Combat link

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 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".

### 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.

 *Cold Steel III* | 15
 *Cold Steel IV* | 10
 *Reverie* | 50

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).

## 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

* Cold Steel
* Cold Steel II
* Cold Steel III
* Cold Steel IV
* Reverie

*Trails of Cold Steel*

*Trails of Cold Steel II*

*Trails of Cold Steel III*

 **5** | **Rush 2**ラッシュⅡ

*Trails of Cold Steel IV*

*Trails into Reverie*

### Link Abilities by Character

* Cold Steel
* Cold Steel II
* Cold Steel III
* Cold Steel IV
* Reverie

*Trails of Cold Steel*

*Trails of Cold Steel II*

*Trails of Cold Steel III*

*Trails of Cold Steel IV*

*Trails into Reverie*

## 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.