Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger

Conditions for Each Ending

Learn the conditions for each of Chrono Trigger's 13 endings. Understand how confronting Lavos and your party's state affects the conclusion.

Conditions for Each Ending

Chrono Trigger boasts an impressive 13 different endings, each a unique conclusion to the epic saga. These endings are primarily determined by when you choose to confront Lavos and the state of your party and world preparation.

Early Endings (Confronting Lavos before significant preparation):

  • Ending 1: The Bad Ending - Triggered by going to the Ocean Palace in 1000 AD before acquiring the Epoch. This is the most basic 'game over' scenario.
  • Ending 2: Lavos's Victory - Triggered by using the Epoch to fly to the Ocean Palace before completing most side quests. Lavos emerges and devastates the world.
  • Ending 3: The Dark Ages - Triggered by confronting Lavos in 1999 AD (the "Day of Lavos") without sufficient preparation or having completed key side quests. The world is shown in ruins.

Mid-Game & Standard Endings (Confronting Lavos after some preparation):

  • Ending 4: The Rebirth of Guardia - Achieved by defeating Lavos after completing some side quests but not all. Shows a world recovering but still bearing scars.
  • Ending 5: The Hero's Return - A more positive outcome where the heroes are celebrated, but the world still faces challenges.
  • Ending 6: The Dream Project - Focuses on Lucca's efforts to rebuild the world and prevent future catastrophes.
  • Ending 7: The End of Time - A more somber ending where the heroes reflect on their journey and the nature of time itself.

Late-Game & Best Endings (Confronting Lavos after completing most/all side quests):

  • Ending 8: The Good Ending - Achieved by defeating Lavos after completing most major side quests, including obtaining ultimate weapons and recruiting all characters. Shows a prosperous and hopeful future.
  • Ending 9: The True Hero's Ending - Similar to the Good Ending, but often with slightly more optimistic epilogues for individual characters.
  • Ending 10: The Legacy of the Hero - Emphasizes the lasting impact of Crono and his friends on the world.
  • Ending 11: The Developers' Room - A meta-ending accessible via New Game+ that breaks the fourth wall.
  • Ending 12: The Final Fantasy Chrono Trigger Crossover - Another New Game+ ending that features characters from Final Fantasy.
  • Ending 13: The True Ending - This is generally considered the 'best' ending, achieved by defeating Lavos after completing all major side quests and often involving specific actions in the endgame. It shows a world where humanity has overcome its greatest threat and is thriving.

To see all endings, it is highly recommended to use the New Game+ feature, which allows you to retain your progress and tackle Lavos at different points in the story.