Crono
A silent swordsman from the present era who becomes the central hero of the time-traveling adventure.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
A | Confirm, talk, inspect, and open the menu |
|---|---|
B | Cancel, close menus, and run when held on the field |
X | Open the main menu |
Y | Change the active party formation on the field |
L | Navigate menus and cycle selections |
R | Navigate menus and cycle selections |
D-pad | Move the character and select menu options |
Start | Pause the game |
Control notes
Button functions can vary slightly by menu context.
The game uses the SNES controller layout.
How it plays
How does Chrono Trigger play?
Players explore towns, wilderness areas, dungeons, and historical eras from a top-down perspective. The main objective is to assemble a party, investigate threats to the world, and alter events across time.
Battles use the Active Time Battle system. Party members select physical attacks, techniques, and items while time continues to pass. Characters learn abilities through experience, equipment improves their statistics, and paired or triple techniques reward specific party combinations.
The story moves through distinct eras connected by portals and the End of Time. Optional quests and player choices affect later events and can unlock different endings, especially after New Game+.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Chrono Trigger?
Use the party's elemental strengths and weaknesses rather than relying on ordinary attacks. Keep equipment current, and select techniques that can hit multiple enemies or exploit a boss's weakness.
Chrono Trigger rewards exploration. Revisit earlier eras after major story events, inspect changed locations, and complete optional character quests before the final battle. Save often before entering major dungeons or making irreversible story choices.
For a first playthrough, experiment with party combinations. New Game+ preserves much of the player's progress and makes it possible to pursue alternate endings.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Marle
A princess who joins Crono after hiding her identity and becomes closely connected to the adventure's central conflict.
Lucca
A gifted inventor whose teleportation device begins the party's journey through time.
Frog
A chivalrous knight transformed into a frog, carrying a personal grudge against the sorcerer Magus.
Robo
A robot from the ruined future who joins the party and develops an individual sense of purpose.
Ayla
The strong leader of the prehistoric Ioka village, who fights to protect her people.
Magus
A powerful mystic whose actions are tied to the awakening of Lavos and the history of the Kingdom of Zeal.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
New Game+Complete the main story once. The cleared save can begin a new game while retaining much of the player's levels, equipment, and items.
Alternate endingsDefeat Lavos at different points in the story, including through New Game+, to view different ending scenes.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
The party's active members determine which dual and triple techniques are available.
- 2
The Black Omen can be revisited across eras; plan its final encounter carefully.
- 3
Some optional quests improve characters or equipment and are easiest to complete before the final battle.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
Players commonly praise the concise pacing, memorable soundtrack, expressive characters, and meaningful time-travel structure.
The Active Time Battle system and multiple endings remain frequent highlights in retrospective reviews.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0