Chrono Triggercomplete walkthrough
A complete Chrono Trigger walkthrough covering the main timeline, party recruitment, major bosses, character side quests, Black Omen and the route to Lavos.
- Difficulty
- Beginner to intermediate
- Completion
- 22–35 hours
- Guide length
- 16 min
- Updated
- 2026-08-10
Controls and essential techniques
Learn these inputs before beginning the route.
| Input | Action and field note |
|---|---|
| D-pad | Move and choose commandsExplore the edges of each map for hidden chests and alternate paths. |
| A | Confirm, talk and inspectSpeak with NPCs more than once after major timeline changes. |
| B | Cancel and runHold while moving when you need to cross enemy patrol routes quickly. |
| X | Open the menuRecheck equipment whenever a new era starts offering stronger gear. |
| L + R | Special combination inputThe opening trial uses choices and actions from the Millennial Fair. |
See the game in action
Real, unedited screenshots showing how Chrono Trigger looks during play on SNES.
Authentic gameplay: captures are produced in the OldGames emulator when available and checked against credited editorial references when needed. No AI-generated artwork or recreated mockups are used.
Complete walkthrough
6 chapters from the opening stage through completion.
Millennial Fair and the vanished princess
Meet Marle, enter Lucca's telepod and begin the first trip through time.
- Explore the fair before using the telepod; several actions influence the later trial.
- Follow Marle through the gate, reach Guardia Castle in 600 A.D. and investigate the missing queen.
Marle rescued and the party returned to 1000 A.D.
The trial and ruined future
Escape Guardia, cross the gate and learn what happened to the world.
- Answer the court based on your fair actions, then recover your equipment during the prison escape.
- In 2300 A.D., clear the laboratories, recruit Robo and view the recording that establishes the Lavos objective.
Robo recruited and the End of Time reached.
Magic, Masamune and Magus
Unlock magic, repair the legendary blade and confront Magus.
- Visit Spekkio at the End of Time with each eligible character to unlock magic.
- Recover both Masamune pieces, bring Frog back into the party and clear Magus's Castle.
Magus confronted and the prehistoric era opened.
Prehistory and the Tyranno Lair
Join Ayla and stop the Reptite threat before the next time shift.
- Win Ayla's trust, recover the Gate Key and prepare fire-resistant equipment where available.
- Climb Tyranno Lair, defeat Nizbel II and complete the Black Tyranno battle.
The party carried into the era of Zeal.
Zeal, Ocean Palace and the turning point
Navigate the magical kingdom and survive the game's central crisis.
- Visit Zeal's cities, charge sealed chests when prompted and follow Schala toward the Ocean Palace.
- After the Ocean Palace events, regroup, recover party freedom and decide how to handle Magus.
Epoch upgraded and the final set of quests available.
Character quests, Black Omen and Lavos
Strengthen every hero before choosing the final route.
- Complete the Rainbow Shell, Sun Stone, Fiona's Forest, Geno Dome and Northern Ruins quest lines for top equipment.
- Clear Black Omen from the eras you want to visit, save resources for Lavos's final forms and heal before each phase.
Lavos defeated and an ending reached.
Secrets and field notes
Useful details for cleaner runs and full completion.
Sealed chest upgrades
When a chest in the past asks whether to open it, decline, then open its future version first for an upgraded reward before returning to the past.
Tech learning
Keep characters active in battle to gain Tech Points; dual and triple techs become available from compatible learned skills.
New Game+ endings
After clearing the game, New Game+ opens earlier Lavos access points that make alternate endings practical.
Frequently asked questions
Fast answers to common progression problems.
Do I need to complete every side quest before Lavos?
No, but the late character quests provide excellent equipment and resolve important story arcs.
Should I fight Magus when given the choice?
Either path continues the story. Refusing the duel allows Magus to join, while fighting changes that outcome.
What party is best for the final battle?
Several teams work. Bring reliable group healing, strong single-target damage and equipment that protects against status effects.
Sources and editorial note
This walkthrough was independently written and checked against publisher material where available. It does not reproduce manual text.
