In The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC, the combat system revolves around the strategic use of two primary types of character abilities: Arts and Crafts. Mastering both is essential for overcoming the game's challenging encounters and progressing through the story.
Arts
Arts are the magical abilities wielded by characters in Trails in the Sky SC. They are powered by Sepith, the refined essence of the Septium ore. Each character has a unique affinity for certain elements, and their Arts reflect this. Arts can range from devastating elemental attacks (like 'Scorching Flame' or 'Aqua Bleed') to powerful defensive buffs ('Shield' or 'Protect Up') and healing spells ('Tear' or 'La Cure').
- Casting Time: Arts typically have a casting time, indicated by a bar that fills up during combat. The longer the casting time, the more powerful the Art usually is. Characters can be interrupted while casting, so positioning and timing are crucial.
- EP Cost: Casting Arts consumes EP (Energy Points), which is a character's mana pool. Managing EP is vital, especially during longer battles or when facing multiple enemy groups.
- Quartz System: The ability to learn and use Arts is largely determined by the Quartz equipped in a character's slots. Different Quartz grant access to specific Arts and passive stat bonuses. Experimenting with different Quartz combinations is key to customizing your party's magical capabilities.
Crafts
Crafts are special physical techniques unique to each character. Unlike Arts, Crafts do not consume EP and are generally available from the start of the game or unlocked as characters level up. They often have unique properties, such as guaranteed critical hits, status effect infliction, or special movement capabilities on the battlefield.
- CP Cost: Crafts consume CP (Craft Points), which are gained by dealing and receiving damage, or through specific items and abilities. CP is a more readily available resource than EP, allowing for more frequent use of Crafts.
- Strategic Variety: Each character's Crafts offer a distinct playstyle. For example, Estelle's Crafts often focus on single-target damage and buffs, while Agate's are more about raw power and area-of-effect attacks.
- S-Crafts: The most powerful Crafts are known as S-Crafts (Special Crafts). These can be unleashed at any time, regardless of turn order, provided a character has sufficient CP. S-Crafts are often visually spectacular and deal massive damage, making them excellent for finishing off tough enemies or turning the tide of battle.
Effectively combining Arts and Crafts, considering their respective costs, casting times, and strategic applications, is the core of success in Trails in the Sky SC's combat. Understanding your party members' strengths and weaknesses, and how their Arts and Crafts synergize, will lead you to victory.