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Start with KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX in KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, then follow the entries in the collections through KINGDOM HEARTS III. For the clearest first playthrough, don’t treat any story entry as definitively skippable: Square Enix identifies which items are games, cutscene compilations, or a movie, but does not publish a complete beginner skip list.
What to play first: a practical beginner order
This order follows the way Square Enix groups the series’ Dark Seeker Saga in its collections. It is a practical route, not a publisher-mandated sequence.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-Ojve+89L._SL160_.jpg)
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KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51RqOuv+TBL._SL160_.jpg)
|
KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded | $64.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX — Start here, in KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX.
- Re:Chain of Memories — The next story entry in the collection.
- KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX — Continue after Re:Chain of Memories.
- 358/2 Days — Watch the HD cutscene compilation included in 1.5+2.5; it is not the original full playable game.
- Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX — The next playable entry in the collection.
- Re:coded — Watch its HD cutscene compilation in 1.5+2.5 rather than expecting a full playable remaster.
- Dream Drop Distance HD — Begin KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue with this full-HD remaster.
- χ Back Cover — Watch the HD movie included in 2.8.
- 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – — Play this short episode, which Square Enix describes as linking to KINGDOM HEARTS III.
- KINGDOM HEARTS III — Continue the saga with the base game.
- Re Mind — Add this chapter if you want another side of the tale that unfolds during III’s climax.
What you can skip—and what the evidence actually supports
There is no definitive skip list in Square Enix’s official collection descriptions. They lay out the included entries and formats, but do not say which story chapters a beginner can omit without missing important context. If following the whole saga is your goal, use the order above. If you need to save time, the most convenient entries to defer are the two included video compilations, but that is a time-management choice—not a claim that their stories are dispensable.
Video presentations are not full playable games
- 358/2 Days and Re:coded appear in 1.5+2.5 as HD cutscene compilations.
- χ Back Cover is an HD movie in 2.8.
These formats let you follow the collection’s story material without playing those entries as full remasters. They are still part of the packaged saga’s contents.
#1 Best Overall
- KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- A value packed bundle featuring three collections: KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC).
- This product is also included in other bundle sets. Please ensure you do not purchase the same content more than once.
- Platform-exclusive Keyblade "Long Night" included with purchase!
- GAME-KEY CARD. 128 GB – Full game download via internet required.
What each collection includes
| Collection | Included story material | Format notes |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX; Re:Chain of Memories; KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX; 358/2 Days; Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX; Re:coded | 358/2 Days and Re:coded are HD cutscene compilations; the other listed entries are games. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD; χ Back Cover; 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – | Dream Drop Distance HD is a full-HD remaster; χ Back Cover is an HD movie; 0.2 is a short episode linking to III. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind | KINGDOM HEARTS III and the additional Re Mind chapter | Re Mind adds another side of the story during III’s climax. |
Which version should you buy?
Choose based on your platform, whether you want physical or digital media, and whether you want Re Mind. Store availability can vary by region, so check both Square Enix’s official lineup and the marketplace for your region.
Buying on October 7, 2026
Square Enix’s current lineup lists 1.5+2.5 ReMIX for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Epic Games Store. It also marks the collection as newly available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. The Steam version of the series launched on June 13, 2024, according to Square Enix’s announcement.
Rank #2
- KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- A value packed bundle featuring three collections: KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC).
- This product is also included in other bundle sets. Please ensure you do not purchase the same content more than once.
- Platform-exclusive Keyblade "Midnight Blue" included with purchase!
- To play the physical version of KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III], an internet connection and additional data download are required.
The all-in-one collection announced for October 8, 2026
KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] is announced for October 8, 2026—one day after this article’s date. Square Enix says it contains 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and III + Re Mind, with physical and digital editions listed for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. The publisher says the physical version requires an internet connection to download additional data. Because the release date is in the future as of October 7, check the listing and your regional store to confirm availability before buying.
Why this route covers the main saga
Square Enix describes the Dark Seeker Saga as spanning from the original game through KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind. The series began on PlayStation 2 in March 2002 and is described by Square Enix Holdings as a role-playing series created through collaboration between Disney and Square Enix. The publisher reported more than 38 million units in global package shipments and digital sales as of the end of June 2025; that is a dated publisher-reported figure, not a current sales count.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The HD remastered compilation brings six beloved KINGDOM HEARTS adventures to the PlayStation 4
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 15 + 25 ReMIX gives fans the opportunity to experience all of their favourite moments from the series so far for the very first time on one platform
- The full list of titles included in KINGDOM HEARTS HD 15 + 25 ReMIX are KINGDOM HEARTS HD 15 ReMIX including KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD remastered cinematics)
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 25 ReMIX including KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded
- KINGDOM HEARTS is a series of role-playing games created through the collaboration of Disney Interactive and Square Enix
Rank #3
- The latest installment in the beloved Kingdom Hearts series, Re:Coded unites Sora, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and a host of familiar faces from Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy once again for an exciting new adventure
- All-new features include a new character growth system created specifically for the Nintendo DS release, building on the series' immersive blend of action and role-playing elements
- Guide Sora like never before through exciting new boss battles
- Players can design their own avatar using over 800 unlockable parts and trade playable maps with friends
- Varied gameplay inspired by side-scrolling, shooting and classic Final Fantasy games
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.
