JRPG · Political fantasy

The Legend of Heroes: Trails

One continent, many countries, a story told across more than ten games. Order matters here.

Games on Switch: 11
Story complexity: Deep & connected
Consoles: Switch · Switch 2

Start with Trails through Daybreak See the playing order

The story, simply explained

What is it?

A huge, connected JRPG saga with turn-based battles and detailed worlds.

What is the story about?

Each arc is set in a different nation of the same continent; together they build one long story.

Who are the main characters?

Estelle and Joshua (Sky), Lloyd (Crossbell), Rean (Cold Steel), Van (Daybreak).

Why play it?

World-building that pays off over many games, with characters returning years later.

Is the story connected?

Very. Arcs build on each other and later games bring characters together.

How many games should I play?

For the full experience, all of them in order. Trails through Daybreak is a reasonable fresh start.

Choose your playing order

If the full saga feels like too much, start a newer arc.

Story order or beginner order — what's the difference?

Story order lists games by when their events happen inside the story. Beginner order is the order we recommend playing them, which is often closer to release order because later games are written assuming you played earlier ones. Playing in story order can spoil twists or start you on an older, harder game.

Missing chapters

Trails of Cold Steel I and II; the original Trails in the Sky SC and the 3rd — Not on Switch as of this check.

What to buy

Cold Steel I and II are not on Switch, so the Erebonia arc starts at III on Switch (it includes recaps). Trails beyond the Horizon has a separate Switch 2 version.

Switch 2 runs most Switch games, but not all. Check Nintendo's compatibility information for older titles. Availability on the Malaysian eShop is not yet verified for every game.