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Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Review: A Deep Sequel Best Played After 1st Chapter

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a deep, polished PS5 sequel—but newcomers should play 1st Chapter first.
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Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is a strong PS5 follow-up for players who want a story-rich RPG with layered combat, but it is not the right starting point for newcomers. TechRadar’s PS5 reviewer praised its battle depth, presentation, and smooth performance; the key caveat is that this is a direct sequel, and the recommended route is to play Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter first.

What is Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter?

It is a full remake of The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC, the second game in the Trails in the Sky series. Nihon Falcom developed the original game, and GungHo Online Entertainment America published the remake. It launched on September 17, 2026, for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam. GungHo’s launch announcement describes it as a remake and lists the launch platforms.

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Is the PS5 remake worth playing?

TechRadar’s September 30, 2026 PS5 review, based on two weeks of play, recommends it for players looking for a deep battle system and smooth performance. The reviewer describes combat as a blend of action and turn-based battles, and praises its depth and presentation. They report smooth play at 60fps, with a performance mode targeting 120fps on a compatible display. Those are the reviewer’s observations, not results from a controlled comparison across platforms.

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The official feature list includes new Crafts and S-Crafts, Brave Rush attacks in Quick Battles, and the Orbment system for using Arts. Fishing, poker, cooking, and additional playable party members also feature. Together, those systems give the sequel more to offer than a straightforward story continuation, though the available PS5 review evidence does not establish how it performs against the Switch, Switch 2, or PC versions.

#1 Best Overall
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter - Switch
  • CONTINUE YOUR 1ST CHAPTER JOURNEY: By carrying over your clear data from 1st Chapter, you can obtain exciting bonus items that will let you progress through the story more smoothly
  • MORE COMBAT OPTIONS THAN EVER BEFORE: Overpower your enemies with new Crafts and S-Crafts! Link your characters' attacks during Quick Battles with the new Brave Rush, and make full use of the orbment system for access to Arts
  • AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY: Dive into an intricately woven narrative to uncover the conspiracies threatening the Kingdom of Liberl
  • EXPANSIVE SIDE CONTENT: Enjoy a variety of new content in the sequel, including minigames like fishing and poker, cooking with your companions, and fan-favorite characters joining as playable party members
  • Experience the expansive combat system, richly realized world, and stirring story of the 2nd chapter of the Trails series

Should you play 1st Chapter first?

Yes, if you can. TechRadar calls this a direct sequel and recommends Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter first because the second game assumes important story context. A catch-up option is available, but the reviewer does not consider it a substitute for playing the first game.

The free PS5 demo begins immediately after the events of 1st Chapter, which also signals the intended order. It covers the story through Chapter 1, and its save data transfers to the full game. PlayStation’s demo page gives the demo details.

PC Gamer characterized the remake as a strong sequel that builds on the first remake and noted that completed quests can carry over from a 1st Chapter save. That is PC Gamer’s assessment, not a broader consensus claim.

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Who is likely to enjoy it—and who may not?

A good fit

  • Players who have finished 1st Chapter and want to continue its story.
  • RPG fans who enjoy experimenting with combat systems and party abilities.
  • Players who value polished presentation and smooth performance, based on TechRadar’s PS5 review observations.

Consider carefully

  • Newcomers who want a clean entry point: this sequel relies on earlier story context.
  • Players who dislike anime-style melodrama or exaggerated character tropes, which TechRadar identifies as potential turn-offs.

What does the PS5 version cost, and can you try it first?

At launch in the US, PlayStation listed the Standard Edition for $59.99 and Digital Deluxe Edition for $79.99. The Deluxe Edition includes the game and season pass. GungHo’s launch announcement listed the season pass separately at $24.99. These are launch-page prices, not a promise of today’s price; check the US PlayStation listing for current availability and pricing. The free demo is the lowest-commitment way to test the opening chapter, and its save carries into the full version.

Rank #3
The Lost Expedition: A Game of Survival in the Amazon
  • SURVIVE THE AMAZON: Manage food, ammunition and health as your team plunges into the jungle in search of the lost explorer Percy Fawcett and the road to El Dorado.
  • THREE WAYS TO PLAY: Tackle the expedition solo, work together co-operatively, or split into teams to see who escapes the jungle first.
  • HARD CHOICES EVERY TURN: Choose your path carefully to prepare for the pitfalls ahead in a game of tight resource management and risk.
  • ACCLAIMED DESIGN AND ART: From award-winning designer Peer Sylvester and illustrator Garen Ewing, fully illustrated in Osprey's diary format.
  • AT A GLANCE: 1-5 players | ages 14 and up | 6 character cards, 56 adventure cards, jungle cards, tokens and playing pieces.

PS5 accessibility and language options

TechRadar reports selectable English, German, French, or Spanish subtitles; English or Japanese voice audio; controls for camera behavior, speed, and distance; and difficulty settings that include Very Easy. The review reports no colorblind mode. These details reflect the reviewed build and may change with updates.

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Verdict

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is an appealing PS5 sequel if you already have the first remake’s story behind you and want a substantial RPG combat system. TechRadar’s review supports its performance and presentation on PS5, but the game’s direct-sequel structure matters more than its entry price or demo: start with 1st Chapter if you are new to the series.

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