Chrono Cross: The Unseen Path – What Happens When You Don’t Save Kid?

So, you’re facing that pivotal moment in Chrono Cross, the one that has players agonizing over their choices for decades: do you save Kid, or let fate run its course? The ramifications of this single decision ripple through the rest of the game, altering your party composition, unveiling different locations, and ultimately shaping your overall experience. Choosing not to save Kid dramatically changes the course of your adventure in the world of El Nido. Let’s delve into the details.

The Road Not Taken: Kid’s Fate and Your Party’s Destiny

Choosing not to save Kid leads you down a branching path. Instead of rushing to her aid, you’ll witness her succumb to the Hydra poison. While seemingly devastating, this decision opens up exclusive content that’s unavailable if you intervene.

Here’s what unfolds:

• New Party Members: Instead of having Kid in your party immediately, you gain access to three unique characters. These include:

  • Doc: A white-innate character, Doc provides valuable healing and support. While often considered less powerful than other healers, he fills a necessary role.
  • Macha: A red-innate bruiser, Macha is a solid physical attacker.
  • Glenn: The most sought-after consequence of this choice, Glenn is a green-innate swordsman with a strong connection to Chrono Trigger and the legacy of Frog. He is a valuable asset to any team with excellent physical attack and great techs. He is highly sought after by many players.

• Altered Story Progression: The questline shifts significantly. You won’t be rescuing Kid from the Viper Manor and searching for the antidote. Instead, your focus will shift elsewhere, affecting the locations you visit and the bosses you encounter. You’ll basically skip saving Kid in Viper Manor (and anything in the Pirate Ship after it).

• Exclusive Content: You’ll gain access to areas and events that are completely inaccessible if you choose to save Kid. This includes specific dialogue, side quests, and insights into the world of El Nido.

• The Long-Term Outcome: Regardless of your initial choice, Kid ultimately survives. The paths converge later in the game, and she rejoins your party. Your early choice primarily affects when and how she joins, not if she joins.

• Boss Encounters: Prepare for new boss encounters along this alternate route, replacing the battles you would face while trying to save Kid.

• Story Perspective: From a story perspective, saving Kid does seem like the more obvious choice. However, opting not to save her is valid, showing that you can still continue with your adventure.

• Glenn’s Availability: If you chose to save Kid on your first playthrough, you will not get Glenn. You can obtain him only by using the Chrono Cross to call the characters you unlocked in another playthrough.

Weighing Your Options: Save Kid or Forge a New Path?

Ultimately, the decision to save Kid or not comes down to personal preference. Do you prioritize story cohesion and immediate access to a key character? Or are you willing to sacrifice that for exclusive content, new party members, and a different gameplay experience? There’s no right or wrong answer; both paths offer compelling reasons to choose them. However, many suggest saving Kid on your first play, then going back and choosing not to save her on your next one.

Now, let’s explore some common questions surrounding this crucial decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get both Glenn and Kid in the same playthrough of Chrono Cross?

No, not in the same playthrough. If you save Kid initially, you must play through again via New Game+ and choose not to save her to recruit Glenn. You can use the Chrono Cross to get him in a playthrough where you save Kid once you’ve unlocked him.

2. Is Glenn a better character than Kid?

That’s subjective and depends on your play style. Glenn is a powerful physical attacker and a great choice if you like physical attacks, while Kid is more versatile with thievery and magic. Many consider her to be the best thief in the game. Both are strong additions to your party.

3. Will choosing not to save Kid lock me out of any essential story content?

No. While the paths diverge, they ultimately converge. You won’t miss any critical story elements, although you will experience them in a different order and with different context.

4. If I don’t save Kid, do I miss out on stealing the Moonglasses from Fargo?

If you plan on stealing Moonglasses from Fargo, then make sure you get Kid back before you fight Harle in the Pirate Ship.

5. Is Doc a worthwhile party member if I choose not to save Kid?

Doc is a decent white-innate healer. While he might not be the strongest healer in the game, he is reliable and fills a necessary role in your party if you need one.

6. Does choosing not to save Kid affect the ending I get?

Not directly. The ending you receive is primarily determined by your actions towards the very end of the game, particularly your use of the Chrono Cross. Your choice regarding Kid only influences the path you take to get there.

7. Can I change my mind after initially choosing not to save Kid?

No. Once you make the decision, you’re locked onto that path for the remainder of that playthrough.

8. What are the unique bosses I’ll encounter if I don’t save Kid?

You’ll face bosses specific to the questline associated with searching for a cure independently and dealing with the aftermath of Kid’s poisoning. These bosses are different from those you encounter when actively trying to save her.

9. Is Macha a good replacement for Kid in combat?

Macha is a solid physical attacker, providing brute strength when Kid might offer more balanced capabilities. She can be a powerful replacement, but they fill slightly different roles in combat.

10. How does choosing not to save Kid affect the overall difficulty of the game?

The difficulty may shift slightly due to the change in party composition and the bosses you encounter. Some players find the alternate path easier, while others find it more challenging. The best way to determine the changes in difficulty are by playing both versions!

11. Are there any other significant characters I might miss if I don’t save Kid?

No. All recruitable characters are ultimately available regardless of your choice regarding Kid, although the timing of their recruitment may differ.

12. If you save Kid, can you get Glenn in a New Game+?

No, you must choose not to save Kid in order to get Glenn.

13. Is it better to save Kid, or not save Kid?

It depends! In the end, both routes have the same outcome: Kid will survive and eventually join your party again. The main differences lie in the characters you’ll recruit, the bosses you’ll face, and the places you’ll explore. Many suggest to save her on your first playthrough!

14. Who saved Kid from poison Chrono Cross?

Norris saves Kid. This is seen in one of the alternate endings.

15. What exactly is GamesLearningSociety.org?

The Games Learning Society is a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. You can learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They advocate for the use of games in educational settings.

Conclusion

The choice to save Kid or not is a defining moment in Chrono Cross. It’s a decision that highlights the game’s branching narrative and rewards players willing to explore different paths. Whether you prioritize the main storyline or seek out hidden content and new characters, Chrono Cross offers a compelling experience regardless of your choice. So, embrace the uncertainty, trust your instincts, and embark on the path less traveled – you might just discover something extraordinary.