Chrono Trigger FAQ

There are several questions regarding Chrono Trigger that, though known since its release, nonetheless pop up to new players and others who simply missed something the first time around. Some of these fall into analysis, and some are simply gameplay inquiries; whatever the nature, they're asked frequently, and it is only fitting that a Compendium FAQ be made. If you don't find an answer here, you can always ask in the forums. Laughably, credit to Ice Water for most of these.

Who is the Entity?

You may have seen an Entity referenced as creating the Gates. Its identify is very heavily implied throughout the Chrono series, but never directly spoken. This identity would be that of the planet, which created the Gates during hectic points in its life (when Lavos falls, awakens, is summoned; when Crono steps through the first Gate, and when the planet truly dies) in order to send Crono on a quest to rid it of Lavos. While a debate can be made for other candidates, this is no place for that, but check the Articles section for full analysis. (Note: article forthcoming)

How do you beat the Golem Twins?

Make sure that you have the level 2 versions of Fire, Lightning, Water/Ice. Take your crew of Crono, Lucca, Marle/Frog to the fight with these spells learned, and keep an eye on your action bars. Cast off two of these spells, while the third character waits a bit until the other two characters action bars are almost completely filled. Then, fire off two more spells, and repeat. If you do this correctly, the Golems will never get off a move and you should win rather easily. If you need to heal, try to time the characters actions so they are pretty close together to enable Marle or Frog to get off a Heal/Cure spell off.

What is Gaspar's last quest?

Before the end of the game, you may read the quote "One of you is close to someone who needs help. Find this person, FAST." While this seemingly alludes to another sidequest, or to the Black Omen and Queen Zeal, it is in fact a result of poor translation. In the Japanese version, Gaspar simply told the party to speak to its members at the End of Time in order to learn about events or sidequests in their respective eras. However, this quote was atrociously lost in translation.

Is Janus Schala's step-brother?

This is another translation difference. It is not the result of a line being mistranslated, but rather, it was added to the US version of the game for no apparent reason. There is no evidence in the rest of the series substantiating the claim that the two are step-siblings.

What should I take? Three Prism Helms, or the Dress?

Take the three helmets. You can aquire more helms and three Prism Dresses from the Black Omen. To do this, you'll need to take on the Black Omen in the year 1000AD first. Get to Queen Zeal, and charm both her hands. Be prepared for a nasty counter though since Ayla can't handle havin' no MP/1 HP for too long. Get the Dress and Helm, defeat all the Lavos forms, then head back to 600AD. Repeat the Zeal steps, then head back to 12000AD. You will only have to fight the Lavos forms once, so don't worry about that.

How do I climb Death Peak?

If you haven't been told to in-game, then you can't. If you have, however, you need to be exactly behind and up close to a tree to avoid the wind. Running up behind a tree often takes the party right or left of it and around its base; it's more prudent to run up to it, but before reaching it, to stop and continue walking upwards to maintain position within a relatively close position.

Where did Schala go!?

Schala's fate is unknown in Chrono Trigger, but if you want to know, play Chrono Cross. A different version of her future history is presented in Radical Dreamers, as well.

Should I recruit Magus or kill him?

The only benefits of killing Magus are receiving his Amulet and being able to see the human form of Frog at the ending of the game. However, if you let him live, you not only get a powerful magic user and the Amulet (he comes equipped with it anyway), but get to see the rest of his dialogue and a special scene on the Black Omen if you bring him with you. Magus has very memorable lines and quips, making his addition valuable. His only drawbacks are his inability to use Double Techs and Triple Techs without the aid of a Black Rock.

What's the best gear?

Males:

Nova Armor (Moon Armor doesn't lock status) Haste Helm / Prism Helm (your preference) Crono: Rainbow Frog: Masamune II Robo: Terra Arm / Crisis Arm

Females:

Prism Dress Prism Helm Marle: Siren (as it inflicts random Stop) Lucca: Wondershot Ayla: BronzeFist (she must be level 99-**)

Magus:

Gloom Cape Gloom Helm DeathScythe

It then becomes a matter of personal preference for accessories.

At what level will I able to kill Lavos?

Levels 45 and up shouldn't have much trouble.

What's the best place to level up?

If you haven't gone through Mt. Woe yet, be sure to kill every Rubble there, as they give Tech Points galore. The Black Omen is, by far, the best place to level as much experience awaits. However, if it has been defeated, use the Geno Dome conveyor belt (it's available if Mother Brain hasn't been defeated). If it too is no longer accessable, use the Giant's Claw.

I can't beat the Soda Contest at the Fair!

Use a turbo controller of function on your keyboard. The 5 points aren't worth the trouble, though.

I'm in 2300 A.D., and I can't see anything but fog!

Your emulator is outdated. While you can opt to disable Layer 3 graphics with it if you know how, you'd be better off getting the newest version of ZSNES or Snes9x.

I can't open the door in the Arris Dome!

This is a result of keyboards not inputting multiple keystrokes at once. Set all three buttons (L, R, A) to one key, and press it. If that doesn't work, set L and R to one key, and press that and the A key.

Is Flea a guy or a girl?

Flea is a guy, because he explicitly states this fact in-game. In the Japanese version, his Flea Vest was better known as a Flea Bra, which, like training bras in young girls, "pads" his chest area.

How do I get New Game +?

Beat all the sidequests and the Black Omen, and then win the game. At the end, reset and start a new game.

What's the difference between the SNES and the PSX versions?

In terms of Pros, the PSX version has

-Anime cutscenes -Libraries of monsters and bosses -A song jukebox with four new Mitsuda tunes -Treasure chest locator

In terms of Cons, the PSX version has

-Horrendous loading times that make it nearly unplayable -Botched and worse sounding sound effects

Does this game connect with Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers?

Yes, by all means. The two others could not stand as separate titles. However, Chrono Cross has a somewhat complex plot and a bit if poor storytelling (a lot of information is bunched up at the end), so it may benefit you to read the Chrono Cross Condensed Plot Summary if you've played through it but did not understand it.

I can't run three laps to get magic!

Try this. Start at the door, and just hold down. When you get to a corner, hold right. At the next corner, hold up, and at the next, left, and so on. Don't hold down when you're on the wall with the door all the way, however, as you must sidestep the door. Try to hug as closely to it without exiting.

How do I save Fiona's Forest?

In Zeal Palace, tell the woman with the Sapling to plant it. If Zeal has fallen, you can find her in the Commons of 12000 B.C.

Is Chrno Crusade related to this?

No. Chrno Crusade is an unrelated manga.