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Kotaku’s Guiding Key is a proposed group playthrough and discussion of the Kingdom Hearts series, beginning with Kingdom Hearts in October 2026. Readers can follow along, join the discussion in comments, and submit questions or topics. The schedule is explicitly rough, not a fixed calendar, and is meant to build toward Kingdom Hearts IV.
What is Guiding Key?
Kotaku writer Kenneth Shepard announced Guiding Key on October 5, 2026, as a communal, book-club-style journey through the series. Kotaku writers, industry friends, and readers will play or watch the games and discuss the story and their reactions. The posts are intended to give readers an anchor for their own playthroughs and open up discussion and critique; readers are invited to comment and suggest questions or topics.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Kingdom Hearts All in One Package (PlayStation 4) | $53.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-Ojve+89L._SL160_.jpg)
|
KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The announcement describes a free-flowing format rather than a rigid episode structure. It frames the project around the prospect of Kingdom Hearts IV arriving roughly a year later, but that timing is the author’s expectation, not a confirmed release date.
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Shepard’s tentative order and timing cover the main series and selected side stories. These are the author’s rough plans, and the schedule may change as life and new releases intervene.
#1 Best Overall
- The compilation includes the following games: KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics) KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 FINAL CHAPTER PROLOGUE KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage– KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie)
- KINGDOM HEARTS III
| Timing | Game or story | Planned approach |
|---|---|---|
| October–December 2026 | Kingdom Hearts | Playthrough |
| January 2027 | Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories | Playthrough |
| February–April 2027 | Kingdom Hearts II | Playthrough |
| May 2027 | Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Re:coded | Watch cutscenes rather than play full versions |
| June 2027 | Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep | Playthrough |
| July 2027 | Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance and A Fragmentary Passage | Playthrough |
| August 2027 | Kingdom Hearts Union χ Dark Road | Watch-through |
| August–October 2027 | Kingdom Hearts III and Re:Mind DLC | Playthrough |
| November 2027 | Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory | Playthrough |
| Late 2027 | Kingdom Hearts IV | Anticipated next step; timing is not confirmed |
The longer windows for the numbered games are intended to leave time to play them. For entries described as less readily accessible on modern platforms, the announcement proposes following the story through cutscenes instead; that is the project’s approach, not a complete guide to every edition or way to access those games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to start and how to follow along
The announcement points to Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III], naming Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S as platforms launching on October 8, 2026. It presents the collection as an easy starting point for the group playthrough. It does not establish regional availability, specific editions, physical or digital formats, prices, or retailer stock, so check current listings in your region before buying.
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 "Long Night" included with purchase!
- GAME-KEY CARD. 128 GB – Full game download via internet required.
You can follow the project’s posts as the group progresses, play at your own pace, and use the posts as discussion prompts. If you prefer not to play an entry—or cannot readily access it—the proposed cutscene watch-throughs offer a way to keep up with the story for the named titles.
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Rank #3
- 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
What the announcement does—and doesn’t—promise
- It does: invite readers into a shared playthrough and discussion, with comments and topic suggestions welcome.
- It does: lay out a proposed sequence spanning the games and stories listed above.
- It does not: promise that every month or game will remain on schedule, or confirm a release date for Kingdom Hearts IV.
- It does not: provide a full access guide, current prices, or verified retailer availability for the collection.
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.
