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The short answer: find the franchise’s story boundary first
A franchise label does not tell you how much order matters. Numbered entries may be independent, while a subtitle, recurring characters or a “Part II” label can signal a continuation. Before choosing a first game, classify the title you are considering:
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- Standalone entry: Its plot is designed to make sense without earlier games. You can choose it mainly by genre, tone, controls and availability.
- Beginning of an arc: It starts a subseries or a particular cast’s story. Start here if you intend to follow that arc.
- Direct sequel: It assumes knowledge of a previous game. Playing it first can spoil reveals and leave character or world-building gaps.
- Remake or reimagining: It may retell only part of an older game, expand scenes, change combat or alter the intended sequence. Treat it as a distinct edition, not automatically as the definitive starting point.
For example, Square Enix describes each SaGa game as “a complete, standalone adventure” in its official introduction. That makes a play-style choice sensible, although individual SaGa titles can still have unusual structures, selectable protagonists and event orders. By contrast, PlayStation’s Final Fantasy guide describes the numbered mainline games as largely standalone but identifies connected exceptions such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy X-2.
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Step 1: determine how much story continuity exists
Standalone games
Choose a standalone game when you want a self-contained sample rather than a long commitment. You do not need to begin with the oldest release, the lowest number or the game most often called “the classic.” A newer standalone entry may have clearer tutorials, modern controls and better accessibility while preserving the franchise’s central ideas.
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Standalone does not mean identical. A series can share themes, monsters, terminology or design traditions while giving each entry a new cast and setting. Read the publisher’s description for the specific game and look for language such as “new story,” “standalone adventure” or “begin your journey.”
Connected arcs and direct sequels
When a title explicitly continues an earlier story, begin with the earliest game in that arc unless you have a specific reason not to. A sequel can assume that you recognize returning characters, understand a previous ending or know why a faction matters. Even a well-written recap cannot always restore the timing of a reveal.
Some franchises contain several self-contained arcs. In that case, choose the first game of the arc that best fits your interests rather than attempting to complete every historical release. A direct sequel such as Final Fantasy X-2 is a different recommendation from a numbered entry that merely shares the franchise name. Likewise, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows Final Fantasy VII Remake; it is not a neutral first sample of the whole franchise.
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Subseries and unusual narrative structures
Do not assume that a franchise’s numbering explains its narrative. The SaGa series includes games with selectable protagonists and an event-based structure in which players can choose the order of historical events. The practical question is not “Which number is first?” but “Does this particular game rely on another game’s plot?”
Step 2: choose release order or story chronology deliberately
Release order and in-world chronology answer different questions:
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| Order | What it preserves | Potential drawback | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release order | The evolution of mechanics, presentation, writing conventions and audience expectations | Later-made prequels may reveal information that an earlier release expected players not to know | You want to experience the series as its original audience did or understand how its design changed |
| Story chronology | The sequence of events inside the fictional world | A prequel can expose a character, twist or historical fact before the original game’s intended reveal | The creators explicitly structured a remake or connected arc for chronological play |
A prequel’s earlier setting does not automatically make it the best first game. Ask whether the prequel was written to introduce the world or to reward people who already know it. The distinction between narrative relationships and publication sequence is also discussed in the academic paper “Relationships among video games: Existing standards and new definitions”.
When a creator gives a specific order
Follow an explicit developer or publisher recommendation when it applies to the exact project you are playing. For the HD-2D remakes of the Dragon Quest Erdrick trilogy, developer Masaaki Hayasaka told the PlayStation Blog: “So it was decided at the very beginning of the project that we wanted the games to be played in the order III, I, II.”
That order differs from the numbers because the remakes retell Erdrick’s story chronologically. Hayasaka explained that the remakes begin with Dragon Quest III, followed by I and II, and that certain twists are particularly surprising in that sequence. This is a recommendation for that remake project, not proof that every franchise should be played chronologically.
Step 3: evaluate a remake, remaster or port as its own edition
Labels are inconsistent. The academic terminology paper notes that “remake” and “port” are sometimes used interchangeably, so inspect what the publisher says changed instead of relying on the label. Before choosing a newer edition, compare:
- Story scope: Does it cover the complete original or only an opening chapter?
- Plot and character changes: Are scenes, endings, relationships or world details expanded or rewritten?
- Combat and controls: Is the original turn-based system retained, or has it become action-oriented?
- Pacing and exploration: Have level layouts, travel, side quests or loading transitions been redesigned?
- Presentation: What changes in camera, voice acting, subtitles, visual style and sound?
- Compatibility: Is the edition available on your platform and in your region, and does a bundle include the required preceding game?
PlayStation presents Final Fantasy VII Remake as an accessible gateway while explaining that it expands and reworks the early chapters. That combination makes it approachable for some newcomers, but it also means the game is not simply the original’s opening section with sharper graphics. Check whether later installments assume that you played this specific remake edition.
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Step 4: match the first game to the experience you actually want
“Best” depends on the kind of play you enjoy. Make the choice using the axes below rather than a universal ranking.
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| Traditional planning | Turn-based or menu-driven combat | Whether the game uses active-time systems, difficulty options or heavy grinding |
| Immediate control and spectacle | Action combat | Dodging, combo complexity, difficulty settings and whether story progression is linear |
| Horror and tension | A newcomer-friendly horror entry | Camera style, resource scarcity, save system and intensity warnings |
| Social play | An online or cooperative entry | Subscription requirements, server status, onboarding and the amount of solo content |
| Historical context | An original or early release | Older controls, fixed camera angles, save limitations and accessibility features |
| A short, self-contained test | A standalone game with a finite campaign | Completion time, optional content and whether the ending depends on a sequel |
PlayStation’s Final Fantasy guide illustrates this approach by distinguishing an action-focused Final Fantasy XVI, the social MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV and the remake gateway of Final Fantasy VII Remake. These are fit-based suggestions, not a claim that one is objectively the best first game. The same principle applies outside role-playing games: Capcom’s October 18, 2024 guide, “Resident Evil: where to play”, quotes Capcom USA staff saying, “If you’re a new player, start out with Resident Evil 2 (2019). It’s a great jumping-on point for the series.” The advice is attributed collectively to staff and is specific to helping newcomers enter Resident Evil.
Step 5: check practical access before committing
A theoretically ideal first game is useless if you cannot play the correct edition. Confirm these details on the publisher or platform store page for your market:
- Platform: Verify the exact console, PC operating-system requirements or cloud option. Do not infer current compatibility from an older release.
- Region: Check language support, storefront availability, age rating and whether downloadable content is sold in your country.
- Edition: Distinguish the original, remaster, remake, complete edition and bundle. A collection may omit a direct prequel or include a different version than the one guides describe.
- Prerequisites: For a sequel, confirm whether the prior game is required, recommended or merely summarized.
- Save and account requirements: Online games may require a platform subscription or account; older games may lack modern cloud-save support.
- Accessibility: Look for subtitle controls, text size, color options, difficulty settings, remappable controls and assist modes before purchase.
Availability changes by region and date, so a current recommendation should name the edition and platform rather than promising that every entry is playable everywhere.
Four examples of franchise-specific starting advice
SaGa: choose by structure and mechanics
Square Enix’s description makes the central point clear: “Much like other Square Enix RPG series, like FINAL FANTASY or DRAGON QUEST, each SaGa game is a complete, standalone adventure.” A newcomer can therefore select a title for its protagonists, combat rules or event structure. If you dislike choosing the order of historical events or managing several protagonists, read the individual game description before starting. There is no need to begin with the earliest numbered release merely to understand the next one.
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Final Fantasy: separate the mainline from its continuations
PlayStation’s 2025 guide counts 16 mainline, numbered Final Fantasy games as of that guide. That figure applies to the numbered mainline series, not every spin-off, sequel or current release. Most numbered entries stand alone, so a first game can be selected by combat style, setting and age. The exceptions matter: Final Fantasy X-2 follows Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows Final Fantasy VII Remake. Starting with either sequel changes the story context and reveal order.
Resident Evil: use a newcomer recommendation, then check tone
Capcom’s 2024 “where to play” guide is explicitly organized to help players choose a first or next game. Its staff recommendation of Resident Evil 2 (2019) is a practical jumping-on point, but horror tolerance still matters. Verify whether you prefer a modern over-the-shoulder camera, limited resources, puzzle-solving or a more action-heavy entry. A staff recommendation reduces continuity risk; it does not eliminate the need to match intensity and controls to your preferences.
Dragon Quest’s HD-2D Erdrick remakes: follow the stated III, I, II order
For this remake trilogy, the developer’s order is unusually clear: Dragon Quest III, then Dragon Quest I, then Dragon Quest II. Hayasaka said the remakes provide a chronological retelling and preserve twists that work best in that sequence. The individual games tell standalone stories, but the project’s presentation creates a reason to follow the recommended order. Do not generalize this advice to every Dragon Quest release or every remake label.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A decision framework you can use in five minutes
- Write down the candidate games. Include the exact edition and platform, not just the franchise name.
- Mark continuity. Label each candidate standalone, arc opener, direct sequel or remake with changed scope.
- Remove spoiler-heavy options. Eliminate direct sequels unless you intend to play their prerequisites first.
- Pick your order principle. Choose release order for historical evolution, chronology when the creators recommend it, or the arc’s first release for a connected story.
- Score the experience fit. Compare combat, tone, solo or social play, accessibility and tolerance for older design.
- Verify access. Confirm platform, region, edition contents, prerequisites and current availability.
- Commit to one test. Play far enough to evaluate the core loop before buying an entire collection or planning a multi-game sequence.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Starting with the lowest number automatically
Numbering often reflects publication history rather than a required curriculum. It is a good choice when you want historical context, but a poor default when the game is inaccessible, disconnected or unlike the experience you want.
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A prequel may be written for an audience that already knows the later-released original. Its opening premise, character identities or historical explanations can change what the original was designed to reveal. Check the creator’s stated order before choosing chronology.
Treating “remake” as a guarantee of completeness
A remake can expand one segment, change the combat system or retell events differently. Compare scope and sequel assumptions, especially when a collection markets several editions together.
Ignoring age and accessibility
Older games can have fixed cameras, unskippable scenes, small text, awkward inventory systems or limited control remapping. Those qualities may be valuable historically, but they should be an informed choice rather than a test of whether you are a “real” fan.
Buying before checking the exact edition
Store listings may group an original, remaster and remake under one franchise page. Confirm the title, release year, included chapters and platform before paying, particularly when a sequel requires a specific prior edition.
What a good first-game recommendation should say
A useful recommendation names the game and edition, explains its continuity status, identifies the intended order, describes the gameplay and tone, and states the main trade-off. For example: “Choose this standalone entry if you want action combat and modern presentation; choose the earlier release instead if you want the series’ original mechanics.” That is more honest than declaring a single universal winner.
There is no cross-franchise statistic establishing one objectively best starting game. The evidence supports a method: map the story boundary, distinguish release sequence from chronology, inspect remake changes, match the player’s preferences and verify practical access. Apply those checks to the exact franchise and edition in front of you, and you can start confidently without playing every game first.
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