Should I bench Marle for Magus in Chrono Trigger to keep dual techs?

[AveryQA]

I just got a copy of Chrono Trigger for my SNES, but I’m stuck trying to decide who to take into my final party. I’ve always used Crono, Marle, and Lucca for the story, but I keep hearing that Magus is a powerhouse for that last battle. I’m worried I’ll miss out on some cool dual techs if I bench Marle, though.

[Zoey68]

I usually roll Crono, Marle, and Lucca for the story beats, then test the last slot. The final stretch feels more manageable when you have a strong spell caster in the mix, but it doesn't erase the early moments with Marle. I still loved those scenes and the sense of companionship even with a different lineup.

[Nathan8]

If you’re thinking about Magus, he does bring a lot of raw magic power for the Lavos stretch. He can swing the final fights hard, and you still have plenty of support options earlier in the game. I found it felt like trading some early utility for a bigger punch at the end.

[James.D]

I tried benching Marle once and kept feeling the healing gaps. It wasn’t catastrophic, but the team felt a little shakier in the mid game and I kept reloading.

[Kyle21]

Are you sure the problem is the party, or maybe you’re just chasing an easier ending or the nostalgia of a certain setup?