Skip to main content

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III continues to craft an excellent story with solid combat and is handled with enough care that fans can rest easy when it comes to the series’ future.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III Game Cover
88%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, replayability
92% User Score Based on 2,085 reviews
Critic Score 83%Based on 31 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPCTabletAndroidPlaystation 5PhonePlaystation 4Mobile PlatformWindowsPlayStation
Buy Nowfrom $32.40
Buy NowGet on Steam $59.99Buy NowGet on Epic Games Store
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III Game Cover

About

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is a single player role playing game with fantasy, drama, comedy, anime and others themes. It was developed by Nihon Falcom and was released on March 23, 2020. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Trails of Cold Steel III" continues the story of Rean Schwarzer, now a professor, and his students, exploring Rean's origins and the cast's whereabouts since the previous games. The game also features characters from the "Trails in the Sky" series, Tita and Agate, as well as Tio and Randy from "Trails to Zero", all in one epic RPG adventure. This direct sequel takes place one and a half years after the events of "Trails of Cold Steel II".

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III screenshot
Skip User Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,085 reviews
story428 positive mentions
grinding32 negative mentions
  • The game features an engaging and emotionally resonant story that builds on the previous entries in the series.
  • The new Class VII characters are well-developed and have great chemistry, making them enjoyable to interact with.
  • The combat system has been improved with new mechanics like Brave Orders and the Break gauge, adding depth and strategy to battles.
  • The pacing can be slow, especially in the first half of the game, with a lot of dialogue that may feel tedious.
  • The reliance on returning characters and plot points from previous games may confuse newcomers who haven't played the earlier titles.
  • Some players feel that the game is too easy, especially with the new mechanics that can trivialize boss fights.
  • story
    1,395 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Trails of Cold Steel III" is a continuation of the intricate narrative established in the previous games, featuring a blend of character-driven storytelling and political intrigue that captivates players. While many reviews praise the depth of character development and the emotional stakes, some criticize the pacing and reliance on previous knowledge from earlier titles, suggesting that newcomers may struggle to fully appreciate the plot without prior context. Overall, the game is recognized for its rich lore, engaging plot twists, and the seamless integration of returning characters, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

    • “The story in Trails of Cold Steel III picks up a few years after the events of the previous game, focusing on a new protagonist, Rean Schwarzer, now an instructor at the newly established Thors Branch Campus.”
    • “What sets this game apart is its attention to character-driven storytelling—each party member has a well-developed backstory, personal motivations, and meaningful relationships that unfold gradually.”
    • “The pacing of exploration and narrative progression is well calibrated, with moments of quiet discovery balancing intense story beats and combat sequences.”
    • “They provide only the barest backstory for most of them - enough to remind you who they are if you already knew, but not enough to make me care.”
    • “You have zero ability to impact the plot of the game.”
    • “The story feels pointless — you could cut out 80% of it and barely anything would change.”
  • gameplay
    412 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Trails of Cold Steel III" builds upon its predecessors with refined mechanics and new features like the "brave order" and "break" systems, enhancing strategic depth while maintaining the series' signature turn-based combat. While some players find the new mechanics can make battles feel overly easy, the overall experience remains engaging and enjoyable, with improved graphics and a solid gameplay loop that keeps players invested for long hours. Despite minor balance issues, the game successfully combines intricate storytelling with satisfying gameplay, making it a worthy continuation of the franchise.

    • “The game not only expands on its predecessors’ intricate world-building but also refines gameplay mechanics to offer both longtime fans and newcomers a rewarding experience.”
    • “The addition of brave orders and the break gauge are very welcome mechanics that add more wrinkles to combat, making battles feel more in-depth and strategic.”
    • “The gameplay remains solid, with several changes made to prevent game-breaking features from previous games while introducing new mechanics that enhance the overall experience.”
    • “Cs3 feels largely like a filler arc with braindead easy combat, thanks to the 'break' mechanic, which allows you to stun-lock end game bosses without their turns even starting.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it was mostly what I expected, that is to say, the same systems from the previous games with a few minor tweaks.”
    • “The gameplay is a bit wacky with how nightmare is a decent challenge for the first half of the game and being too easy in the second half.”
  • music
    279 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Trails of Cold Steel III," composed by the Falcom Sound Team jdk, is generally praised for its orchestral quality and emotional depth, enhancing both battle scenes and character moments. While many reviewers appreciate the soundtrack's overall excellence and memorable tracks, some feel it doesn't quite reach the heights of previous entries in the series, citing a mix of standout pieces and more generic compositions. Overall, the music remains a strong aspect of the game, contributing significantly to the immersive experience, despite some criticisms regarding track placement and a perceived decline in originality compared to earlier titles.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by the talented Falcom Sound Team JDK, complements the mood perfectly, featuring sweeping orchestral pieces and emotional melodies that enhance both the epic scale of battles and the intimate character moments.”
    • “The music ends up being perfectly timed to the current scene going on and generally enhances the mood, either making you cry/tear up to feeling excited for whatever battle you are getting into.”
    • “The whole OST is extremely well made and uses some of the tracks you're familiar with from previous Cold Steel games along with introducing new songs as well.”
    • “There isn't a ton of new music original to this game (that I noticed) and nothing stood out to me.”
    • “For some reason, the music this time feels generic and unmemorable.”
    • “My biggest gripe with this game was the awful sound design and, in my opinion, having the weakest soundtrack within the entire series so far.”
  • graphics
    264 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in "Trails of Cold Steel III" represent a significant improvement over its predecessors, showcasing enhanced character models, smoother animations, and beautifully rendered environments. While the game retains a stylized aesthetic typical of Japanese RPGs, the overall visual fidelity and attention to detail elevate the experience, making it a standout in the series. However, some users noted that despite these advancements, certain areas still exhibit frame drops and a lack of polish compared to higher-budget titles.

    • “The visuals in Trails of Cold Steel III showcase a significant upgrade from its predecessors, with enhanced character models, smoother animations, and beautifully rendered backgrounds.”
    • “The graphics and art style of Trails of Cold Steel III are nothing short of stunning, with a beautiful aesthetic that perfectly captures the game's sweeping landscapes and intricate character designs.”
    • “The graphics have been improved in comparison to the previous two games, making it a whole lot more fun to play.”
    • “The other issue is of course this isn't a big budget title; these games are using indie game levels of low budget, so you can see that in general animations, graphics, and lack of voice acting in a lot of areas.”
    • “The graphics seem dated to me, and the port to PC is low effort and barely passable.”
    • “Forget the combat (which will be boring after doing it 1,000 times), the graphics (which is a huge leap down in performance), the art (where the lazy work means they actually reused art from game 2 for secondary characters like Elise and Alfin and went with their 15-year-old 'versions').”
  • character development
    86 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III" is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the depth and complexity of both new and returning characters. While the game features a large cast that can dilute focus at times, the character arcs, particularly for the new Class VII, are noted for their richness and emotional impact, contributing significantly to the overall narrative experience. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and predictability, the game is recognized for its strong storytelling and meaningful character interactions, making it a standout in the JRPG genre.

    • “The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is a richly crafted JRPG that continues the epic saga of the Erebonian Empire with an impressive blend of storytelling, character development, and deep tactical combat.”
    • “The story is amazing, the characters from the new Class VII are very likable and get nice character development throughout the game.”
    • “Nihon Falcom continues to amaze me with the sheer scope of world building and character development that they have thrust into this series.”
    • “There are so many characters that at some points you have to manage three different groups in dungeons; it might sound like a treat but it gets tiring after a while as the presence of too many people dilutes focus and character development and story.”
    • “For a series whose cast has bloated into absurd territory, and with that, terrible character development, I did enjoy the new Class VII.”
    • “Looking back, the first three chapters’ major happenings don’t really connect with the final part of the game aside from some foreshadowing and character developments here and there.”
  • emotional
    46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players noting its ability to evoke deep feelings through a well-crafted narrative that intertwines personal stories with complex political themes. Many reviewers highlight specific moments that elicit tears and heartwarming connections, particularly through character development and impactful dialogue. However, some caution that the full emotional experience is best appreciated by those familiar with previous entries in the series, as prior knowledge enhances the depth of the story and its characters.

    • “The writing is polished, with thoughtful dialogue and impactful moments that deepen the emotional resonance of the journey.”
    • “The game’s ability to balance complex political intrigue with personal stories, all wrapped in polished gameplay mechanics and beautiful presentation, creates an experience that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging.”
    • “This is a story of kinship and bonding that was only possible to cultivate through several games worth of preparation and emotional investment.”
    • “A game centered around story with such boring storytelling is unfortunate.”
    • “The emotional moments felt forced and lacked genuine impact.”
    • “I expected to feel more connected to the characters, but they were one-dimensional.”
  • grinding
    39 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews highlight a mixed reception regarding grinding in the game, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, often feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate quality-of-life improvements that streamline grinding, others criticize the formulaic nature of quests and combat, suggesting that excessive grinding is a deliberate tactic to encourage DLC purchases. However, a few players note that the game allows for strategic play that can minimize grinding, making it more manageable for those focused on the story.

    • “The series avoids a lot of common complaints of the genre; no grinding needed, no random encounters, no nonsensical plot.”
    • “And for this title specifically, while trying to rush the story on easy mode (with the side content completed too, but no grinding), I still spent about 120 hours to complete.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Everything about these games is designed to waste your time, from the inane quests and tedious combat to the NPCs that all take five to ten sentences to tell you what they could have said in one.”
    • “I couldn't finish it; there is simply too much tedious, boring content you have to get through to advance the fairly ridiculous story at a snail's pace.”
    • “It appears they made it grindy to try to con people into buying DLC materials to speed up the boring.”
  • optimization
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report good performance and stability, especially on high-end PCs, some experience significant frame drops and stuttering in specific areas, particularly towards the endgame. The game is generally well-optimized for a range of systems, but there are still notable issues, especially for those on older hardware or lower-end setups. Regular performance patches are a positive aspect, but control optimization for PC remains a concern.

    • “Excellent performance on PC with a wealth of options you've come to love.”
    • “The game plays very smoothly, although there were a few areas in the game where the FPS dropped drastically for me; overall it is very stable and well optimized.”
    • “Also, the port is really good as well, and it's well optimized: no crashes, no bugs, no FPS drops, and thanks to that I could enjoy it with max graphics.”
    • “Nothing happens for 70 hours, then you encounter some serious performance issues in the last 20 or so and the ending is disappointing.”
    • “By the endgame, I hated juggling orbments (there is a moment in these games where you have too many orbs, so finding a specific one is a pain), and didn’t care for optimization; too bad that the story was even worse.”
    • “The game has some really serious optimization problems right now.”
  • humor
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a blend of lighthearted moments and darker themes, with players appreciating the charismatic characters and their funny interactions, particularly the comedic exchanges between Ash, Kurt, and Juna. While some jokes may feel nostalgic rather than fresh, the game offers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, especially during combat with over-the-top attacks and absurd scenarios. Overall, it successfully combines humor with a deep story and engaging gameplay, making it a delightful experience for fans of JRPGs.

    • “The new Class VII is very charismatic; lovable characters with actually funny jokes (Ash's comments always make me laugh hard).”
    • “If you love a good story with funny little moments, then this is the game for you.”
    • “Easily the most hilarious and best part of gameplay, this one attack is over the top in terms of humor, and you'll continue to use it for the entire game just to hear the dulcet tones of Machias saying 'you've failed your inspection' over and over.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers significant replayability due to its engaging NPC interactions, resource gathering, and hidden secrets, which enrich the game world. With a vast amount of content and the inclusion of both new and returning characters, fans of the series will find plenty of reasons to revisit the game. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking a JRPG with substantial replay value.

    • “Players are encouraged to engage with NPCs, gather resources, and uncover hidden secrets, which adds depth to the game world and encourages replayability.”
    • “This game also has a lot of replay value as the content for it is vast and huge, similar to that of CS1 and CS2.”
    • “For fans of Cold Steel and the Trails series, I would definitely recommend this, and for those who love JRPG games with huge replay value and loads of content, this is the game for you.”
    • “+ has replay value”
  • stability
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is mixed, with some users reporting significant glitches and UI issues, particularly after completing certain tasks, while others note improved performance and fewer bugs compared to previous titles in the series. Overall, the PC port is generally praised for running smoothly, with new systems enhancing the experience.

    • “Runs great on PC.”
    • “The port runs great; new and changed systems are a nice change of pace.”
    • “From what I've read and played in the demo, the PC port runs great.”
    • “The game glitches after you finish everything, and the icon for checking on students remains on with no way to find it on the map. I asked all the students three times, but nothing worked. The game glitched with no luck, so I deleted it.”
    • “In both cases, my GPU was the same (GTX 1060 with 6GB of VRAM), and I found problems, both graphically and glitches that persisted up to Cold Steel IV, and sadly, UI-related problems.”
    • “There are also substantially fewer bugs and glitches in this game's graphics than in Cold Steel I and II.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive quality, effectively capturing the intended setting as players progress through the story. Improvements in graphics and character design enhance the overall experience, while the presence of well-crafted NPCs contributes to a pleasant and engaging environment. Fans of traditional JRPGs will likely appreciate the nostalgic yet refined atmosphere reminiscent of earlier titles in the series.

    • “It really fits the game atmosphere, and as you go onward towards the final chapter, you truly feel the setting they were trying to portray.”
    • “I have found that the NPCs give the game a very pleasant and immersive atmosphere, much more than in any other game I have played.”
    • “For those of you who loved Cold Steel 1's atmosphere, you're going to possibly love this even more.”
    • “It really fits the game atmosphere and as you go onward towards the final chapter, you really feel the setting that they were trying to portray.”
    • “Bring back the wholesome atmosphere from the Sky and Ao/Zero series.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users suggest that improved promotion and advertising strategies could enhance the monetization aspect of the game, indicating a need for more effective ways to attract and retain players.

Skip Critic Reviews

83%Critics’ scoreBased on 31 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III

100h Median play time
107h Average play time
63-135h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 17 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III

Games Like The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2 Image
87%2.1kreviews

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2

2018Role Playing
Playstation 3Nintendo SwitchPC+4
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Image
86%6.4kreviews

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

2017Role Playing
Playstation 3Nintendo SwitchPC+6
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4 Image
87%2.6kreviews

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4

2021Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchPCPlaystation 5+4
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC Image
96%3kreviews

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

2015Role Playing
Playstation 3PCWindows+3
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak Image
90%872reviews

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak

2023Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchPCPlaystation 5+3
More games like The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is a role playing game with fantasy, drama, comedy, anime and others themes.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Phone and others.

On average players spend around 107 hours playing The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III was released on March 23, 2020.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III was developed by Nihon Falcom.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III is a single player game.

Similar games include The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak and others.