Chrono Trigger PS1 box art

PlayStation · RPG

Chrono Trigger

Certified classic

SystemPlayStation
Released1999 (originally 1995)
GenreRPG
DeveloperSquaresoft
PublisherSquaresoft
Players1 player
CommitmentEpic journey (20+ hours of adventure)
SeriesChrono
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 13

Released for the PlayStation in 1999, Chrono Trigger is a role-playing game developed by Squaresoft. This PS1 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1995.

It landed about 4 years into the PS1's life. Other notable PS1 releases from 1999 include Grand Theft Auto 2, Final Fantasy VIII and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Among the 131 PS1 RPGs in our database, it ranks #19 by legacy score.

It is part of the Chrono series; on the PS1 you can also try Chrono Cross. The series also appears on other systems with Chrono Trigger (DS). Squaresoft also made Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX for the PS1.

Chrono Trigger is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to get lost in a long quest
  • you have time for an epic journey (20+ hours of adventure)
  • you want to experience one of the PS1's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want instant action rather than menus, story and grinding
  • you are looking for something to play with friends
  • 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 PS1
In-game screenshot (PS1)

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 PS1 games today

PS1 games range from quick arcade racers to 60-hour RPGs. A selection is available through PlayStation Plus Premium, and if you own the discs you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Chrono Trigger FAQ

When did Chrono Trigger come out on the PS1?

Chrono Trigger was released for the PlayStation in 1999; the original game dates back to 1995.

Who made Chrono Trigger?

It was developed by Squaresoft.

Is Chrono Trigger multiplayer?

No. Chrono Trigger is a single-player game.

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.

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