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For a first playthrough, play the Life is Strange games in release order: Life is Strange, Before the Storm, optional The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, Life is Strange 2, True Colors, Double Exposure, then Reunion. This order introduces the characters and connections as the series did and avoids starting with a prequel. If you are replaying and care more about in-universe chronology than reveals, start with Before the Storm instead.
What is the best order to play the Life is Strange games?
For newcomers, release order is the clearest choice. It puts the original story first, then its prequel, and leaves the later return to Max until after the other major entries.
- Life is Strange — Start with Max Caulfield and Arcadia Bay. This establishes the series’ choice-driven format and the central relationship between Max and Chloe Price.
- Life is Strange: Before the Storm — Play this three-part prequel next. It takes place three years before the first game and focuses on Chloe and Rachel Amber.
- The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit — Optional. If you want this short spin-off as a bridge into the next story, play it before Life is Strange 2 Episode 2.
- Life is Strange 2 — Follow Sean and Daniel Diaz in a story centered on a different pair of protagonists.
- Life is Strange: True Colors — Meet Alex Chen in Haven Springs. Its new cast and setting make it comparatively self-contained.
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure — Play this after the original and the intervening main entries; it returns to Max.
- Life is Strange: Reunion — Put this after Double Exposure. It continues the later Max-and-Chloe line, so it is not a good starting point.
You do not need to treat every item as an equally essential numbered game. Captain Spirit is an optional spin-off, while Farewell and Wavelengths are bonus content connected to particular games. The order below explains where those fit.
Why should a first playthrough follow release order?
Release order preserves the way the series introduces its characters, mechanics, references and continuity. Although Before the Storm happens earlier in the characters’ lives, it was made as a prequel to a story players already know. Square Enix describes it as “a new three-part, standalone adventure set three years before the first game.” That wording matters: it is a standalone adventure in format, but its relationships and dramatic context are designed to be appreciated after the original.
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Starting with Life is Strange gives you the context for Arcadia Bay and for Max and Chloe’s relationship. Before the Storm then revisits Chloe’s earlier life and her connection with Rachel. Playing it second lets those relationships carry the dramatic context established by the original, rather than asking a newcomer to approach the first game as a later chapter.
The rest of the series moves between largely separate stories and protagonists. Life is Strange 2 follows Sean and Daniel; True Colors introduces Alex and Haven Springs. Their independence means you do not have to insert either between the first game and its prequel. Playing them after the first two entries keeps the franchise’s progression straightforward, before Double Exposure returns to Max.
What does each entry contribute to the order?
1. Life is Strange
The original is the foundation for the recommended route. You meet Max Caulfield, return to Arcadia Bay and learn how the series uses exploration, dialogue and consequential choices. Chloe Price is central to the relationship that later Max-focused entries build on. Even if you eventually plan to focus only on the newer games, this is the entry that establishes the continuity those later returns assume.
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Next, play the three-part prequel. Its story is set three years before Life is Strange and focuses on Chloe Price and Rachel Amber rather than Max as the principal viewpoint. The time setting makes it the obvious chronological starting point, but release order is still better for a first visit because you already understand why Chloe and Rachel matter when their earlier relationship becomes the focus.
If you own Before the Storm Remastered, use it in this exact slot. It is a replacement for the original version, not a separate chapter to add to your checklist.
3. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Captain Spirit is an optional bridge, not a required numbered installment. Include it if you want the connective experience leading into the Diaz story. Its useful placement is immediately before Life is Strange 2 Episode 2. You can also skip it and move directly from Before the Storm to Life is Strange 2; skipping it does not turn the main sequence into an incomplete playthrough.
4. Life is Strange 2
This entry follows brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz, giving the series a different pair of protagonists and a story that is more standalone than the Max-and-Chloe arc. It does not need to be inserted between the original and Before the Storm. If you include Captain Spirit, play that spin-off before Episode 2 rather than treating it as a prologue that must be finished before the whole game.
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5. Life is Strange: True Colors
True Colors introduces Alex Chen and the setting of Haven Springs. It is comparatively self-contained, so you can understand its story without completing Life is Strange 2 first. Keeping it after Life is Strange 2 is mainly a release-order choice that lets you experience the franchise’s progression from the earlier entries to a new cast and location.
6. Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Play Double Exposure after the original and the intervening major entries. It returns to Max Caulfield, so starting here would skip the character and Arcadia Bay context established by the first game. It is not an introductory entry simply because it is a later release; the earlier Max-focused material remains the sensible preparation.
7. Life is Strange: Reunion
Place Reunion after Double Exposure. Square Enix’s current franchise listing places it among the series products, and the entry continues the later Max-and-Chloe line. That makes it a poor starting point and a natural final stop in the recommended sequence. If you are deciding whether it is a direct sequel in the narrow marketing sense, the practical guidance is unchanged: finish the original Max story and Double Exposure first.
What is the chronological order?
If you have already played the series and want the broad in-universe sequence, begin with Before the Storm. The rest of the recommended sequence largely follows the order above, with Captain Spirit placed where it connects to Life is Strange 2.
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- Life is Strange: Before the Storm
- Life is Strange
- The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit — optional; its useful placement is before Episode 2 of Life is Strange 2.
- Life is Strange 2
- Life is Strange: True Colors
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure
- Life is Strange: Reunion
The clearest chronological detail in this order is that Before the Storm takes place three years before the first Life is Strange. The chronology is less important for the stories with new protagonists and settings: Sean and Daniel’s story and Alex’s story are comparatively separate from the Max-and-Chloe continuity. This is why chronology is an option for a replay, not the best default for a first visit.
Chronological order also does not mean you should move every bonus item to the earliest possible point. The recommended placement of Farewell is after the main Before the Storm episodes for a first playthrough, even though its material is connected to the prequel’s earlier characters. The goal is to preserve the intended emotional and contextual flow, not merely sort titles by the earliest date implied by their stories.
Where do the bonus episodes and DLC fit?
Keep bonus content with the game whose characters and setting it expands. It adds context but does not change the main-game order.
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- Farewell: Play it after the main episodes of Before the Storm on a first playthrough. Treat it as bonus material associated with that prequel, not as another full entry to place in the series list.
- The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit: It is optional. Play it before Life is Strange 2 Episode 2 if you want the intended connective experience; skipping it does not make it a numbered entry in the main sequence.
- Wavelengths: Play it after completing True Colors. It expands that game’s cast and setting, so it makes more sense once you have finished the main story.
Bonus-content availability depends on the edition and platform. Check the contents of the edition you are considering rather than assuming that every release includes every episode or add-on. A bundle may include associated DLC while another platform edition may sell individual content separately. The order of the stories stays the same even when the purchase method changes.
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No. Life is Strange Remastered and Before the Storm Remastered occupy the same story slots as their original versions. Choose one version of each game; you do not need to play both versions to follow the story.
For a first playthrough using remasters, the order is still the same: Life is Strange Remastered, then Before the Storm Remastered, followed by the later entries. The remasters do not add a new chapter to the series order. If a store page lists an original and a remastered version together, treat that as an edition decision, not two consecutive pieces of the narrative.
Can I skip a game or start with a later story?
Life is Strange 2 and True Colors introduce different protagonists and are more standalone than the Max-and-Chloe entries. You can approach either without treating it as a missing chapter between the original game and its prequel; release order simply keeps the whole series’ development easy to follow.
For the Max-and-Chloe line, do not use Double Exposure or Reunion as an introduction. Double Exposure returns to Max, and Reunion continues the later Max-and-Chloe line. Start with the original game if you want the character and story context that makes those returns meaningful.
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If you only want the core Max-and-Chloe sequence, prioritize Life is Strange, Before the Storm, Double Exposure, and then Reunion. If you want the broader franchise journey, include Life is Strange 2 and True Colors in between. Captain Spirit remains optional either way.
You can therefore choose a route based on time and interest without confusing the continuity:
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- Full release-order route: Play all seven listed entries, inserting Captain Spirit before Episode 2 of Life is Strange 2 if desired.
- Max-and-Chloe route: Play the original, Before the Storm, Double Exposure and Reunion.
- New-protagonist route: Play Life is Strange 2 or True Colors as a comparatively self-contained story, then return to the other entries when you want the wider series context.
Which edition or collection should I look for?
Choose editions based on the platform you own and whether you want the original releases or the remasters. Remastered versions take the same story positions as the originals; the main ordering decision does not depend on which version you choose.
Square Enix lists a physical Life is Strange Collection for PS5. Its listing describes True Colors and Double Exposure on the disc, with redemption codes for Life is Strange Remastered, Before the Storm Remastered, Life is Strange 2 and associated DLC. That makes it a multi-game option for PS5, but check the listing and included content for the specific edition before buying.
The important distinction is “on disc” versus “included by code.” A PS5 collection can put some games on the physical disc while supplying other entries and add-ons as redemption codes. Check whether your account and region can redeem those codes, and keep track of which items are downloads rather than disc content. The official listing establishes the bundle’s described contents, but it does not make every game a disc-based copy.
The Xbox catalog also lists the franchise through separate entries and editions. Players on Xbox, Switch or PC may need to select individual platform releases rather than rely on the PS5 collection. Platform availability and package contents can differ, so verify the store page for your system instead of assuming that a collection name represents the same package everywhere.
When comparing a bundle with individual games, check four things: whether it includes Life is Strange 2, whether it includes the bonus episodes you want, whether the first two games are original or remastered editions, and whether its platform matches your system. Also check whether the listed DLC is included as a code, a download entitlement or a separate purchase. A collection that has several entries is not necessarily a complete set of every game and add-on on every platform.
What should I compare before buying?
| Decision | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity | Max-and-Chloe entries versus Sean-and-Daniel or Alex Chen | The protagonists and settings change, so a standalone title can be played separately while Max’s later appearances benefit from earlier context. |
| Spoiler risk | Release order versus strict chronology | Release order protects the way the series introduced characters and connections; chronology is mainly useful for a replay. |
| Edition | Original releases versus the two remastered titles | Remasters occupy the same story slots and do not add chapters. |
| Platform | PS5 collection versus individual Xbox, Switch or PC editions | The physical collection is specifically a PS5 product, while other platforms use separate entries and editions. |
| Completeness | Life is Strange 2, DLC, bonus episodes and redemption codes | Package contents vary; do not assume a collection includes every add-on in the same format. |
For readers who want a physical purchase, the useful search phrase is Life is Strange Collection PS5. It is more relevant than a generic accessory search because the decision is about which games and editions to obtain. Check current price, stock, listing identity and platform at the time you shop; those details can change, and the official product is specifically a PS5 collection.
A simple decision guide
- First time playing: Use release order, starting with Life is Strange.
- Replaying for chronology: Start with Before the Storm, then continue through the broad sequence.
- Want the optional bridge into the Diaz story? Play Captain Spirit before Life is Strange 2 Episode 2.
- Want the Max-and-Chloe continuity? Play the original before Double Exposure, and put Reunion after Double Exposure.
- Choosing remasters: Substitute them into the first two slots; do not count them as extra story entries.
- Buying on PS5: Check which games are on the disc and which arrive through redemption codes.
- Buying elsewhere: Compare the individual platform edition’s included games and DLC rather than copying the PS5 package assumptions.
Common ordering mistakes to avoid
- Starting with the prequel because it is chronologically first: This can remove the context that makes Chloe and Rachel’s earlier relationship land as intended. Use that order for a replay instead.
- Counting remasters twice: A remastered version replaces the original in your list; it is not an additional story chapter.
- Treating Captain Spirit as mandatory: It is an optional spin-off. Its recommended placement before Episode 2 is about connective context, not access to the main story.
- Playing Farewell before the main prequel episodes on a first run: Keep it after the main Before the Storm episodes as bonus material.
- Assuming every bundle is identical: The PS5 collection uses a disc-and-code arrangement, while other platforms may sell separate editions.
- Using Double Exposure or Reunion as an introduction: Both belong later in the Max-and-Chloe line, so the original game should come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play Captain Spirit to understand Life is Strange 2?
No. It is an optional spin-off, not a required numbered entry. Its recommended spot is before Episode 2 if you want the connective experience, but it is not a prerequisite for following the Diaz story.
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Should I play Farewell before or after Before the Storm?
For a first playthrough, finish the main episodes of Before the Storm first, then play Farewell as bonus material. It belongs with the prequel rather than as a separate main-series game.
Does the PS5 Life is Strange Collection include every game on disc?
No. Square Enix’s listing says True Colors and Double Exposure are on disc, while several other games and associated DLC are provided through redemption codes. Confirm the particular edition’s contents before buying.
Can I play True Colors without finishing Life is Strange 2?
Yes. True Colors introduces Alex Chen and Haven Springs as a new story, and it is comparatively standalone. Playing Life is Strange 2 first is useful for following release order, not a prerequisite for understanding Alex’s story.
Should I play Before the Storm before Life is Strange?
Only if you are replaying for strict chronology. For a first playthrough, play Life is Strange first and then the three-part prequel; that preserves the context in which the series introduced Chloe, Rachel and Arcadia Bay.
Where does Double Exposure fit?
Play it after the original Life is Strange and the intervening major entries. It returns to Max, so it works better after the original Max-focused story than as a starting point.
Is Reunion a sequel to Double Exposure?
Place Reunion after Double Exposure. It continues the later Max-and-Chloe line, so the practical order is to finish the original Max story and Double Exposure before starting it.
Are the Remastered Collection games separate games?
No. Life is Strange Remastered and Before the Storm Remastered occupy the same slots as their original versions. Choose one version of each rather than playing both as separate story entries.
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Which Life is Strange games do I need to play?
For the complete release-order journey, play the seven listed entries and treat Captain Spirit as optional. For the core Max-and-Chloe line, prioritize Life is Strange, Before the Storm, Double Exposure and Reunion; Life is Strange 2 and True Colors are comparatively standalone.
The Bottom Line
Play Life is Strange first, then Before the Storm, optional Captain Spirit before Life is Strange 2 Episode 2, followed by Life is Strange 2, True Colors, Double Exposure and Reunion. Use chronological order only for a replay, and treat remasters as replacements rather than extra games.
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