Trails Series’ final title will be announced during Nihon Falcom’s 50th anniversary in 2031. Check out the studio’s plans with the fantasy RPG franchise and upcoming projects for its other series.
Trails Series Last Entry and Falcom’s 45th Anniversary
Final Trails Game To Be Announced in 2031
The Trails series is set to unveil its final entry in 2031 to coincide with Nihon Falcom’s 50th anniversary. During a March 11 interview with Famitsu, Falcom President and Producer Toshihiro Kondo shared the studio’s roadmap for the coming years.
According to Kondo, the studio plans to release the final title of the storied sci-fi fantasy RPG to mark its 50th-anniversary milestone and conclude the entire saga in the company's 51st year. He stated that the team has already completed the narrative for the upcoming Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter and has established the series' conclusion
"And even more so, we have an idea of what the protagonist will be, so right now we’re just waiting on the green light to go full steam ahead," Kondo said. He added that before finalizing the story's ending, the team felt the need to reflect on their origins and find their resolve, which ultimately led to the decision to remake Trails in the Sky.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Development Progressing Fairly Quickly
As part of Falcom’s 45th anniversary this year, the studio is set to launch the remake of the second title in Estelle and Joshua’s arc in the Trails series, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter (SC), sometime in the fall. Kondo noted that development is progressing rapidly, revealing that the project was already underway well before its official announcement.
Although the first remake helped refine their approach, Falcom’s president noted that SC remains a demanding project due to its density. "Currently, we’re still working on bringing the voice elements together and are about to transition to doing a full QA, so I can't help but feel a little anxious," he stated.
Much like the first chapter, the team kept SC’s narrative intact but added a few new quests and events to delve deeper into the game’s world and story. In terms of gameplay, Kondo noted that there haven’t been any significant changes, but rather improvements based on the first chapter. This includes Brave Attacks, Arts and S-crafts, and more varied enemies.
The producer also revealed that the series’ iconic opening theme, "Silver Will, Golden Wings," has been re-recorded for the SC remake. Acknowledging the track's status as a fan favorite, Kondo admitted to feeling anxious during production but praised the artists for successfully capturing its original essence.
Kyoto Xanadu, New Ys Game, and More
With the Trails series reaching its final stages, Falcom sets up a new pillar for the company with its upcoming title, Kyoto Xanadu. Developed primarily by a new team, the game shifts to a 2D side-scrolling action system inspired by the "classic Falcom" style, including titles such as Xanadu (1985), Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (1989), and others.
While Kondo originally suggested an overseas setting, the team opted for Kyoto to capture a symbolic Japanese atmosphere for this summer release. Despite internal and external debate over the new 2D direction, the producer expressed confidence in the project's quality.
Following the precedent set by Tokyo Xanadu, the team is exploring ways to bring the game's music to the real world. While the previous title featured a live version of the in-game idol group SPiKA, Kyoto Xanadu will focus on leveraging the unique character of the virtual singer LinoN.
The Falcom president also shared their current plans for the Ys franchise, revealing that they are planning to begin its full-scale development this spring. While the story remains under wraps, Kondo teased that the series protagonist, Adol Christin, will likely be the oldest he has ever been, placing him beyond his 24-year-old self from Ys IX: Monstrum Nox.
The Ys series has been ongoing since its first game, Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished, was released in 1987. Its latest entry, Ys X: Proud Nordics, took players across the seas into the northern islands of Obelia Gulf.
Finally, Falcom teased that a new Dragon Slayer project is in the works but remained tight-lipped about any details regarding the title. The first Dragon Slayer was launched in 1984, which became the catalyst for Falcom’s other series, like Xanadu and The Legend of Heroes.
Falcom’s 45th anniversary proves to be an eventful one, with the latest updates to several series and titles of the company. Although the studio has already mapped out its immediate future, the developers are currently focused on delivering Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter this year.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is set to be released in Fall 2026 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. To stay up-to-date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below.
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Special feature on the 45th anniversary of the founding of Nippon Falcom!
