Nihon Falcom faces an unusual challenge for any game studio. The Legend of Heroes: Trails series delivered over 16 interconnected JRPG masterpieces across two decades, building one of gaming’s most intricate fictional worlds. Now president Toshihiro Kondo openly discusses wrapping up Trails while preparing multiple new franchises to carry Falcom forward.
Trails Series Nears Its Endgame
President Kondo recently confirmed Trails sits 80-90% complete through its four major story arcs. While individual games continue releasing, massive saga-length arcs like Trails of Cold Steel belong to the past. The series won’t reach 30-year or 40-year anniversaries, signaling Falcom’s awareness that even legendary stories must conclude.
This planned finale creates urgency around current releases. Trails Beyond the Horizon launched to critical acclaim this month, marking the Calvard arc’s continuation after Trails through Daybreak 2. Falcom simultaneously remakes foundational titles to onboard new players before the saga’s conclusion, starting with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter and continuing with 2nd Chapter in fall 2026.
2026 Roadmap Packed with Variety
Falcom’s latest business strategy reveals an aggressive 2026 schedule balancing legacy support with new ventures. Confirmed releases include:
- Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter – Full remake launching fall 2026 on PS5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC with simultaneous global release
- New Title (TBA) – Fresh IP targeting mid-2026 window
- Ported Title (TBA) – Major existing game receiving multi-platform upgrade
- Title C – Tokyo Xanadu series sequel in active development
Beyond these commitments, unannounced mainline Trails and Ys entries remain in production. Falcom specifically calls out Switch 2 support with dedicated ports alongside self-publishing expansion across modern platforms.
Why Falcom Must Evolve Beyond Trails
Two decades working exclusively on interconnected Trails narratives created internal challenges. Veteran developers grew comfortable with established systems but risked creative stagnation. Younger staff particularly needed opportunities to tackle fresh concepts rather than perpetual saga maintenance.
Kondo emphasizes nurturing new talent through parallel projects. Multiple new IPs currently develop “in the background,” allowing promising creators to build skills that eventually strengthen core franchises. This dual-track approach mirrors larger publishers while maintaining Falcom’s focused studio culture.
Remakes Serve Strategic Purpose
The Trails in the Sky remake campaign addresses declining player retention from the series’ sprawling requirements. Newcomers face intimidation jumping into a saga demanding 200+ hours across multiple platforms. Modernized Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter delivered gorgeous visuals and quality-of-life upgrades that reignited Western interest.
Success directly influences future remakes. Kondo awaits sales data before committing to Trails in the Sky 3rd and Liberl arc sequels, though 2nd Chapter’s fall 2026 launch proceeds regardless. These efforts combat Trails’ growing “niche” reputation while buying time for new IPs to mature.
| Project | Platform | Release Window | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter | PS5, Switch 2, PC | Fall 2026 | Confirmed remake |
| New Title (TBA) | Multi-platform | Mid 2026 | New IP |
| Ported Title (TBA) | TBA | 2026 | Major upgrade |
| Title C (Tokyo Xanadu) | TBA | In development | Sequel confirmed |
| Unannounced Trails | TBA | Production | Mainline entry |
| Unannounced Ys | TBA | Production | Mainline entry |
Self-Publishing Revolution
Falcom aggressively pursues global self-publishing after years of regional publisher dependency. The Trails in the Sky remake success proved Western audiences embrace Falcom’s vision without localization compromises. Simultaneous Japanese/English releases become standard starting with 2026 titles.
Switch 2 represents particular focus alongside PS5 and PC. Falcom specifically develops dedicated Switch 2 ports rather than backward compatibility versions, signaling confidence in Nintendo’s new hardware. This multi-platform strategy dramatically expands beyond traditional JRPG audience strongholds.
Ys Continues Reliable Cadence
While Trails winds down, Ys maintains Falcom’s action-RPG tradition. The series enjoys broader appeal through accessible combat and shorter playtimes compared to Trails’ narrative marathons. Unannounced mainline Ys development continues alongside new IPs, ensuring Falcom never lacks flagship action titles.
Recent Ys X: Nordics enhanced the series formula with ship combat and dual protagonists. Future entries likely iterate on these successes while incorporating lessons from parallel projects. Ys provides creative breathing room as Trails concludes its epic journey.
FAQs
Is the Trails series actually ending?
Yes, but not immediately. President Kondo states Trails sits 80-90% complete. Individual games continue through current arcs, though massive saga-length entries like Cold Steel won’t return. The finale timeline remains flexible but won’t reach 30-year anniversary.
What Trails games come in 2026?
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter remake launches fall 2026 on PS5, Switch 2, PC with simultaneous global release. Unannounced mainline Trails also enters production, though release timing remains unclear.
Will Falcom remake more Trails in the Sky games?
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter success determines future remakes. 2nd Chapter proceeds regardless, but 3rd and Liberl sequels await sales performance. The remake strategy combats declining player retention from the series’ complexity.
What new IPs does Falcom develop?
Multiple new titles currently work “in the background.” One confirmed new IP targets mid-2026 alongside Tokyo Xanadu sequel (Title C). These projects nurture younger developers while Trails concludes.
Does Falcom support Nintendo Switch 2?
Strongly. Falcom develops dedicated Switch 2 ports and commits to self-publishing major releases. Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter specifically lists Switch 2 alongside PS5 and PC.
Can newcomers start Trails series now?
Yes. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter remake offers the perfect modern entry point. Trails Beyond the Horizon continues Calvard arc accessibility. Falcom prioritizes onboarding before saga conclusion.
What about Ys games in 2026?
Unannounced mainline Ys enters production alongside new IPs. The series maintains reliable release cadence while Trails focuses on finale and remakes.
Falcom’s Next Chapter Begins
Nihon Falcom enters uncharted territory after two decades defined by Trails. The studio balances saga conclusion with aggressive expansion into new IPs, platforms, and self-publishing. 2026 delivers concrete proof through remakes, sequels, and mysteries that prove Falcom thinks far beyond Zemuria.
Risk accompanies evolution. Trails’ conclusion carries emotional weight for dedicated fans, while new IPs face proving Falcom’s magic translates beyond established worlds. Yet Kondo’s steady leadership, combined with recent commercial successes, positions the studio strongly.
Expect Falcom’s 2026 output to reshape JRPG expectations. Simultaneous global releases, Switch 2 dominance, and fresh franchises signal a studio comfortable ending one era to properly begin the next. Trails may conclude, but Falcom clearly plans many chapters ahead.