The Trails series from Nihon Falcom is one of the most expansive RPG franchises in gaming, featuring interconnected storylines across multiple arcs and more than a dozen games. The series is known for long-form storytelling and a richly developed world, which can make it challenging for new players to know where to start. The latest release, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon, continues the ongoing Trails Through Daybreak arc, which has introduced a new cast of characters and a new setting in the Calvard Republic. For players unfamiliar with the franchise, starting with the earlier Daybreak games is the most accessible entry point.
How the Daybreak Arc Fits Into the Larger Series
Trails Beyond the Horizon is essentially the third Trails Through Daybreak game in terms of story progression. The Daybreak arc was designed to act as a soft reset, offering new players a way to experience the series without needing to play all previous games. Nihon Falcom president Toshiro Kondo has recommended starting with Trails Through Daybreak, noting that the game introduces a fresh location and cast, while also featuring a revamped gameplay system that is more welcoming to newcomers. Following it up with Trails Through Daybreak II ensures players have the full context for the events and characters featured in Trails Beyond the Horizon.
Why Previous Arcs Still Matter
While the Daybreak games provide a new starting point, Trails Beyond the Horizon incorporates characters from older series arcs, which can make prior knowledge useful. The game features three protagonists: Van Arkride from the Daybreak saga, Rean Schwarzer from the Cold Steel series, and Kevin Graham from the Trails in the Sky trilogy. Understanding Rean and Kevin’s storylines adds depth to their motivations and relationships, as well as context for gameplay mechanics tied to their character progression. Rean’s journey from student to instructor across four Cold Steel games illustrates character growth, while Kevin’s development in Trails in the Sky the 3rd is critical to his role in the new game.
How Essential the Crossbell Games Are
The Crossbell duology, Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure, while important in past arcs, does not directly impact the story of Trails Beyond the Horizon. Characters from Crossbell are not central to the current narrative, though the games are still widely regarded for their storytelling and worldbuilding. Players can enjoy these entries separately without affecting their understanding of the Daybreak arc or the new release.
Recommended Playing Order
For players who want a comprehensive understanding of the series, it is advisable to follow the chronological order of the games. Starting with the Trails in the Sky trilogy, then completing the Cold Steel saga, followed by Trails into Reverie and the two Daybreak games, sets up the narrative for Trails Beyond the Horizon. On the Epic Games Store, most of these titles are available, including the upcoming release, making it easier to play through the arc without switching platforms. Players short on time may focus solely on the Daybreak games, though some context for Rean and Kevin’s stories may be missed.
Understanding Character Connections
Playing the prior games provides more than just story context. Character interactions in Trails Beyond the Horizon are shaped by previous events, and having background knowledge on relationships, alliances, and rivalries makes dialogue and cutscenes more meaningful. Rean’s abilities, leadership experience, and the dynamics with his former classmates and students, as well as Kevin’s personal growth and past confrontations, are all better understood with familiarity of the earlier games. This context can enhance the overall experience, especially for players who value narrative continuity.
Source: Epic Games Store
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to play all previous Trails games to enjoy Trails Beyond the Horizon?
No. You can start with Trails Through Daybreak and Trails Through Daybreak II, though playing the Cold Steel and Trails in the Sky games provides additional context for some characters.
Which characters from earlier arcs appear in Trails Beyond the Horizon?
The game features Van Arkride from the Daybreak arc, Rean Schwarzer from the Cold Steel series, and Kevin Graham from the Trails in the Sky trilogy. Some supporting characters from Trails into Reverie also appear.
Are the Crossbell games required for understanding Trails Beyond the Horizon?
No. Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure are not necessary for the current story, though they are still recommended for their narrative quality.
What is the best platform to play the Daybreak arc and Trails Beyond the Horizon?
The Epic Games Store currently offers all Trails Through Daybreak games and the upcoming release, making it the most convenient platform for players who want to follow the arc in sequence.
What is the suggested playing order before Trails Beyond the Horizon?
A recommended sequence is the Trails in the Sky trilogy, the Cold Steel saga, Trails into Reverie, followed by Trails Through Daybreak and Trails Through Daybreak II. This setup provides full story context for the latest game.
