Doesn’t matter which one it is, if a game spends hours telling you you can break open everything not nailed down, if they start putting locks on things, you’re gonna take that Michael Jordan-level personally. Even in its newfangled Reimagined form, Dragon Quest 7 is no different, you’ll eventually start running into chests that won’t open, and what’s worse, because chests aren’t specifically color-coded here, you won’t know what key opens what kind of chest till you try to open it. While letting Maribel complain at them until they surrender their contents sounds like a grand idea on paper, we might suggest finding a few keys for these things might go a little easier. We’ll show you where you’re headed for these.
The Thief Key
So, in general, you’re gonna want to tackle as many of these chests as you can once you get access to their specific areas, since the time jump mechanic means some of these locations can be locked or blocked off if you progress a bit too far too fast. Fortunately, they’re all very much on your way through the main story. You’ll find the Thief Key when you’ve handled your business in Alltrades Abbey. Once you’re able to roam freely after taking down Cardinal Sin, head back to Pilgrim’s Perdition, and head to the weird little hostel at the north of town next to a well. The NPCs that were guarding the chest here will be gone, and you can grab the key in here. Even better, you can use it right away by opening the other chest in here for a Mini-Medal.
The Magic Key
You won’t get ahold of key #2 until way later in the story, after you’ve gained the Magic Carpet. The real one, that is. Pike, that trifling hustler, will send you up to the Palazzo di Bulgio in L’Arca to regain your Sizzling Stone (which you wouldn’t even have to do if Pike didn’t have sticky fingers to begin with, but we digress). After you talk to the master of the house, head up to the third floor. The Magic Key will be in a chest behind Bulgio’s bed.
The Ultimate Key
Once you’ve got this one, the world’s your oyster, since this will open every locked chest in the game. Unfortunately, you’re basically done with the game by the time you get to it, you’re one more sleep till you have to face the final boss. Still, if you’re interested in real ultimate power, once you have free reign to explore the Cathedral of Light, on the 1st floor, head out the door in the northeast corner, and follow the rooms and walkways here to the tower in the northwest, which will lead to the Cathedral’s basement. You’ll see a room with three chests here, and the middle one’s got your key.

