How to play the Kingdom Hearts games in chronological order - Your ultimate guide

How to play the Kingdom Hearts games in chronological order

If you’re a fan of the Kingdom Hearts series, you know that the storyline can be quite complex and convoluted. With its mix of Disney characters and original characters, time travel, and parallel dimensions, it can be challenging to figure out the proper order to play the games in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the chronological order of the Kingdom Hearts games, so you can experience the epic story in the way it was meant to be told.

Table Of Contents

The first game you’ll want to start with is Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. This game takes place before the events of the original Kingdom Hearts and introduces three new protagonists: Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. It sets up the groundwork for the series’ overarching plot and explains the origins of many important characters.

Next, you’ll want to move on to Kingdom Hearts, the game that started it all. This is where you’ll meet Sora, the main protagonist, as he embarks on his journey to save the Disney worlds from the forces of darkness. Kingdom Hearts is a classic Action RPG with a mixture of Disney and Final Fantasy elements.

Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories takes place immediately after the events of the first game and serves as a bridge to the next installment, Kingdom Hearts II. This game introduces a new card-based battle system and delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Sora and his friends.

After Chain of Memories, you’ll want to play Kingdom Hearts II, which picks up where the first game left off. This game features improved graphics, new worlds to explore, and an even more intense storyline. It’s a must-play for any Kingdom Hearts fan.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is a unique entry in the series as it follows the story of Organization XIII, a group of Nobodies (characters without hearts) who play a major role throughout the series. This game provides crucial backstory and sheds light on the events leading up to Kingdom Hearts II.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is a prequel to the entire series and provides more insight into the origins of key characters, including Sora, Riku, and Kairi. It features a new cast of protagonists and introduces important concepts that set the stage for future games.

Finally, you’ll want to play Kingdom Hearts III, the highly anticipated conclusion to the Dark Seeker Saga. This game ties up all the loose ends and brings the epic story full circle. It features stunning visuals, exhilarating gameplay, and a satisfying conclusion to the Kingdom Hearts saga.

Note: While the main games listed above cover the core storyline, there are several other Kingdom Hearts games and spin-offs that expand on the lore and provide additional backstory. These include titles like Kingdom Hearts: Days, Kingdom Hearts Coded, and Kingdom Hearts χ. While not essential to understanding the main plot, these games can enhance your overall Kingdom Hearts experience if you’re interested in diving deeper into the universe.

Ultimate guide: Playing the Kingdom Hearts games in chronological order

If you’re new to the Kingdom Hearts series or just want to experience the story in the correct order, it can be confusing to figure out where to start. With multiple games, spin-offs, and remasters, the timeline can be quite convoluted. However, with this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to play the Kingdom Hearts games in chronological order and fully immerse yourself in the story.

1. Kingdom Hearts: χ Back Cover

The first game in the chronological order is Kingdom Hearts: χ Back Cover. This cinematic experience dives into the history of the Keyblade War and the origins of the Foretellers.

2. Kingdom Hearts: χ

Next up, play Kingdom Hearts: χ, a mobile game that expands on the events of χ Back Cover. You’ll join a bustling Keyblade wielder community and uncover the secrets of the Keyblade War.

3. Kingdom Hearts: Union χ

After finishing χ, continue the story with Kingdom Hearts: Union χ. This mobile game follows the same protagonist as in χ but offers new story content and additional gameplay.

4. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

Now, it’s time to jump into the first full game in the series. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep takes place many years before the events of the original game. You’ll follow three new protagonists and witness the beginnings of the Keyblade War.

5. Kingdom Hearts

Next, play the original Kingdom Hearts. This game introduces Sora, the main protagonist, as he embarks on a journey to find his friends and save the worlds from darkness. You’ll encounter iconic Disney characters and memorable bosses throughout your adventure.

6. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

After finishing Kingdom Hearts, play Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. This game bridges the gap between Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II. Sora, Donald, and Goofy find themselves in a mysterious castle, where memories are manipulated and new enemies await.

7. Kingdom Hearts II

Continue the main storyline with Kingdom Hearts II. Set one year after the events of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, this game follows Sora’s journey as he explores new worlds and battles a powerful organization known as Organization XIII.

8. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

After Kingdom Hearts II, play Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. This game delves into the story of Roxas, a character introduced in Kingdom Hearts II, and his time in Organization XIII. The game provides insights into the events leading up to Kingdom Hearts II.

9. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: A Fragmentary Passage

Next, play Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep: A Fragmentary Passage. This short game serves as an epilogue to Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and sets the stage for Kingdom Hearts III.

10. Kingdom Hearts III

Finally, experience the epic conclusion to the Dark Seeker Saga with Kingdom Hearts III. Join Sora and his friends as they battle against the darkness and search for the missing Keyblade wielders.

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11. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory

While not a mainline entry, Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a music rhythm game that provides a recap of the entire Kingdom Hearts series. Play this game to relive the iconic music and key moments from the previous games.

By following this chronological order, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Kingdom Hearts story. Keep in mind that this guide doesn’t cover all the spin-off games and remasters, but it offers the core experience in the correct timeline. Enjoy your journey through the magical world of Kingdom Hearts!

Guide 1: Kingdom Hearts Dark Road - Discover the beginning of the story

Welcome to the first guide in our series on how to play the Kingdom Hearts games in chronological order! In this guide, we will explore Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, which takes place at the very beginning of the story.

Kingdom Hearts Dark Road is a mobile game that focuses on the story of young Xehanort, a key character in the Kingdom Hearts series. It reveals the events that led to his transformation into the main antagonist of the series.

To play Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, you will need a compatible iOS or Android device. The game is free to download and play, but it also offers in-app purchases for additional content.

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In Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, you will:

Explore the world of Scala ad Caelum and other familiar Kingdom Hearts locations.
Battle Heartless and other enemies in real-time combat.
Collect and upgrade cards to strengthen your deck and abilities.
Unlock new story chapters and learn more about Xehanort’s past.

As you progress through the game’s story, you will uncover Xehanort’s motivations and the events that shaped him into the complex and fascinating character we see in the main Kingdom Hearts games.

Tips for playing Kingdom Hearts Dark Road:

Take your time to explore the game’s environments and interact with NPCs to uncover additional story details.
Experiment with different card combinations to find the most effective strategies in combat.
Complete daily quests and challenges to earn rewards and enhance your character.
Stay connected to the game’s community to receive updates and participate in special events.

By playing Kingdom Hearts Dark Road, you will gain valuable insight into the origins of the Kingdom Hearts universe and deepen your understanding of its complex narrative. So, grab your Keyblade and embark on this exciting journey into the past!

Guide 2: Kingdom Hearts III - Continue the epic saga

Welcome to Guide 2 of our ultimate Kingdom Hearts chronological playthrough! In this guide, we will cover Kingdom Hearts III, the highly anticipated and epic conclusion to the Kingdom Hearts saga. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with heartwarming friendships, thrilling battles, and uncovering the truth behind the Keyblade War.

Story Overview

Kingdom Hearts III picks up after the events of Dream Drop Distance and follows the adventures of Sora, the main protagonist, as he sets out on a quest to gather the Power of Waking and save his friends from the clutches of the evil Organization XIII. Along the way, Sora visits various Disney and Pixar worlds, teams up with iconic characters, and faces off against powerful enemies.

Gameplay

In Kingdom Hearts III, players will once again experience the unique blend of action-packed combat and exploration. Sora can wield different Keyblades, each with its own abilities and transformations. Additionally, the game introduces new mechanics like Attraction Flow, which allows Sora to summon Disney theme park rides for devastating attacks.

The combat system has been refined, offering fast-paced battles with flashy combo moves, team attacks, and magic spells. Players can also team up with Disney and Final Fantasy characters, known as “Links,” to unleash powerful joint attacks. It’s important to master these mechanics to overcome the challenging bosses and heartless enemies scattered throughout the game.

Key Features

Kingdom Hearts III boasts several key features that make it a must-play for fans of the series:

Disney and Pixar Worlds: Explore beautifully recreated Disney and Pixar worlds, including Toy Story, Big Hero 6, Tangled, Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more. Each world offers unique gameplay mechanics and memorable encounters with beloved characters.
Gorgeous Visuals: Kingdom Hearts III features stunning visuals, bringing the Disney and Pixar worlds to life with vibrant colors and detailed environments.
Emotional Storytelling: Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as the game dives deeper into the bonds between characters and tackles complex themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of heart.
Expansive Open-world: Traverse the vast and interconnected worlds using the Gummi Ship, which allows players to engage in space battles and explore hidden treasures.
Post-game Content: After completing the main story, players can engage in additional quests, challenges, and secret boss battles to further test their skills.

Conclusion

Kingdom Hearts III is a must-play for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers. With its captivating story, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals, it offers an unforgettable experience that will leave players eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Stay tuned for our next guide, where we will explore the future of the Kingdom Hearts saga with Kingdom Hearts IV: The Next Chapter!

Guide 3: Kingdom Hearts IV and Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link - Uncover the future of the series

In this third and final guide, we will explore the future of the Kingdom Hearts series with Kingdom Hearts IV and Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link. These two upcoming games are highly anticipated by fans and will continue the epic storyline of the series. Here is everything you need to know:

Kingdom Hearts IV

Kingdom Hearts IV is the next main installment in the Kingdom Hearts series and will serve as the conclusion of the Dark Seeker Saga. The game will continue the story from Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, following Sora and his friends as they face new challenges and mysteries.

As of now, there is limited information available about Kingdom Hearts IV. The game is still in development, and Square Enix has not announced a release date. However, fans can expect the signature blend of action-packed gameplay, emotional storytelling, and beloved Disney and Final Fantasy characters that the series is known for.

Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link

Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link is an upcoming spin-off game that will bridge the gap between Kingdom Hearts III and Kingdom Hearts IV. The game will focus on the character of Kairi and her journey to find Sora, who has mysteriously disappeared.

In Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link, players will take control of Kairi and explore new worlds, encounter familiar and new characters, and uncover the secrets behind Sora’s disappearance. The game will also feature gameplay mechanics unique to Kairi, adding a fresh twist to the traditional Kingdom Hearts gameplay.

Like Kingdom Hearts IV, Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link is still in development, and Square Enix has not announced a release date. However, the game promises to provide crucial story elements that will set the stage for the events of Kingdom Hearts IV.

Conclusion

With Kingdom Hearts IV and Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link, the future of the Kingdom Hearts series looks promising. Fans can look forward to an epic conclusion to the Dark Seeker Saga in Kingdom Hearts IV, as well as an exciting spin-off adventure in Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link.

As always, stay tuned for updates from Square Enix regarding release dates and other details about these highly anticipated games. The world of Kingdom Hearts continues to expand, and the journey is far from over.

Thank you for joining us on this ultimate guide to playing the Kingdom Hearts games in chronological order. We hope you have enjoyed the series and are as excited as we are for the future of the franchise.

FAQ:

What is the correct order to play the Kingdom Hearts games?

The correct order to play the Kingdom Hearts games is: Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts 2, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage, Kingdom Hearts 3.

Is it necessary to play all the Kingdom Hearts games in order?

No, it is not necessary to play all the Kingdom Hearts games in order to understand the story. However, playing the games in chronological order will give you a better understanding of the overall plot and character development.

Which console do I need to play the Kingdom Hearts games?

The Kingdom Hearts games are available on various consoles, including PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. You will need to have the appropriate console to play the specific game.

How long does it take to complete all the Kingdom Hearts games?

The time it takes to complete all the Kingdom Hearts games will vary depending on the individual player and their play style. On average, it can take anywhere from 100 to 200+ hours to complete all the games in the series.

Are the Kingdom Hearts games suitable for children?

The Kingdom Hearts games are generally suitable for children, but there may be some content that is more appropriate for older players. The games are rated E for Everyone or E10+ for Everyone 10 and older, so parents should use their judgment to determine if the games are suitable for their child.