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Play Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc first, followed by Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. Spike Chunsoft identifies Trigger Happy Havoc as the first game in the series, making that the clear choice if you want to follow the publisher’s stated order.

Which Danganronpa game comes first?

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is the series’ first game. Spike Chunsoft says it was originally released for PSP in Japan on November 25, 2010. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is the second game, so the recommended order is:

  1. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
  2. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

This is a series-order recommendation, not a claim that one game is better. The available publisher information establishes the intended sequence; it does not determine which game an individual player will prefer.

What about Danganronpa 2×2?

Spike Chunsoft announced Danganronpa 2×2 for release in North America and Europe on January 14, 2027. The game includes a refreshed version of the original Goodbye Despair scenario as well as a separate new scenario based on it. The new scenario has a different storyline; it is not the original game’s plot.

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#1 Best Overall
Danganronpa 2x2 - Nintendo Switch
  • This latest installment features an all-new storyline built on the foundation of "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair". The original setting and cast of characters are back, but a single incident leads to an entirely new set of victims, culprits, and tricks.
  • The new scenario offers the same volume of content as the original, delivering a complete and immersive experience.
  • Also included is the original "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" scenario, adapted to modern platforms with updated visuals and refined presentation.

If you are choosing an edition, keep that distinction in mind: the refreshed original scenario is the relevant option for experiencing Danganronpa 2 in the established series order. The separate new scenario is additional content, not a replacement name for the original story. Spike Chunsoft’s announcement lists physical standard editions for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5. Check current retailer and platform listings for availability details.

Does personal preference change the order?

You may have your own preference about which game sounds more appealing, but the publisher’s stated series order remains Trigger Happy Havoc first, then Goodbye Despair. The available announcement does not establish a factual ranking of the games’ tone, pacing, difficulty, or story quality, so those are not reliable grounds here for reversing the recommended order.

Rank #2
Danganronpa Trilogy (PS4)
  • About Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc: Enter Hope's Peak Academy, a prestigious high school reserved for the nation's "ultimate" students. Things take a twisted turn when Monokuma, a maniacal bear, takes them all prisoner in his deadly game of despair
  • About Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair: With a brand new cast of Ultimates mysteriously trapped on Jabberwock Island in their own life-or-death game, having fun in the sun with this twisted teddy requires more than just a bit of wit to survive
  • About Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony: Set in a "psycho-cool" environment, a new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stake, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases, and condemn your new friends to death

Source: Spike Chunsoft’s September 9, 2026 announcement of Danganronpa 2×2.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
SaleBestseller No. 3
Danganronpa Decadence - Nintendo Switch
Danganronpa Decadence - Nintendo Switch
Includes English text and Japanese and English audio.
$49.47
Rank #4
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair - PlayStation Vita
  • Deadly Island Vibes: As your fellow classmates start dropping like coconuts, you'll need to delve into each murderous incident, forage for clues, and interview your classmates to reveal the opportunity, motive, and means behind each killer case!
  • All New Minigames!: You'll go head-to-head in all new minigames with the other students during the Class Trial, shooting down their false truths and using your evidence to uncover what really happened.
  • Survival of the Keenest: Match up your evidence with your fellow classmates' arguments and determine who's really telling the truth.
Rank #3
Sale
Danganronpa Decadence - Nintendo Switch
  • In danganronpa 1, 2, and V3, you and Your classmates must participate in a Killing game; The only way to survive is to correctly identify the killer during the class trial, and be the last One standing!
  • Each game comes with a gallery feature that allows you to view event illustrations, scenes, and listen to voiced dialogue!
  • Includes danganronpa S: ultimate summer camp, the 10th anniversary title That's an expanded version of the ultimate talent development plan bonus content from danganronpa V3!
  • Includes English text and Japanese and English audio.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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