Chrono Trigger Walkthrough:
You probably have a particular place in your heart for Chrono Trigger if you enjoy vintage role-playing games. This 1995 release by Square (now Square Enix) is regarded as one of the best role-playing games ever made. Decades later, Chrono Trigger continues to be an unparalleled experience because to its time-traveling plots, numerous endings, and endearing characters.
This Chrono Trigger walkthrough will help you get through every timeline, beat every boss, and unlock every ending in the SNES original, DS port, or Steam/PC version of the game.
Chrono Trigger Walkthrough: Getting Started
Before diving into portals and battling Lavos, here are some essentials to get you started:
Save Often: Chrono Trigger offers multiple story paths and choices. Use multiple save files to explore different endings.
Talk to NPCs: Many clues and side quests are hidden in conversations.
Use Tech Combos: Character Techs (like Crono’s Cyclone) can be combined for stronger effects (e.g., X-Strike, Fire Sword).
Level Up Strategically: Grinding isn’t mandatory, but make sure you’re strong enough before boss fights.
Prologue: The Millennial Fair
The game begins with Crono waking up on the day of the Millennial Fair in Leene Square.
Objectives:
Meet Marle.
Visit the fair and participate in mini-games.
Talk to Lucca to start the Telepod event.
Watch Marle disappear into a portal.
Tip: Your actions during the fair will affect the outcome of your trial later. Avoid stealing food or being rude!
1: The Queen Is Gone (600 A.D.)
Follow Marle through the portal to the Middle Ages. She’s mistaken for Queen Leene and disappears.
Goals:
Visit Guardia Castle.
Team up with Frog.
Explore the Cathedral to fight Yakra.
Boss Fight – Yakra:
Weak to multi-target Techs.
Use X-Strike or Cyclone to manage minions.
2: Back to the Future (1000 A.D.)
After rescuing the real queen, return to the present. Crono is put on trial.
Trial Tip: Your earlier actions determine the verdict. Even if you’re found guilty, you’ll escape with Lucca’s help.
3: The End of Time
After escaping prison, the group ends up in the End of Time.
Meet Gaspar, the time guru.
Choose your party (3 members at a time).
Learn Double and Triple Techs.
Time Gates Available:
65,000,000 B.C.
2300 A.D.
600 A.D.
4: The Future Ruins (2300 A.D.)
Explore a desolate world to uncover Lavos’s origin.
Key Locations:
Arris Dome (learn about Lavos).
Factory Ruins (get the Jetbike Key).
Defeat R-Series robots.
Mini Boss Tip: Use lightning-based attacks on robotic enemies for maximum damage.
5: The Ancient Past (65,000,000 B.C.)
Team up with Ayla and battle Reptites.
Highlights:
Party with Ayla in Ioka Village.
Explore Forest Maze.
Visit Tyrano Lair and defeat Azala and Black Tyrano.
Boss Tip – Black Tyrano:
Time your heals. It charges and then unleashes a massive fire breath.
6: Magic Kingdom Zeal (12,000 B.C.)
One of the most memorable sections of the game. Zeal is a floating kingdom full of magic, mystery, and danger.
Major Events:
Learn about Schala, Janus, and the Mammon Machine.
Face Dalton and Golem.
Witness Lavos destroy Zeal.
Plot Twist: Crono sacrifices himself to save the team. You’ll need to bring him back later.
7: Crono’s Revival and Side Quests
With Crono gone, explore side quests to strengthen your team:
Frog’s Quest: Confront Cyrus and obtain the upgraded Masamune.
Robo’s Quest: Restore Fiona’s Forest.
Lucca’s Quest: Save her mother from a tragic fate.
Magus’s Quest: Learn his origins and choose to spare or fight him.
Crono’s Revival:
Get the Time Egg from Gaspar.
Use the Chrono Trigger at Death Peak.
8: Final Preparations and Ending Options
Before fighting Lavos, you can:
Complete all side quests for max strength.
Challenge Lavos via Epoch or time portal.
Visit Black Omen for an epic final dungeon.
Multiple Endings:
There are 13 known endings, depending on when and how you defeat Lavos.
One popular ending is The Dream Project, available in New Game+.
Best Tips for Final Battle Against Lavos
Bring characters with healing and multi-techs (e.g., Crono, Marle, Frog).
Focus on Lavos’s inner core, not just the outer shell.
Time heals and revives wisely.
Recommended Level: 45–50 for a balanced party.
