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Start with Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, then follow a release-progression route: Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Dream Drop Distance HD, 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –, and Kingdom Hearts III. For a first playthrough, this order gives the story context as the series introduced it, rather than jumping ahead to prequels. The collection also includes cinematic and movie recaps, which are not all playable games.
What order should I play Kingdom Hearts in?
Use this sequence for a first playthrough. It follows the broad release progression of the main collection titles, not the fictional chronology. Square Enix does not prescribe this as an official order; it is a practical way to encounter the story’s reveals and context in the sequence the games introduced them.
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![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)
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KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Kingdom Hearts Re:coded | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix — Begin here. It introduces Sora and the series’ central conflict.
- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories — Play after the first game; it bridges the story toward Kingdom Hearts II.
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix — Continue with this before moving to the prequel and later-era entries.
- Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix — This prequel fits here for a first release-progression playthrough, after the earlier games have established more context.
- Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD — Play this before the short 0.2 episode and Kingdom Hearts III.
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – — Play this brief episode immediately before Kingdom Hearts III.
- Kingdom Hearts III — Play last in this route.
Square Enix describes the series as an action role-playing collaboration with Disney, developed and published under Tetsuya Nomura’s direction. Its official overview frames the story around Sora and “Light overcoming Darkness with the power of Friendship.” Square Enix’s series overview
Where do 358/2 Days, Re:coded, and χ Back Cover fit?
They are included in the collections, but their formats differ from the playable entries above. The All-In-One package treats 358/2 Days and Re:coded as HD remastered cinematics, and χ Back Cover as a movie. Use them as recap material rather than expecting three full games.
#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.
- 358/2 Days cinematics: Watch after Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix if you want additional context before Birth by Sleep Final Mix.
- Re:coded cinematics: Optional recap material; they are not required to follow the recommended playable-game route.
- χ Back Cover: A movie rather than a playable game. It covers material from a different point in the series’ story, so it is best treated as optional background rather than a reason to reorder the main games.
The placement suggestions above are an editorial route, not a sequence mandated by Square Enix. Square Enix’s All-In-One announcement identifies the two remastered cinematics and the movie format.
What does the Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package include?
Square Enix’s European physical Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package is a PS4 compilation announced for release on June 12, 2025. The publisher lists ten experiences:
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.
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (HD remastered cinematics)
- Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (HD remastered cinematics)
- Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD
- Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (movie)
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –
- Kingdom Hearts III
That makes the package a convenient one-product option on PS4, but the ten entries are not ten fully playable games. The Square Enix European store listing gives the package contents.
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Availability depends on the collection release, platform, and territory. Square Enix’s portal lists Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue for PS4, Xbox One, Epic Games Store, and Steam; it also lists newer platform families including Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. Check the store for your system and region before buying, since listings can differ across collection releases. Square Enix’s official portal
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
The portal lists Re Mind separately from Kingdom Hearts III. It is not among the All-In-One Package’s ten listed experiences, so do not assume it is included with that package.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why not play in chronological story order?
Several entries take place earlier in the fictional timeline than games released before them. Starting with those prequels can reveal information that the original release progression introduced later. For a first playthrough, the route above prioritizes context and reveals as players encountered them across the series. If you have already played the series, a chronology-based replay is a separate preference; it is not necessary to understand the beginner route.
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
How large is the series?
Square Enix reported more than 38 million Kingdom Hearts units worldwide in an April 17, 2025 announcement. In the same announcement, it said Kingdom Hearts III had sold more than seven million physical and digital units globally since its 2019 launch. These are publisher-reported sales figures. Square Enix’s announcement
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