The AT (Active Time) Battle System, a staple of the Trails series, is a deceptively simple system that centers around turn orders.
The AT bar, which indicates turn order, can impart additional AT bonuses on specified turns. These bonuses range from HP recovery to Team Rush attacks, in which you and your allies strike at the same time, inflicting massive damage.
AT bonuses are triggered by allies and enemies alike, so keep an eye on the AT bar in the upper-left corner of the screen to maximize AT bonuses to your advantage!
If you press the attack button while on the field map, your lead character will perform an attack. Striking an enemy with one of these field attacks will stun them, and if you engage a stunned enemy, you'll receive potent combat bonuses.
However, keep in mind that enemies can also gain these bonuses if they ambush you. The same battle can play out very differently depending on how it starts!
If your level is significantly higher than an enemy's, you can even defeat them instantly by hitting them with a field attack—no battle required!
(Coming into contact with an enemy will lead to a normal battle)
Burst can be activated for a set number of turns when the Burst Gauge in the upper-right corner of the screen is at maximum.
(Going too many turns without activating Burst will cause the gauge to decrease. Furthermore, all four party members must be able to act in order to activate Burst.)
Activating Burst grants a number of advantages, such as speeding up your party's turn orders, healing status ailments, and disabling cast times for arts.
(When under the effects of Burst, the gauge is consumed with every action, allowing you to act continuously until the gauge reaches 0.)
Use this new mechanic to help Lloyd and the team overcome their foes!