Crono
A quiet swordsman and the central hero, whose disappearance into time begins the main adventure.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
A | Talk, examine, confirm selections, and interact with objects. |
|---|---|
B | Cancel selections and make Crono run while held during exploration. |
X | Open the menu. |
L | Navigate left through applicable menus or cycle menu panels. |
R | Navigate right through applicable menus or cycle menu panels. |
Control notes
The DS version also supports touchscreen menu and map interaction.
Button functions can vary slightly by context.
How it plays
How does Chrono Trigger play?
The player explores towns, fields, ruins, dungeons, and several historical eras from a top-down perspective. The main objective is to gather allies, investigate changes in history, and defeat threats connected to the planet’s future.
Battles occur on the same field rather than in a separate arena. Characters use physical attacks, items, individual Techs, and Dual or Triple Techs. Party members gain experience and equipment, while story decisions and optional quests can affect the ending. New Game+ allows later playthroughs with retained progress and access to additional endings.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Chrono Trigger?
Build parties around complementary Techs rather than relying only on level. Dual and Triple Techs are especially useful against bosses, while status protection and elemental resistance can matter more than raw defense.
Explore each era carefully and revisit earlier locations after major story events. Optional quests improve equipment and reveal character backgrounds, and saving before major decisions helps when pursuing different endings. New Game+ is the most efficient way to see endings that require unusual progression.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Marle
A young princess who joins Crono after accidentally traveling into the past.
Lucca
A gifted inventor whose teleportation experiment triggers the initial time-travel incident.
Frog
A chivalrous knight from the Middle Ages who seeks justice and redemption.
Robo
A helpful robot from the ruined future who joins the party after rejecting his original programming.
Ayla
The fearless leader of a prehistoric human tribe and a powerful close-range fighter.
Magus
A mysterious sorcerer whose motives are tied to the creature threatening multiple eras.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Load a cleared save file after finishing the gameStarts New Game Plus, retaining many progression elements and allowing access to multiple endings.
Finish the main storyUnlocks the DS-exclusive Arena of the Ages content.
Advance into the late game and meet the required conditionsUnlocks DS-added areas such as the Lost Sanctum and Dimensional Vortex.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Save before major story decisions and before entering late-game areas.
- 2
Check every era again after important events; new quests and items can appear.
- 3
Use Dual and Triple Techs to exploit enemy weaknesses and control difficult battles.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A landmark RPG known for strong pacing, memorable characters, excellent music, and meaningful time travel.
The Nintendo DS edition is a faithful version with useful interface improvements and additional content.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0