In recent years, problems regarding atmospheric instability have greatly burdened the Hyland Kingdom, affecting the quality of crops and the citizens' health across the region. One day, the people of Guriel discover an eerie cloud of mist hovering over their town; its severity captures the attention of royal princess Alisha Diphda.

She sends her subordinate Crem to investigate the situation, but receives no news from her for two weeks. Worried for Crem's safety, Alisha departs for Guriel herself with her attendants in tow. What awaits them there, however, is an issue of unprecedented scale.

Tales of Zestiria the Cross: Saiyaku no Jidai is an animated television series adaptation of the Japanese role-playing game, Tales of Zestiria, which is the fifteenth main entry in the Tales series. The game was developed by Bandai Namco Studios and tri-Crescendo, and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It was released in January 2015 in Japan on the Playstation 3, and the Playstation 4 version was subsequently released in July 2016 in Japan.