iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Play The Talos Principle first if you want the story in order. Its AI-in-a-simulation premise gives useful context for The Talos Principle 2, which expands the setting and puzzle toolkit. You can start with the sequel if you prefer: it introduces a new society and mystery, but the first game is the stronger story-first starting point. Play the sequel’s Road to Elysium expansion afterward.
How do the games compare?
| What to compare | The Talos Principle | The Talos Principle 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release and listed platforms | Released December 11, 2014. Croteam lists PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, and Android. Croteam’s catalogue | Released November 2, 2023. Croteam lists PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. Croteam’s catalogue |
| Premise | You play a sentient AI solving puzzles in a simulation of humanity’s greatest ruins, within a story framed as a metaphysical parable. PlayStation’s game description | Biological humanity is extinct; a society of robots carries on human culture. You explore a mysterious megastructure and confront questions about civilization, humanity’s legacy, and the future. Steam’s game listing and PlayStation’s game description |
| Puzzle progression | The official description emphasizes puzzles that become increasingly complex. PlayStation’s game description | Retains established mechanics and adds gravity manipulation and mind transference. It also includes metapuzzles and optional, highly challenging Gold puzzles; finishing does not require solving every puzzle. Steam’s game listing |
| Story presentation | Centers on the AI’s experience in a simulation and philosophical questions about intelligence and meaning. PlayStation’s game description | A character-driven story with choices that affect events and multiple endings. Returning writers Jonas Kyratzes and Tom Jubert are joined by Verena Kyratzes. Steam’s game listing |
| Expansion | The sources cited here do not establish a complete account of the original game’s edition or DLC packaging. | Road to Elysium is a three-part coda after the sequel’s events and requires the base game. Its chapters are Orpheus Ascending, Isle of the Blessed, and Into the Abyss. Steam’s expansion listing |
Which Talos Principle should you play first?
Choose the original for the story-first order
The original establishes the AI-in-a-simulation perspective. The sequel moves into a different setting and a larger social story, but builds on the first game’s established mechanics and story context. Playing in release order makes that progression easier to follow.
Starting with the sequel is possible
The sequel has its own premise: a robot society after biological humanity’s disappearance, and a mystery centered on a megastructure. Its broad introduction gives newcomers a way into the story. Starting there means encountering the series’ later setting and ideas before the first game’s setup, rather than being unable to understand the sequel.
How are the puzzles different?
The original is described in terms of increasing puzzle complexity. The sequel carries forward the established mechanics and adds gravity manipulation and mind transference, while also offering metapuzzles and Gold puzzles for players seeking extra challenge.
#1 Best Overall
That is a difference in the kinds of puzzle challenges described, not proof that one whole game is harder. The official descriptions do not provide a shared difficulty scale or a direct comparison. In the sequel, the main completion path is flexible: you can finish without solving every puzzle, or pursue the optional goal of solving them all.
What story does the sequel add?
Where the original places you inside a simulation as a sentient AI, the sequel follows a robot society living with the legacy of extinct biological humanity. Its character-driven story explores what that society might become, and player choices affect events; the official listing describes multiple endings. Writers Jonas Kyratzes and Tom Jubert return, joined by Verena Kyratzes. Steam’s game listing
Where does Road to Elysium fit?
Play Road to Elysium after The Talos Principle 2. Steam describes it as a three-part coda following the sequel’s events; it revisits characters and events through three chapters, with puzzle difficulty and tone varying by chapter. It requires the base game. Steam’s expansion listing
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Which platforms are listed?
Croteam lists the original on a broader range of legacy and mobile platforms than the sequel. The sequel is listed for PC and current-generation consoles. Availability can vary by storefront and region, so check the listing for the platform you intend to use. Croteam’s catalogue
Rank #3
- Biology card game - learn biology from a science game where players build peptide chains out of amino acids. More fun than biology class, players learn about Cells converting genes into proteins.
- Strategic play - An open card drafting game about building proteins with a level of strategy to engage an adult gamer, yet intuitive enough for kids 10 and up to play at home or in the classroom.
- Accurate science - all organelles, Cells and science vocabulary in peptide are concepts covered in high school biology class, making it one of the best educational games to aid science teachers.
- Who can play - perfect for the Gamer, science class or family game night. Teachers, Scientists, biologists, and students love playing this geeky science game; and it makes a great birthday surprise
- Learn science - A game for the classroom designed to teach the genetics of DNA and mRNA translation at middle school, High School or college levels. Peptide complies with STEM and nags standards.
Sequel PC requirements
Steam’s listed minimum requirements for The Talos Principle 2 are 64-bit Windows 10 version 2004 or newer, a four-core CPU at 2.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, a GPU with 4 GB VRAM from its listed examples, DirectX 12, and 75 GB of storage. Steam says Intel integrated GPUs are unsupported and recommends an SSD. Requirements may change; check the current Steam listing before installing.
Quick Recap
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.
