For a first playthrough, follow a release-oriented story path: start with Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, then move through the main games and connected story entries in the sequence below. This is a practical recommendation, not an order Square Enix requires. The collections also include movies and cutscene compilations, so owning every package does not mean every story is playable.
Recommended Kingdom Hearts order for a first playthrough
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
- Re:Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
- 358/2 Days — watch the HD cutscene compilation in the current collection.
- Birth by Sleep Final Mix
- Re:coded — watch the HD cutscene compilation.
- Dream Drop Distance HD
- χ Back Cover — watch the movie.
- 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –
- Kingdom Hearts III
- Re Mind — play the DLC after Kingdom Hearts III.
This sequence keeps a first-time player oriented around the series’ release-era progression while placing the collection’s non-playable presentations where they are easier to approach. Re Mind is an additional chapter that tells another side of events during the climax of Kingdom Hearts III. Square Enix describes 0.2 as an episode linking toward Kingdom Hearts III, and χ Back Cover as a story about the series’ origins; that does not make this list a complete or definitive chronology.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![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 |
| 2 |
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Metaphor: ReFantazio Launch Edition - PlayStation 5 | $36.02 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Adam Wolf - PlayStation 5 | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Petit Island - PlayStation 5 | $21.36 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Exclusive Amazon Edition (PS5) | $33.98 | Buy on Amazon |
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Should you play in release order or chronological order?
For a first run, prefer release-oriented order
The games jump between eras and perspectives. Starting with the earliest events in the fictional timeline can reveal background that the series originally introduced later. The list above is therefore a reader-friendly first-play recommendation, not a publisher-mandated sequence.
Where 358/2 Days fits
If you are following the original release order, put 358/2 Days before Kingdom Hearts II. If you are using the current 1.5+2.5 collection, its presentation is a cutscene compilation rather than a playable remaster; viewing it after Kingdom Hearts II can avoid moving ahead of the mainline reveal structure. A collection’s menu order and a recommended story-viewing order do not have to match.
#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 "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.
Chronology is a separate goal
Some entries are set in earlier periods and others bridge toward later games. Square Enix’s official pages identify the origins focus of χ Back Cover and the connection from 0.2 to Kingdom Hearts III, but do not establish a complete chronology for every game and film. Treat chronology lists as interpretations unless they are supported entry by entry.
What the Kingdom Hearts collections include
| Package | Playable games or episodes | Watch-only content |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- | Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, and Birth by Sleep Final Mix | HD cutscene compilations for 358/2 Days and Re:coded |
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD and 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – | χ Back Cover, a movie |
| KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind | Kingdom Hearts III and the Re Mind DLC | — |
Square Enix’s official Kingdom Hearts product page lists the collection contents and storefront information. In practical terms, you can play most of the sequence, but 358/2 Days, Re:coded, and χ Back Cover are presented as viewing experiences in these packages.
Rank #2
- IGN and GameSpot "Game of the Year" and "Best RPG" from The Game Awards
- ATLUS' newest fantasy JRPG with beautiful anime cutscenes
- Free demo with save-data carry over
- Awaken 40+ "Archetypes," magical powers that lie dormant in your heart
- Innovative battle system that blends strategic turn-based combat and dynamic real-time combat
How to get the games in one place
Square Enix announced KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] for October 8, 2026, bringing together 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind. The announcement names Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows; it is dated June 10, 2026, and says release times and store availability may vary by region. Square Enix also says the physical version requires an internet connection to download additional data. Check the regional store listing and the exact edition before buying, particularly if you need a specific platform or physical copy. The official product page separately lists Steam and Epic digital storefronts for collection content, so availability should be checked platform by platform rather than assumed from the bundle announcement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If you already own one of the individual packages or your platform lacks the announced bundle, the three packages in the table are the components to compare. Check whether a listing includes 2.8 and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind, and distinguish playable games from cutscene movies before deciding it covers the full sequence.
Rank #3
- 53 unique locations, Sublime artwork
- Tantalizing storyline, Unique case-solving mechanics
- Clever puzzles, Four convoluted mysteries!
- Audio – English In Game Text – English, French, German, Russinan, Chinese (Simplified)
What is Kingdom Hearts about?
Square Enix describes Kingdom Hearts as an action role-playing series developed and published in collaboration with Disney. Sora, Donald, and Goofy travel through Disney worlds and face the Heartless. The Square Enix series overview sums up its central theme as: “KINGDOM HEARTS is the story of Light overcoming Darkness with the power of Friendship.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH PS5 controller skin (inside the case) featuring Cloud and Sephiroth. This PS5 controller skin provides full coverage without buttons or sensor interference.
- An Expansive World: As the party searches for Sephiroth, explore the beautiful, expansive regions of the world and open up new areas to discover through unique forms of transportation
- Deepen their relationships to unleash powerful team based combos
- An Evolved Battle System: Combine strategic thinking with thrilling action combat alongside your comrades, including newly added characters
- Beyond the Walls of Fate: In this standalone adventure for fans and newcomers, Cloud and his comrades venture across the planet, their fates unwritten, making each step outside the dystopian city of Midgar fresh and mysterious
Rank #4
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- Have the purrfect time of your life as you unravel the secrets of Petit Island! From unique wildlife to hidden gems in villages and cities, let your curiosity be your guide on this remarkable expedition.
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- Customize your appearance to your heart's desire! With plenty of options, craft the feline character that reflects your unique style and personality.
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.
