The combat link system (戦術リンク) is a mechanic introduced as a function of the ARCUS orbment in Trails of Cold Steel.
Description[]
- See also: Unbalancing in Cold Steel I and II, Unbalancing in Cold Steel III - Reverie and Weapon types.
Combat links allow two characters to form a link in battle, providing various benefits. While linked, either character can unbalance enemies with attacks or crafts, due to their weapon type or a critical hit. Unbalancing allows the character's link partner to follow up with an attack of their own, or use more advanced combination attacks. Combat links also grant various bonuses to each partner, such as healing after taking a hit or taking an attack in place of the other. Note that unbalancing or link abilities won't activate if the link partner is unable to act due to status effects.
Links can be preset from the Tactics menu, with combat starting with the set links. Link partners can also be freely switched on a party member's turn, with the other members switching links appropriately if they were all linked. Switching a party member with a support member will automatically link them with the previous member's partner. If a character is knocked out, the link with their partner will be broken and must be re-established manually upon revival. Being ambushed by the enemy breaks all links at the start of the battle. The original party configuration and combat links will be restored following the battle. Starting in Trails of Cold Steel III, links will be remembered and reestablished even when a character is K.O.ed and revived.
Link Level[]
The strength of a link is indicated by a link level (リンクLV), which increases through its own experience points called link EXP (リンク経験). Higher link levels unlock more abilities and make them more likely to activate.
In Cold Steel, link levels above 2 won't be available until Chapter 3: "Beyond the Railways". In Cold Steel II, Cold Steel IV and Reverie, link levels above 5 become available. In Cold Steel II, link level 7 is only available after starting the Finale: "Forward, Relentlessly".
| Level | Cold Steel | Cold Steel II | Cold Steel III | Cold Steel IV and Reverie | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exp | Exp to Next | Total Exp | Exp to Next | Total Exp | Exp to Next | Total Exp | Exp to Next | ||||
| 1 | 0 | 1000 | 0 | 1000 | 0 | 800 | 0 | 400 | |||
| 2 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 800 | 1200 | 400 | 600 | |||
| 3 | 2000 | 1500 | 2000 | 1000 | 2000 | 1400 | 1000 | 800 | |||
| 4 | 3500 | 1750 | 3000 | 1500 | 3400 | 1600 | 1800 | 1000 | |||
| 5 | 5250 | — | 4500 | 1500 | 5000 | — | 2800 | 1200 | |||
| 6 | — | — | 6000 | 1500 | — | — | 4000 | 1400 | |||
| 7 | — | — | 7500 | — | — | — | 5400 | — | |||
Link EXP[]
Link EXP is gained through battles. All pairs linked at the end of a battle gain a certain amount of link EXP, and all other possible pairs of active and support members gain a smaller amount.
| Game | EXP for linked pairs | EXP for other pairs |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Steel I and II | 3 | 1 |
| Cold Steel III | 15 | 10 |
| Cold Steel IV | 10 | 5 |
| Reverie | 50 | 15 |
Additionally, in Trails of Cold Steel I and II link EXP between Rean and another character can be gained through bonding events, playing Blade, and special items. In Trails of Cold Steel II only, completing a Trial Chest challenge awards 500 link EXP to all pairs of participants of the challenge, as well as unlocking Overdrive between them; in the Reverie Corridor, the link EXP gains per battle are tripled.
Link Attacks[]
When unbalancing an enemy, a choice of link attacks can be used. After Rush is acquired, using Assist will earn one Brave Point, which can be stored up to 3 (5 when Burst is acquired, 7 in Cold Steel IV, and 8 in Reverie) to use other link attacks and Brave Orders.
If a battle ends with the use of a link attack, the end screen will feature a different quote from the link partners (or the whole team if Burst was used).
| Attack | BP Cost | Effect | Acquire (Cold Steel) | Acquire (Cold Steel III) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
追撃 |
-1 | The link partner performs a follow-up basic attack. | Old Schoolhouse Mystery | Entrance Ceremony |
ラッシュ |
3 or 2 | Both link partners strike at the target and surrounding enemies in a small area. | Old Schoolhouse Mystery III | Entrance Ceremony |
バースト |
5 | All active party members have their negative status effects cleared and strike at all enemies. Cannot be used if a party member is knocked out. | Recovering the Railway Guns | Field Exercises - Saint Arkh |
Link Abilities[]
In addition to link attacks, each character has a set of abilities unlocked with each link level. When two characters are linked, the abilities up to their link's level can be activated. Abilities are varied in both activation conditions and effects, thought some are common between several or all characters.
List of Link Abilities[]
| Level | Name | Description | Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Link Attack リンクアタック |
Allows the use of link attacks. | All |
| 2 | Finishing Blow 止めの一撃 |
Follows assist attacks with a finishing blow if the foe can be defeated with half the damage of a basic attack. | All |
| 3 | Auto-Tear クイックティア |
Heals 20% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 10% chance at Lv3, 15% at Lv4, 20% at Lv5, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | |
| Counterattack 反撃 |
Attacks an enemy that attacked the partner. 10% chance at Lv3, 15% at Lv4, 20% at Lv5, double chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cover かばう |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and halves damage taken. 10% chance at Lv3, 15% at Lv4, 20% at Lv5, double chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| 4 | Arts Support ブーストアーツ |
Increases the power of partner's arts by 1.2x. 15% chance at Lv4, 20% at Lv5. | |
| Auto-Charge クイックチャージ |
Restores partner's EP by 100 after they use arts. 15% chance at Lv4, 20% at Lv5. | ||
| Auto-Curia クイックキュリア |
Cures a partner's status and heals 25% of their HP when they're inflicted with a negative status effect. 15% chance at Lv4, 20% at Lv5, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer ライブリーエール |
Heals 25% of partner's HP and 50 CP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv4, 20% at Lv5. | ||
| Deadly Assist 刹那の追撃 |
Assist attacks deal critical damage and cause delay+20. | ||
| Powerful Strike 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with the full damage of a basic attack. | ||
| Protective Wall 堅守 |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and reduces damage taken by 90%. 15% chance at Lv4, 20% at Lv5, double chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Vengeance 猛反撃 |
Attacks an enemy that attacked the partner with a critical strike. 10% chance at Lv3, 15% at Lv4, 20% at Lv5, double chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| 5 | Rush 2 ラッシュⅡ |
Increases the power of Rush by 1.3x. | All |
| Level | Name | Description | Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Link Attack リンクアタック |
Allows the use of link attacks. | All |
| 2 | Finishing Blow 止めの一撃 |
Follows assist attacks with a finishing blow if the foe can be defeated with 60% of the damage of a basic attack. | All |
| 3-4 | Anger 激昂 |
Restores 50 of own CP when partner is attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | |
| Arts Support ブーストアーツ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.2x. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge クイックチャージ |
Restores partner's EP by 100 after they use arts. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Curia クイックキュリア |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Thelas クイックセラス |
Keeps partner alive with 10% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Tear クイックティア |
Heals 20% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer ライブリーエール |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and 20 CP when they are attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Counterattack 反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Cover かばう |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and halves damage taken. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Deadly Assist 刹那の追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.25x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-25%. | ||
| Powerful Strike 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 90% of the damage of a basic attack. | ||
| 5 | Rush 2 ラッシュⅡ |
Increases the power of Rush by 1.2x. | All |
| 6 | Almighty Blow 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 120% of the damage of a basic attack. | |
| Arts Support 2 ブーストアーツⅡ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.5x. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 2 クイックチャージⅡ |
Restores partner's EP by 200 after they use arts. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Curia 2 クイックキュリアⅡ |
Heals 20% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Thelas 2 クイックセラスⅡ |
Keeps partner alive with 20% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Tear 2 クイックティアⅡ |
Heals 40% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer 2 ライブリーエールⅡ |
Heals 15% of partner's HP and 30 CP when they are attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Fury 大激昂 |
Restores 75 of own CP when partner is attacked. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Lethal Assist 刹那の猛追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.5x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-50%. | ||
| Protective Wall 堅守 |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and reduces damage taken by 90%. 10% chance at Lv3 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Vengeance 猛反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.5x damage. 30% chance at Lv3 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| 7 | Overdrive 2 オーバーライズⅡ |
Deal 1.2x more physical and magic damage during Overdrive. | All |
| Level | Name | Description | Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finishing Blow 止めの一撃 |
Follows assist attacks with a finishing blow if the foe can be defeated with 60% of the damage of a basic attack. | All |
| 2-3 | Anger 激昂 |
Restores 50 of own CP when partner is attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | |
| Arts Support ブーストアーツ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.2x. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge クイックチャージ |
Restores partner's EP by 100 after they use arts. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Curia クイックキュリア |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Thelas クイックセラス |
Keeps partner alive with 10% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Tear クイックティア |
Heals 20% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer ライブリーエール |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and 20 CP when they are attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Counterattack 反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Cover かばう |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and halves damage taken. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Deadly Assist 刹那の追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.25x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-30%. | ||
| Powerful Strike 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 90% of the damage of a basic attack. | ||
| Sharp Counter 強反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.2x damage. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| 4 | Almighty Blow 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 120% of the damage of a basic attack. | |
| Arts Support 2 ブーストアーツⅡ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.5x. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 3 ブーストアーツⅢ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.8x. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 2 クイックチャージⅡ |
Restores partner's EP by 200 after they use arts. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 3 クイックチャージⅢ |
Restores partner's EP by 400 after they use arts. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Curia 2 クイックキュリアⅡ |
Heals 20% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Thelas 2 クイックセラスⅡ |
Keeps partner alive with 20% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Tear 2 クイックティアⅡ |
Heals 40% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer 2 ライブリーエールⅡ |
Heals 15% of partner's HP and 30 CP when they are attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Fury 大激昂 |
Restores 75 of own CP when partner is attacked. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Lethal Assist 刹那の猛追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.5x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-45%. | ||
| Protective Wall 堅守 |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and reduces damage taken by 90%. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Super Counter 強反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.8x damage. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| Vengeance 猛反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.5x damage. 35% chance at Lv2 plus 5% for each additional level. | ||
| 5 | Rush 2 ラッシュⅡ |
Increases the range of Rush to all enemies. | All |
| Level | Name | Description | Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finishing Blow 止めの一撃 |
Follows assist attacks with a finishing blow if the foe can be defeated with 60% of the damage of a basic attack. | All |
| 2-4, 6 | Almighty Blow 究極の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 120% of the damage of a basic attack. | |
| Anger 激昂 |
Restores 50 of own CP when partner is attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Arts Support ブーストアーツ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.2x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 2 ブーストアーツⅡ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.5x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 3 ブーストアーツⅢ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.8x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 4 ブーストアーツⅣ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 2x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge クイックチャージ |
Restores partner's EP by 100 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 2 クイックチャージⅡ |
Restores partner's EP by 200 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 3 クイックチャージⅢ |
Restores partner's EP by 400 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 4 クイックチャージⅣ |
Restores partner's EP by 600 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Curia クイックキュリア |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Curia 2 クイックキュリアⅡ |
Heals 20% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Curia 3 クイックキュリアⅢ |
Heals 30% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Curia 4 クイックキュリアⅣ |
Heals 40% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Tear クイックティア |
Heals 20% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Tear 2 クイックティアⅡ |
Heals 40% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Thelas クイックセラス |
Keeps partner alive with 10% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Thelas 2 クイックセラスⅡ |
Keeps partner alive with 20% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Cheer ライブリーエール |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and 20 CP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer 2 ライブリーエールⅡ |
Heals 15% of partner's HP and 30 CP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Counterattack 反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Cover かばう |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and halves damage taken. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Deadly Assist 刹那の追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.25x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-30%. | ||
| Fury 大激昂 |
Restores 75 of own CP when partner is attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Lethal Assist 刹那の猛追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.5x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-45%. | ||
| Powerful Strike 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 90% of the damage of a basic attack. | ||
| Protective Wall 堅守 |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and reduces damage taken by 90%. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Sharp Counter 強反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.2x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Super Counter 超反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.8x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Vengeance 猛反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.5x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Ultimate Counter 極反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 2x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| 5 | Rush 2 ラッシュⅡ |
Increases the range of Rush to all enemies. | All |
| 7 | Burst 2 バーストⅡ |
Burst break damage bonus increases from +500% to +900%. | All |
| Level | Name | Description | Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finishing Blow 止めの一撃 |
Follows assist attacks with a finishing blow if the foe can be defeated with 60% of the damage of a basic attack. | All |
| 2-4, 6 | Almighty Blow 究極の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 120% of the damage of a basic attack. | |
| Anger 激昂 |
Restores 50 of own CP when partner is attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Arts Support ブーストアーツ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.2x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 2 ブーストアーツⅡ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.5x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 3 ブーストアーツⅢ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 1.8x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Arts Support 4 ブーストアーツⅣ |
Increases the power of partner's offensive arts by 2x. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge クイックチャージ |
Restores partner's EP by 100 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 2 クイックチャージⅡ |
Restores partner's EP by 200 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 3 クイックチャージⅢ |
Restores partner's EP by 400 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Charge 4 クイックチャージⅣ |
Restores partner's EP by 600 after they use arts. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Curia クイックキュリア |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Curia 2 クイックキュリアⅡ |
Heals 20% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Curia 3 クイックキュリアⅢ |
Heals 30% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Curia 4 クイックキュリアⅣ |
Heals 40% of partner's HP and cures status/stat down when they're attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Tear クイックティア |
Heals 20% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Tear 2 クイックティアⅡ |
Heals 40% of partner's HP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Auto-Thelas クイックセラス |
Keeps partner alive with 10% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Auto-Thelas 2 クイックセラスⅡ |
Keeps partner alive with 20% HP when they would be K.O.ed. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Cheer ライブリーエール |
Heals 10% of partner's HP and 20 CP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Cheer 2 ライブリーエールⅡ |
Heals 15% of partner's HP and 30 CP when they are attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Counterattack 反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Cover かばう |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and halves damage taken. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Deadly Assist 刹那の追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.25x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-30%. | ||
| Fury 大激昂 |
Restores 75 of own CP when partner is attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Lethal Assist 刹那の猛追撃 |
Assist attacks deal 1.5x damage and cause 3 turns of SPD-45%. | ||
| Powerful Strike 渾身の一撃 |
Increases finishing blow's power and activation frequency to trigger if the foe can be defeated with 90% of the damage of a basic attack. | ||
| Protective Wall 堅守 |
Takes damage in place of partner when they are attacked, and reduces damage taken by 90%. 12.5% chance at Lv2 plus 2.5% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Rage 超激昂 |
Restores 100 of own CP when partner is attacked. 15% chance at Lv2 plus 1% for each additional level, quadruple chance if partner is below 20% of their max HP. | ||
| Sharp Counter 強反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.2x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Super Counter 超反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.8x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Vengeance 猛反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 1.5x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| Ultimate Counter 極反撃 |
Counterattacks foe when partner is attacked. Deals 2x damage. 40% chance at Lv2 plus 2% for each additional level. | ||
| 5 | Rush 2 ラッシュⅡ |
Increases the range of Rush to all enemies. | All |
| 7 | Burst 2 バーストⅡ |
Burst break damage bonus increases from +500% to +900%. | All |
Link Abilities by Character[]
| Character | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Powerful Strike | Cover | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Cheer | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Arts Support | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Cover | Vengeance | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Auto-Charge | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Auto-Curia | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Arts Support | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Deadly Assist | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Protective Wall | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Cheer | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Auto-Charge | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Cover | Deadly Assist | Rush 2 | |
| Link Attack | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Powerful Strike | Rush 2 |
| Character | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 | Level 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerful Strike | Cover | Rush 2 | Almighty Blow | Overdrive 2 | |
| Cheer | Auto-Thelas | Rush 2 | Cheer 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Auto-Tear | Arts Support | Rush 2 | Auto-Tear 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Anger | Powerful Strike | Rush 2 | Fury | Overdrive 2 | |
| Auto-Charge | Anger | Rush 2 | Auto-Charge 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Auto-Curia | Auto-Charge | Rush 2 | Auto-Curia 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Arts Support | Anger | Rush 2 | Arts Support 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Deadly Assist | Counterattack | Rush 2 | Lethal Assist | Overdrive 2 | |
| Cover | Anger | Rush 2 | Protective Wall | Overdrive 2 | |
| Counterattack | Cheer | Rush 2 | Vengeance | Overdrive 2 | |
| Deadly Assist | Cover | Rush 2 | Lethal Assist | Overdrive 2 | |
| Auto-Tear | Auto-Charge | Rush 2 | Auto-Tear 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Arts Support | Auto-Thelas | Rush 2 | Arts Support 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Counterattack | Auto-Tear | Rush 2 | Vengeance | Overdrive 2 | |
| Auto-Curia | Deadly Assist | Rush 2 | Auto-Curia 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Powerful Strike | Counterattack | Rush 2 | Almighty Blow | Overdrive 2 | |
| Cheer | Arts Support | Rush 2 | Cheer 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Auto-Thelas | Cheer | Rush 2 | Auto-Thelas 2 | Overdrive 2 | |
| Cover | Powerful Strike | Rush 2 | Protective Wall | Overdrive 2 | |
| Deadly Assist | Anger | Rush 2 | Lethal Assist | Overdrive 2 |
| Character | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Powerful Strike | Protective Wall | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Cover | Cheer 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Deadly Assist | Vengeance | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Tear | Auto-Charge 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Auto-Curia | Auto-Thelas 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Arts Support | Fury | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Auto-Thelas | Cheer 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Arts Support | Auto-Tear 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Powerful Strike | Fury | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Anger | Auto-Charge 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Auto-Charge | Auto-Curia 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Anger | Arts Support 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Counterattack | Lethal Assist | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Anger | Protective Wall | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Cheer | Vengeance | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Cover | Lethal Assist | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Auto-Tear | Vengeance | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Counterattack | Fury | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Auto-Thelas | Arts Support 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Deadly Assist | Auto-Curia 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Arts Support 2 | Arts Support 3 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Powerful Strike | Counterattack | Almighty Blow | Rush 2 | |
| Powerful Strike | Sharp Counter | Vengeance | Super Counter | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Counterattack | Auto-Charge 2 | Rush 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Charge 2 | Auto-Charge 3 | Rush 2 |
| Character | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Powerful Strike | Protective Wall | Almighty Blow | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Cover | Cheer 2 | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Deadly Assist | Vengeance | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Tear | Auto-Charge 2 | Auto-Tear 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Auto-Curia | Auto-Thelas 2 | Auto-Curia 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Arts Support | Fury | Arts Support 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Auto-Thelas | Cheer 2 | Auto-Thelas 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Arts Support | Auto-Tear 2 | Arts Support 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Powerful Strike | Fury | Almighty Blow | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Anger | Auto-Charge 2 | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Auto-Charge | Auto-Curia 2 | Auto-Charge 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Anger | Arts Support 2 | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Counterattack | Lethal Assist | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Anger | Protective Wall | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Counterattack | Auto-Charge 2 | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Cover | Lethal Assist | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Auto-Curia 2 | Auto-Curia 3 | Auto-Curia 4 | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Powerful Strike | Lethal Assist | Almighty Blow | |
| Finishing Blow | Powerful Strike | Counterattack | Almighty Blow | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Deadly Assist | Auto-Curia 2 | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Counterattack | Cheer 2 | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Deadly Assist | Protective Wall | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Arts Support | Auto-Curia 2 | Arts Support 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Counterattack | Fury | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Counterattack | Auto-Charge 2 | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Powerful Strike | Cover | Almighty Blow | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Cheer | Auto-Thelas 2 | Cheer 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Auto-Thelas | Arts Support 2 | Auto-Thelas 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Anger | Vengeance | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Auto-Charge | Protective Wall | Auto-Charge 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Charge 2 | Auto-Charge 3 | Auto-Charge 4 | |
| Powerful Strike | Sharp Counter | Vengeance | Super Counter | Ultimate Counter | |
| Powerful Strike | Sharp Counter | Deadly Assist | Super Counter | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Arts Support | Auto-Thelas 2 | Arts Support 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Arts Support 2 | Arts Support 3 | Arts Support 4 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Cover | Fury | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Auto-Curia | Vengeance | Auto-Curia 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Deadly Assist | Auto-Curia 2 | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Powerful Strike | Vengeance | Almighty Blow |
| Character | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing Blow | Powerful Strike | Cover | Almighty Blow | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Cheer | Auto-Thelas 2 | Cheer 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Auto-Thelas | Arts Support 2 | Auto-Thelas 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Anger | Vengeance | Fury | |
| Noel | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Cheer | Vengeance | Cheer 2 |
| Wazy | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Auto-Thelas | Vengeance | Auto-Thelas 2 |
| Rixia | Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Anger | Lethal Assist | Fury |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Powerful Strike | Protective Wall | Almighty Blow | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Cover | Cheer 2 | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Deadly Assist | Vengeance | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Tear | Auto-Charge 2 | Auto-Tear 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Auto-Curia | Auto-Thelas 2 | Auto-Curia 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Arts Support | Fury | Arts Support 2 | |
| C | Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Auto-Charge | Vengeance | Auto-Charge 2 |
| Lapis | Finishing Blow | Cheer | Powerful Strike | Cheer 2 | Almighty Blow |
| Swin | Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Cover | Arts Support 2 | Protective Wall |
| Nadia | Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Auto-Thelas | Auto-Curia 2 | Auto-Thelas 2 |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Auto-Thelas | Cheer 2 | Auto-Thelas 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Arts Support | Auto-Tear 2 | Arts Support | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Powerful Strike | Fury | Almighty Blow | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Anger | Auto-Charge 2 | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Auto-Charge | Auto-Curia 2 | Auto-Charge 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Anger | Arts Support 2 | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Counterattack | Lethal Assist | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Anger | Protective Wall | Fury | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Cheer | Vengeance | Cheer 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Cover | Lethal Assist | Protective Wall | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Counterattack | Auto-Charge 2 | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Arts Support | Cheer 2 | Arts Support 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Powerful Strike | Counterattack | Almighty Blow | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Auto-Charge | Protective Wall | Auto-Charge 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Tear | Auto-Charge | Auto-Tear 2 | Auto-Charge 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Cheer | Auto-Thelas 2 | Cheer 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Arts Support 2 | Arts Support 3 | Arts Support 4 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Deadly Assist | Auto-Curia 2 | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Auto-Curia 2 | Auto-Curia 3 | Auto-Curia 4 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Charge 2 | Auto-Charge 3 | Auto-Charge 4 | |
| Powerful Strike | Sharp Counter | Vengeance | Super Counter | Ultimate Counter | |
| Powerful Strike | Sharp Counter | Deadly Assist | Super Counter | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Counterattack | Auto-Tear | Vengeance | Auto-Tear 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Auto-Charge 2 | Auto-Charge 3 | Auto-Charge 4 | |
| Finishing Blow | Cheer | Counterattack | Cheer 2 | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Cover | Deadly Assist | Protective Wall | Lethal Assist | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Curia | Arts Support | Auto-Curia 2 | Arts Support 2 | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Charge | Counterattack | Auto-Charge 2 | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Anger | Counterattack | Fury | Vengeance | |
| Finishing Blow | Auto-Thelas | Arts Support | Auto-Thelas 2 | Arts Support 2 | |
| Arios | Almighty Blow | Deadly Assist | Counterattack | Lethal Assist | Vengeance |
| Finishing Blow | Deadly Assist | Powerful Strike | Lethal Assist | Almighty Blow | |
| Finishing Blow | Arts Support | Arts Support 2 | Arts Support 3 | Arts Support 4 | |
| McBurn | Almighty Blow | Vengeance | Fury | Super Counter | Rage |
Trivia[]
- The link levels can be carried over to the 2nd playthrough in the games.
- Brave Points are essential to battles, especially with Mech Battles.
- Trails of Cold Steel II introduces link levels 6 and 7. The Combat Link System is also used in combination with Divine Knight battles and the Overdrive feature.
- From Trails of Cold Steel II onward, certain opponents with ARCUS are able to establish Combat Links.
Game Mechanics
| |
|---|---|
| Basic | Action Time Battle - Combat Mechanics - Craft - Experience - Fishing - Orbal art - Orbment - Septium - Status Effects - Zemurian Ore |
| Trails in the Sky FC, SC, and the 3rd |
Combat Mechanics - Status Effects | Chain Craft - Memory Doors - Monument - Recluse Cube - Remote Ability |
| Trails from Zero and to Azure |
Combat Mechanics - Status Effects | Battle Evaluation - Bonding - Burst - Combo Craft - Master Quartz - Support Craft |
| Trails of Cold Steel I and II |
Combat Mechanics - Status Effects | Combat Link - Weapon Types - EX Orb - Mech Battles - Overdrive - Reverie Corridor |
| Trails of Cold Steel III and IV |
Combat Mechanics - Status Effects | Brave Order - Break |
| Trails into Reverie |
Combat Mechanics - Status Effects | United Front - True Reverie Corridor |
| Trails through Daybreak, Daybreak II, and beyond the Horizon |
Combat Mechanics - Status Effects | SCLM - S-Boost - Holo Core - Arts Plugin - Grendel Battles - Action Mode - Shard Skill |