The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

School-life JRPG with tactical turn-based combat and imperial class conflict

Nihon Falcom · Published by XSEED Games, Marvelous USA, Inc. · Released Aug 2, 2017

Reviews: Very Positive; 95% of 5,936
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 90% of 20 in 30 days
Playing now: 61; right now
Steam Deck: Verified
Last update: 7 years ago; Nov 5, 2018

What is The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel?

A single-player JRPG set in the Erebonian Empire. As Rean Schwarzer, a new student in Thors Military Academy’s mixed-background Class VII, you experience school life, bond with classmates for combat benefits, and fight tactical turn-based battles as tensions between noble and reformist factions escalate.

For you if...

+you enjoy tactical turn-based battles strengthened by character bonds
+you like fantasy school settings amid political conflict
+you want a long, dialogue-heavy single-player campaign

Not for you if...

−you prefer real-time combat or multiplayer play
−you want a short, self-contained story
−you dislike school-centered stories and romance elements

What players say

95% of 5,936 reviews are positive · 90% of 20 in the last 30 days

Players most often praise the cast, political worldbuilding, soundtrack, and combat. Common complaints focus on slow pacing, extended dialogue, repetitive chapter structure, and anime or harem tropes.

Screenshots and trailer

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 7 or later
Processor: Intel Atom x7-Z8700 2.4 GHz
Graphics: Shader Model 5 (GeForce 400 / Radeon HD 5000 / Intel post-2012 series)
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 17 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: 1280x720 / 30 FPS with portable settings