There is a grand Japanese role-playing series featuring legendary adventures, great heroes, and epic fantasy worlds. And no, we’re not talking about Final Fantasy or Shin Megami Tensei. Today we will immerse ourselves in the world of one of the most story-rich series ever – Legend of Heroes.
The Legend of Heroes is one of the most story-driven jRPGs on any list of the best video games in the genre. Its origins go back to 1989 when Nihon Falcom released the legendary Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes. It received its sequel, followed by the Gagharv Trilogy, and transformed into the massive Trails in the Sky franchise. But overall, it’s still the same series. With The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Azure coming soon on PC, PS4 and Switch, many fans may want to refresh or start discovering this engaging gameplay. But new parts, spin-offs, and remastered versions often cause confusion, making potential players unsure about what they should play first. It’s worth learning the content of each title in this legendary saga.
If you dream of embarking on your grand adventure with the series from Nihon Falcom – welcome to this extensive list of all The Legend of Heroes games in a place in the rating order with release date!
Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II (15)
Release date: | 1992 |
It is twenty years after the events of the first installation. After an unexpected earthquake, the people of Iseruhasa notice the presence of two suspiciously clothed figures. What does this mean for the future of the kingdom?
Guide young Atlas and discover the intentions of the mysterious beings found in your kingdom! The Legend of Heroes II runs on similar mechanics as the first installment, featuring traditional RPG with turn-based combat. The difference is that players can now avoid encounters with opponents if they don’t feel like it.
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Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes (14)
Release date: | 1989 |
This game is the sixth installment in the Dragon Slayer and the first in The Legend of Heroes series. It delivers a classic story about regaining rightful power – perfect for all fans of pixel adventures with a rich plot.
In the face of mortal danger, Baron Drax seizes the throne of the Kingdom of Farlalyne. Meanwhile, young Prince Logan heads to the Town of Exile to live to the age when he can accept power. Years later, it turns out that the Baron usurped the throne for himself, and young Logan embarks on a journey to reclaim his legacy and banish evil from the kingdom. This gameplay is a classic RPG where you will lead a team of playable heroes and discover the epic story conclusion. The title received good ratings from PC Engine Fan and Famitsu right after its release.
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The Legend of Heroes: Akatsuki no Kiseki (13)
Release date: | 2016 |
It is The Legend of Heroes series spin-off, featuring locations known from particular games, like the kingdom of Liberl or the city of Crossbell. In this unique story, you will meet two new heroes who want to pass the challenging Bracer exam.
Nacht Weiss and Chloe Barnett share one goal – to pass the Bracer exam. Start the new adventure and return to your favorite locations from previous games! The title merges RPG with simulation elements and is a fun escape from the more mature atmosphere of the series.
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The Legend of Heroes IV: A Tear of Vermillion (12)
Release date: | 1996 |
It is a prequel to the previous installation in the series, set 56 years before the events of the Moonlight Witch. The story follows the separated siblings who want to get back together.
When Avin and Eimelle’s temporary home is destroyed, the male protagonist embarks on a lonely journey through life, hoping to find his sister. One day, he uncovers her trail, and it seems the girl entangles in a massive intrigue. Manage her brother’s actions as he explores a magical world. Assemble a team, fight using four heroes’ skills and invite an animal friend to your squad! The title received mixed reviews on Metacritic but garnered praise for its highly engaging and full of plot-twists story.
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The Legend of Heroes II: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch (11)
Release date: | 1994 |
This beautiful story begins with the legend of a silver-haired girl who wanders the land of Tirasweel. But one day, the Moonlight Witch disappears with all her prophecies.
Years later, a teenage team set out from the village of Ragpick to follow the trail of the legendary witch and visit all the shrines celebrating her travels. On their way, they encounter disturbing visions of the future, showing the coming cataclysm. Will the heroes be able to stop the effects of the prophecy? This title is the third part in the entire series and the first in the Gagharv sub-series, starting an entirely new story set in the same universe. The gameplay received the best ending award from Login Magazine.
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The Legend of Heroes III: Song of the Ocean (10)
Release date: | 1999 |
It is the final installment in the Gagharv trilogy, featuring a standalone plot perfect for players unfamiliar with the series. The action takes place between the two previous titles and tells the story of a group of heroes looking for answers to a musical mystery.
Forte is a young bard living in the dark Empire of Numeros, located in the third realm of Gagharv – Weltuna. Tales tell there is a forgotten song that hides unbelievable power. The hero gathers a team and embarks on an epic journey to solve this mystery. Like other classic jRPGs, the title focuses on exploration, turn-based combat, and chatting with fascinating NPCs. You can also enjoy improved graphics, depicting a colorful world of magic and legends. The title received mixed or average ratings on Metacritic, considered the best in the Gagharv trilogy.
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III (9)
Release date: | 2017 |
Welcome to the third title in the series set in the Erebonia arc. The end of conflicts has arrived, and now all the heroes can finally fulfill their dreams and make their long-awaited plans come true.
Rean Schwarzer begins his career as a college instructor. But soon, he will embark on another journey to unravel the mystery of his origin. Trails of Cold Steel III is a classic RPG adapted for new consoles, introducing more dynamic combat and smoother graphics. You can also count on encountering characters from other games, making this a must-have title for anyone who has ever played the Trails series.
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd (8)
Release date: | 2007 |
It is a summary of the trilogy that started the Trails sub-series, showing the further history of the kingdom of Liberl, but with a different hero in the leading role. Get ready for even more charming characters, mysteries, and opportunities to fight!
Kevin Graham travels to recover a secret artifact hidden at the bottom of a lake in the kingdom of Liberl. However, things get complicated when the hero and his friend find themselves in an alternative dark land. Explore mysterious dungeons, discover their secrets, and gain valuable information. The title features even more dynamic combat, and now you can use unique bonuses to defeat your opponents. Like previous installations in the trilogy, this game also received very positive reviews from players.
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The Legend of Heroes: Zero no Kiseki (7)
Release date: | 2010 |
Travel to the city of Crossbell to discover its complex political situation. It’s a power struggle shown from the perspective of a new hero, set three months after the action of the previous game in the series.
Lloyd Bannings begins his adventure as a rookie detective exploring Crossbell and meeting its citizens. Soon the hero comes across a trace of political and religious intrigue, and only close teamwork will allow him to solve this case. Zero no Kiseki is classic gameplay, known from previous titles, focusing on cooperation with the team. But now you can upgrade your equipment and buy rare items in shops! The title is one of the favorites of many players on Steam, where it received very positive reviews.
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II (6)
Release date: | 2014 |
It is a month after the events of the previous installation in the Trails sub-series. The civil war starts, and the land shatters under increasing conflicts. Will the students of class VII be able to alter the tragic course of events?
Rean Schwarzer leaves the school to find his friends. Soon, he and his team will be the last chance to resolve the brutal conflict. Explore the mystical land and discover the continuation of this story! This time with deeper bonds between teammates, new travel methods, and even more creative skills. The title features fascinating characters and a touching storyline that Steam players truly cherished.
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel (5)
Release date: | 2013 |
In chronological order, the action of this game takes place immediately after the events of Trails in the Sky. It’s a whole new story set once again in the empire of Erebonia.
The Thors Military Academy is an extraordinary place that trains students of various origins. But the most special is class VII, which does not divide students in any way. Meet new heroes, complete quests, gain combat experience, and become better! It is only the beginning of a new story, and every decision will significantly impact the development of the entire adventure. Trails of Cold Steel has garnered very positive reviews on Steam but is often criticized for a slow storyline.
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The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki (4)
Release date: | 2011 |
Continue your intriguing adventure in the city of Crossbell! This part pursues the story of Lloyd Bannings, who finds himself in the center of a conflict that leads to the greatest changes in the country’s history.
Two empires compete for power in Crossbell and local organizations battle for dominance in the city. The protagonist and his friends must do everything they can to bring peace. Get ready for even more action, fantastic stories, and addictive combat!
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (3)
Release date: | 2004 |
Meet Estelle Bright – the daughter of a legendary warrior who defended the kingdom of Liberl and decided to become an adventurer. Wanting to follow in her father’s footsteps, the protagonist joins the same guild to embark on the journey of her life together with her brother.
Trails in The Sky is the first installation in the Trails franchise, introducing a new chapter in The Legend of Heroes plot and support for Windows 8. Embark on a journey through a vibrant world, discover the stories of its inhabitants and learn about culture and history. This world is really alive, and you will soon believe it by engaging in new friendships and spectacular combat. Trails in the Sky received very positive reviews on Steam, making it one of the best games in the series.
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV (2)
Release date: | 2018 |
It is the last title in the Cold Steel tetralogy, showing the conclusion of Rean and his friends’ story. The phantom of a new conflict looms over Erebonia, and it seems that the main character has gone missing just when he is needed the most.
Lead a team of skilled students to find Rean and save the world from final destruction. Like the previous titles in the series, the gameplay focuses on exploration, completing challenging quests, and strengthening the bonds between the heroes. But don’t forget the combat set in an improved audiovisual setting which is the cherry on top of the entire gameplay fun. You can also enjoy thrilling mini-games that add charm to this epic adventure.
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The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC (1)
Release date: | 2006 |
Play the direct sequel to Trails in the Sky to follow the adventures of the fearless Estelle! This time, in a slightly more mature and engaging setting, revealing the darkest secret of the kingdom of Liberl.
Estelle, Joshua, and their friends travel through a magical world to eventually uncover a political conspiracy. The queen’s power is in danger, and only this brave group can help her remain on the throne. Explore, fight in turn-based combat, plan your attacks and use your heroes’ unique skills to defeat increasingly challenging enemies. You can import your characters’ progress from the previous game for a truly immersive gaming experience! The title scored even higher ratings on Steam than the last game and is a must-have in the Legend of Heroes series.
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The Legend of Heroes series is more of a phenomenon than another title in the Japanese RPG genre. Unlike other games, it moves at its own pace, delivering great stories, memorable characters, and heartbreaking plot twists since ’89. But it’s not an RPG for everyone, as only the most dedicated fans can play hundreds of hours of one title and experience the same joy in the next. There are no epic fights from the start, and sometimes one story takes up to half the game’s time to develop. So if you dream of classic RPG gameplay, unforgettable events and have a lot of time – the Legend of Heroes video games will never disappoint you.