your recorded steps move the Slime along. Depending on the terrain and your current form, crossing an area can take more or fewer steps.
The manual includes a grid map with coordinates, and the screen tells you where your Slime is, so you can track your route. Some squares hide items or secret places such as caves.
The transformations
The number of forms and their requirements differ between versions. You will find creatures from the Dragon Quest universe, starting with the classic Slime, along with forms tied to the terrain you walk most and a number of secret forms.
Own an Arukundesu and worked out specific transformations? Get in touch: we keep adding to this guide as collectors confirm the requirements.
Which batteries does it take?
- Arukundesu original: 2 × LR44.
- Arukundesu 2: 2 × LR44.
- Arukundesu Returns: a lithium cell, with the reference printed inside the compartment.
For the other models, see our guide What battery does my Tamagotchi need?
Frequently asked questions
Is the Arukundesu a Tamagotchi?
No. It is a Dragon Quest electronic toy, originally published by Enix. It does belong to the same broad family of virtual pets and pocket LCD games, with its own care and transformation system.
Can you play without walking?
The pedometer is the heart of the game: without steps, your Slime doesn’t move across the map. Time keeps passing, though: its meters empty and it calls for you whether you walk or not.
My Slime can’t cross the water
That is normal: some Slime forms cannot cross water without a teleport item. Go around the area, or wait until you have the item you need.
Which version should you choose?
The first Arukundesu is closest to the original 1998 concept. The Arukundesu 2 expands the content. The Returns largely reproduces the 2 in a much more recent unit, so it is often in better condition.
Browse our Dragon Quest Arukundesu units in stock. You can also read our Pocket Pikachu guide, the other great collectible pedometer, and all our virtual pet guides.