Chrono Trigger DS box art

Nintendo DS · RPG

Chrono Trigger

Certified classic

SystemNintendo DS
Released2008 (originally 1995)
GenreRPG
DeveloperSquare Enix
PublisherSquare Enix
Players1–2 players
CommitmentEpic journey (20+ hours of adventure)
SeriesChrono
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 10

Developed by Square Enix, Chrono Trigger arrived on the Nintendo DS in 2008 as a role-playing game. This DS release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1995.

It landed about 4 years into the DS's life. Other notable DS releases from 2008 include Pokémon Platinum, Professor Layton and the Curious Village and Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood.

It is part of the Chrono series. The series also appears on other systems with Chrono Cross (PS1) and Chrono Trigger (PS1). Square Enix also made The World Ends with You, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift for the DS.

Chrono Trigger supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to get lost in a long quest
  • you have time for an epic journey (20+ hours of adventure)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you want to experience one of the DS's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want instant action rather than menus, story and grinding
  • you only have a few minutes at a time

What playing Chrono Trigger is like

Role-playing games trade reflexes for strategy and story. You build a party, level up, manage equipment and travel across a large world, usually through menu-based battles.

Tip for newcomers: Retro RPGs can require some level grinding and rarely tell you exactly where to go next. Talk to every townsperson, save often and use a guide if you get stuck: there is no shame in it.

Chrono Trigger gameplay screenshot on DS
In-game screenshot (DS)

Chrono Trigger cheats & codes

267 codes on file (Action Replay DS). Here are a few Action Replay DS codes to start with:

Max/Infinite Money020731FC 000F423F
Enable New Game+22073219 00000001
999 TP after battle12119968 000003E7
Save + Change Party Anywhere021C01CC 80010000
Have All Cats221C0053 000000FF
Sold Items Stay in Inventory0202C420 E1A00000

See all Chrono Trigger cheats

Chrono Trigger walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Chrono Trigger.

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Playing DS games today

Many DS games rely on the touchscreen and stylus, so they play best on original hardware, a 3DS, or an emulator with mouse or touch input such as Rec0m88. The library is enormous, which makes a recommendation engine especially handy.

Chrono Trigger FAQ

When did Chrono Trigger come out on the DS?

Chrono Trigger was released for the Nintendo DS in 2008; the original game dates back to 1995.

Who made Chrono Trigger?

It was developed by Square Enix.

Is Chrono Trigger multiplayer?

Yes. Chrono Trigger supports up to 2 players.

How long does Chrono Trigger take to play?

As a role-playing game, Chrono Trigger typically falls into the "Epic journey" category: 20+ hours of adventure. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Chrono Trigger on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you