Exploration: Gameplay Mechanics

Learn how to navigate, travel, and initiate combat effectively in The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III. Master Advantage Encounters and Assault Attacks.

In The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III, exploration is key to success. You can switch your on-screen character using the [L1] button, allowing you to cycle through party members. Different characters' weapons offer advantages in stunning enemies for Advantage Attacks; Rean is generally a good choice due to his quick attacks, while Juna's short range can make it harder to land these hits.

The minimap, located in the top right corner, can be expanded by pressing [DPAD DOWN]. It displays crucial information like Treasure Chest locations (with the right Quartz), enemy positions, and puzzle-related objects. The guide uses a north-facing, locked minimap for consistent directions. The map also highlights NPCs with quests or important information, helping you avoid missing anything.

Outside of dungeons, the Quick Travel Menu allows instant movement to key locations in towns and Leeves. This menu also provides information on town events and the current locations of other characters.

Initially, you can sprint using the [R1] button. Combined with Turbo Mode, this is an efficient way to traverse the world while remaining ready for combat. Later, you can rent Horses or use the Orbal Bike, though these are less essential in the International Version compared to the original Japanese release.

Combat can be initiated outside of story events by attacking enemies on the field with the [X] button. Striking an enemy head-on or walking into it results in a regular battle start. Walking into an enemy from behind triggers an Advantage Encounter, granting you the first turn. Striking from behind stuns the enemy, leading to a Double Advantage, which stuns the enemy at battle's start and grants allies +10 CP. This can be achieved by waiting for the enemy to turn or by learning the timing to strike from the front and maneuver to their back.

Assault Attacks utilize the Charge Gauge. Gaining Assault Points by attacking enemies or breaking field objects allows you to trigger a Triple Advantage by pressing [R2] when you have two Assault Points. This provides Double Advantage effects plus 50% break damage to all enemies, making it ideal for starting battles, especially on Nightmare Mode. Larger enemies that cannot be back-attacked can still benefit from the Triple Advantage via Assault Attacks.