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For a first playthrough, follow a release-oriented sequence: start with Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, then play Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. Continue with the 358/2 Days cutscene compilation, Birth by Sleep Final Mix, the Re:coded cutscene compilation, Dream Drop Distance HD, χ Back Cover, 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –, Kingdom Hearts III, and its Re Mind DLC. This is a practical first-time recommendation, not an order Square Enix requires. The best sequence also depends on whether you want to play each story or watch entries that are presented as films and cutscene compilations.
Recommended Kingdom Hearts order for a first playthrough
Use this release-oriented sequence to experience the main games and story material without treating the series’ earlier-era stories as a strict chronology. The entries labeled “watch” are not playable remasters in the collections described below.
- Play: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix. This is the recommended starting point.
- Play: Re:Chain of Memories.
- Play: Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix.
- Watch: 358/2 Days HD cutscene compilation. This placement is useful for a first-time player using the current collection’s presentation; see the release-order note below.
- Play: Birth by Sleep Final Mix.
- Watch: Re:coded HD cutscene compilation.
- Play: Dream Drop Distance HD.
- Watch: χ Back Cover. It is a movie about the series’ origins.
- Play: 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –. This short episode links toward Kingdom Hearts III.
- Play: Kingdom Hearts III.
- Play: Re Mind. This DLC adds a chapter telling another side of events during the game’s climax.
Should you play in release order or chronological order?
For a first playthrough, prefer release-oriented order
A release-oriented approach is a practical way to follow the series’ reveals. One important wrinkle is 358/2 Days: in original release order it comes before Kingdom Hearts II, but the 1.5+2.5 collection presents it as a cutscene compilation. Placing that compilation after Kingdom Hearts II can better preserve the mainline reveal structure for a first-time viewer. Collection menu order and a recommended story experience do not have to match.
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Some entries tell stories set in earlier eras, so a strict chronology is not the same as the recommended first-play sequence. Square Enix’s official pages identify χ Back Cover with the series’ origins and describe 0.2 as linking toward Kingdom Hearts III, but they do not establish a complete chronology for every game and movie. The order above should not be read as a definitive official timeline.
#1 Best Overall
![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 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.
What the Kingdom Hearts collections include
The collection names can make it easy to assume every included story is playable. In fact, two entries in 1.5+2.5 are cutscene compilations, and one in 2.8 is a movie.
| Package | Included content | How the story is presented |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- | Kingdom Hearts Final Mix; Re:Chain of Memories; Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix; Birth by Sleep Final Mix; 358/2 Days; Re:coded | The first four are games. 358/2 Days and Re:coded are HD cutscene compilations, not playable remasters in this package. Square Enix’s official series page. |
| 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 and 0.2 are playable episodes; χ Back Cover is a movie. Square Enix’s official series page. |
| Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind | Kingdom Hearts III and Re Mind DLC | The main game plus an additional DLC chapter. Square Enix’s official series page. |
Where can you get the games now?
Square Enix announced KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] on June 10, 2026, with a scheduled release date of October 8, 2026. The announcement names Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows; it also says release times and store availability may vary by region. The bundle contains the three packages listed above. Check the store listing for your region, platform, and edition before buying. Official product information; Square Enix’s June 10, 2026 announcement.
Rank #2
- IGN and GameSpot "Game of the Year" and "Best RPG" from The Game Awards
- ATLUS' newest fantasy JRPG with beautiful anime cutscenes
- Free demo with save-data carry over
- Awaken 40+ "Archetypes," magical powers that lie dormant in your heart
- Innovative battle system that blends strategic turn-based combat and dynamic real-time combat
Square Enix says the physical version requires an internet connection to download additional data. Its official product page also lists Steam and Epic digital storefronts for collection content, so do not assume that every platform has the same bundle listing or edition. Confirm the specific store and platform you intend to use. Official product information; Square Enix announcement.
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Square Enix describes Kingdom Hearts as an action role-playing game series made in collaboration with Disney. Sora, Donald, and Goofy travel through Disney worlds and confront the Heartless. The publisher’s series overview sums up its theme this way: “KINGDOM HEARTS is the story of Light overcoming Darkness with the power of Friendship.” Square Enix series overview; Square Enix game series page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH PS5 controller skin (inside the case) featuring Cloud and Sephiroth. This PS5 controller skin provides full coverage without buttons or sensor interference.
- An Expansive World: As the party searches for Sephiroth, explore the beautiful, expansive regions of the world and open up new areas to discover through unique forms of transportation
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Rank #4
- Help your grand paw remember his tales of bravery and adventure by documenting your journey in the trusty journal. Grab your pawmera and capture nostalgic spots on the island. Snap photos with locals, tourists, wildlife, and everything else you can find on the island!
- Have the purrfect time of your life as you unravel the secrets of Petit Island! From unique wildlife to hidden gems in villages and cities, let your curiosity be your guide on this remarkable expedition.
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Rank #3
- 53 unique locations, Sublime artwork
- Tantalizing storyline, Unique case-solving mechanics
- Clever puzzles, Four convoluted mysteries!
- Audio – English In Game Text – English, French, German, Russinan, Chinese (Simplified)
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