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About The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel follows Rean Schwarzer, a seventeen‑year‑old student at Thors Military Academy, as he joins the unprecedented Class VII where rank is irrelevant and skill matters. Set against the backdrop of the Erebonian Empire’s internal class struggle, the game blends political intrigue with school life.
The title introduces a streamlined combat system, new “ARCUS” units, and a Link mechanic that deepens ally interactions. It offers a richly detailed story accessible to both series veterans and newcomers, with expanded English voice‑overs for the PC version.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds on the Zemurian continent, focusing on the Erebonian Empire’s military expansion and internal class conflict between Noble and Reformist factions. Rean’s unique crimson uniform signals his distinct role among peers from differing social backgrounds.
Class VII, composed of nine diverse students, serves as the focal point for exploring the empire’s political turmoil, offering a blend of school life and broader geopolitical stakes.
- Observe how each classmate’s background reflects the empire’s class divisions.
- Compare dialogue choices to gauge the impact of faction tensions.
02 / THE GUIDE
Combat System
Battles are turn‑based and tactical, featuring the newly‑developed ARCUS system that provides quick access to abilities. This system builds on the series’ tradition of strategic combat while allowing quicker customization of abilities.
The combat flow emphasizes positioning and timing, encouraging players to plan attacks and defenses within each turn’s limited window.
- Experiment with different ARCUS configurations to find a comfortable rhythm.
- Watch enemy patterns to better time your turn‑based actions.
03 / THE GUIDE
Link System
The Combat Link System rewards players for bonding with allies throughout the school year, granting benefits such as healing and guarding during battles. These links grow as interactions increase, adding a layer of strategic depth.
Link bonuses are tied to the narrative progression, meaning that story events can directly influence combat effectiveness through stronger relationships.
- Prioritize conversations that strengthen ties for extra combat perks.
- Track which allies provide the most useful link abilities for your playstyle.
04 / THE GUIDE
ARCUS & Orbment
The classic Orbment magic system is streamlined by integrating new ARCUS units, allowing quicker access to spells and abilities. This hybrid approach retains familiar magic mechanics while introducing modern customization options.
ARCUS units streamline the classic Orbment system, offering more ready access to abilities and flexible customization options.
- Mix ARCUS units with traditional Orbment spells to discover synergistic effects.
- Review unit descriptions to understand how they alter magic usage.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform and Features
The PC release includes 50% more English voice‑over lines than its console counterparts, enhancing narrative immersion. The game supports full controller input, Steam Cloud saves, achievements, and leaderboards, providing a complete single‑player experience.
Additional Steam features such as Trading Cards and Family Sharing are available, though they do not affect core gameplay.
- Enable Steam Cloud to keep progress across installations.
- Try playing with a supported controller to find what feels comfortable.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion