Chrono Trigger

About Chrono Trigger (SNES)

Chrono Trigger is a role-playing game developed and published by Square for the SNES in 1995. Created by a dream team including Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yuji Horii, and Akira Toriyama, it follows Crono and his friends as they travel through time — from 1000 AD to a ruined 2300 AD and the prehistoric past — to prevent the alien parasite Lavos from destroying the world in 1999.

The game is famous for its time-travel story, multiple endings, seamless battles with no random encounters, and Yasunori Mitsuda’s beautiful soundtrack. With memorable characters like Frog, Robo, Ayla, and Magus, and a New Game Plus mode ahead of its time, Chrono Trigger is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made.

Detailed Gameplay

Chrono Trigger is a story-driven RPG where exploration, turn-based battles, and choices across eras all connect. Changing the past visibly changes the future.

Time Travel Adventure

• Visit 65,000,000 BC, 600 AD, 1000 AD, 2300 AD, and the floating kingdom of Zeal in 12,000 BC
• Use the Epoch flying machine and time gates to move freely between eras
• Complete side quests in different periods that reshape the ending you receive

Battle System

Battles use the Active Time Battle system and take place directly on the exploration map — no separate battle screen and no random encounters. Each character has unique Techs, and party members combine for powerful Double and Triple Techs, such as Crono and Frog’s X-Strike or the devastating Luminare-based combos. Positioning matters, since many attacks hit lines or areas.

Characters and Growth

Build a party of three from seven playable characters, each with an element, weapon, and personal story arc. Earn experience and tech points in battle, equip weapons and armor bought or found across time, and use Tabs to boost key stats permanently.

Game Highlights

• Time Travel Story: A heartfelt plot where eras and characters connect beautifully.
• Multiple Endings: Over a dozen endings, unlocked through New Game Plus and your choices.
• Tech Combos: Double and Triple Techs make party building exciting and strategic.
• No Random Battles: Enemies are visible on the map, keeping exploration smooth and fair.

Controls

Use the SNES controller to explore the world and command your party in battle. - D-Pad: Move Crono and select commands, items, and targets - A Button: Confirm, talk, and examine objects - B Button: Cancel and dash while moving on the map - X Button: Open the main menu - L / R Buttons: Switch characters and pages in menus and shops - Start: Pause in some screens and confirm selections

Tips and Strategies to Win

A balanced party and a little side-questing make Lavos far less intimidating. - Learn enemy weaknesses: Crono’s lightning, Lucca’s fire, and Frog’s water cover most foes. - Do the late-game side quests before the finale — they grant the best weapons and armor. - Keep healing Techs ready for Lavos, whose forms change attacks and defenses between phases. - In New Game Plus, challenge Lavos early via the right telepod bucket for special endings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many endings does Chrono Trigger have? A: There are more than a dozen endings. Most become available in New Game Plus, depending on when you choose to fight Lavos.

Q: Is there a New Game Plus mode? A: Yes. After finishing the game you can restart with your levels, Techs, and most equipment, making alternate endings reachable.

Q: Can I play Chrono Trigger online for free? A: Yes, you can play it online for free in your browser on RiveGame with no downloads or installation required.