Trails boss: 'Just start with whichever title catches your interest'

The Trails series has been running for decades and, across 13 JRPGs, newcomers now face an investment of around 1,000 hours to see the full story. Toshihiro Kondo, producer and president of Nihon Falcom, says players can start pretty much wherever they want, which is technically true if, say, you're also willing to start One Piece when the series is 1,155 episodes deep.

"Where to start with Trails is one of the top five questions I get asked when I go on overseas business trips," Kondo said. "I think it's fine to just start with whichever title catches your interest," he added, before offering a more measured suggestion. The series' lore and world‑building deepen with each entry, and that time investment is a big part of its appeal.

trails series, jrpgs, toshihiro kondo, nihon falcom, 1000 hours, one piece, lore, world-building, newcomers, series entry