Almost a year after the remake of the first chapter, Nihon Falcom and GungHo Online Entertainment are breathing new life into the legendary JRPG series with the next remake: Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a complete remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC (2006). As the direct sequel to Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (released in September 2025), it picks up exactly where the cliffhanger left off. Nevertheless, the second instalment begins with a lengthy reflection on its predecessor. As the story continues directly from where it left off, it is not recommended to start with the second instalment straight away. However, players can transfer their save files from Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter to receive bonus items and pick up exactly where they left off. Those who have played the demo can also continue from where they left off, as all game progress is carried over to the full version.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter © Nihon Falcom and GungHo
The plot follows Estelle as she embarks on a quest to find Joshua and confronts the Enforcers of Ouroboros. Although the conflict centres on the Kingdom of Liberl, its repercussions are felt across the entire continent of Zemuria, drawing Estelle into ancient secrets, political tensions, and the truth behind Joshua's past. Unlike its predecessor, however, the story immediately picks up pace once the flashbacks to the past are over, focusing on political intrigue, conspiracies, and the battle against Ouroboros, as the origin story was dealt with in the first instalment.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter © Nihon Falcom and GungHo
Like its predecessor, this remake captures the essence of the classic: a down-to-earth yet deeply emotional story with superbly written dialogue and richly developed characters that linger in the memory, backed by first-class world-building – all presented in a vibrant, modern anime style. The combat system offers both real-time and turn-based battles. For a full description, please refer to the article on the original game.
While there are no major changes compared to the original remake, there are opportunities for greater depth and strategic combat options here and there. Enemies can be fought using new Crafts and S-Crafts, and attack chains, where party members combine their attacks, can be utilised in Quick Fights with Brave Rush. Furthermore, customising Orbments with Quartz allows for the modification of Arts (magic), enabling more complex strategic builds and passive bonuses. Moreover, characters that were previously non-playable can now be taken into battle as playable party members.
Players can therefore assemble their four-person team strategically from over a dozen playable characters, who also unlock exclusive bonus cutscenes depending on the mission. Characters who aren't in the player's party automatically level up in the background. Last but not least, alongside the main quest, there are various activities to participate in, from mini-games such as fishing and poker, to cooking with companions.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter © Nihon Falcom and GungHo
The Liberl story arc also includes The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd (2007), although a remake of this instalment has not yet been explicitly announced.
The Standard Edition of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is available for €59.99 on PC (Steam), Switch and PlayStation 5. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game costs €64.99, and an upgrade pack is available for €4.99. There is also a Season Pass priced at €24.99, which includes a variety of cosmetic DLCs. A Digital Deluxe Edition comprising the base game and the Season Pass is also available for €79.99 on Switch, PlayStation 5 and Steam. The console versions are also available in physical retail stores. PM Studios is handling retail distribution in Europe, together with distribution partner Flashpoint in Germany. As with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, this remake features updated English and Japanese voice-overs on all platforms. On Steam, text localisations in Japanese, English, German, French and Spanish are supported. All console versions support English, German, French and Spanish text.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter © Nihon Falcom and GungHo
The 2nd Chapter of Trails in the Sky was developed by Nihon Falcom, a Japanese game developer founded in March 1981. The company is well known for its Ys and Trails series, as well as Tokyo Xanadu. The latest instalment in the Trails series, The Legend of Heroes: Kai No Kiseki – Farewell, O Zemuria –, was released in September 2024; the Western version, titled Trails Beyond the Horizon, followed in early 2026. The game's publisher is GungHo Online Entertainment America, a multi-platform developer and publisher of games such as Puzzle & Dragons, Ninjala, and Let It Die. GOEA is the US subsidiary of GungHo Online Entertainment, whose studios include developers such as Supertrick Games, Game Arts, Acquire and Gravity. GOEA is based in Redondo Beach, California.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter picks up where the previous game left off. It's another highly compelling and contemporary revival of an absolute classic! A true JRPG highlight!
