Kotaku’s Guiding Key is a proposed group playthrough and discussion of the Kingdom Hearts series, inviting readers to follow along, comment, and suggest topics. Its rough schedule starts with Kingdom Hearts in October 2026 and moves through the series toward Kingdom Hearts IV; the dates may change, so treat it as a flexible guide rather than a fixed calendar.
What is Guiding Key?
Announced by Kotaku writer Kenneth Shepard on October 5, 2026, Guiding Key is a communal, book-club-style journey through Kingdom Hearts. Kotaku writers, industry friends, and readers are invited to replay the games and discuss the story together. The posts are intended to give readers an anchor for their own playthroughs and open up discussion and critique; readers can join the conversation in comments and submit questions or topics.
| # | 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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Kingdom Hearts All in One Package (PlayStation 4) | $53.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far (PS4) | $23.49 | Buy on Amazon |
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This is an invitation to follow a shared series, not a requirement to play every game on the same timetable. Shepard describes the plan as rough and acknowledges it may shift as life and new releases intervene.
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What is the proposed playthrough order?
The October 5 announcement lays out this tentative sequence. The dates are the author’s proposed schedule, not confirmed publication dates.
#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.
| Proposed timing | Game or story | Planned approach |
|---|---|---|
| October–December 2026 | Kingdom Hearts | Playthrough |
| January 2027 | Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories | Playthrough |
| February–April 2027 | Kingdom Hearts II | Playthrough |
| May 2027 | Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Re:coded | Watch cutscenes |
| June 2027 | Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep | Playthrough |
| July 2027 | Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance and A Fragmentary Passage | Playthrough |
| August 2027 | Kingdom Hearts Union χ Dark Road | Watch-through |
| August–October 2027 | Kingdom Hearts III and its Re:Mind DLC | Playthrough |
| November 2027 | Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory | Playthrough |
| Late 2027 | Kingdom Hearts IV | Anticipated next stop |
The longer windows for several numbered games are intended to leave room for their play time. The announcement does not establish that Kingdom Hearts IV will release in late 2027; that timing is an expectation expressed alongside the proposed plan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you follow along?
Start with the announced collection
The announcement names Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] as an entry point and says it launches on Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 8, 2026. It does not specify regional availability, whether physical editions are offered, or prices. Check the current platform store or local retailer for edition and availability details before buying.
Rank #2
- The compilation includes the following games: KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics) KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 FINAL CHAPTER PROLOGUE KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage– KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie)
- KINGDOM HEARTS III
Some entries are planned as story watch-throughs
For 358/2 Days and Re:coded, the announcement says modern collections include cutscenes in place of the full games, and proposes watching those scenes rather than playing full versions. It also schedules a watch-through of Union χ Dark Road. This is the series’ planned approach, not a comprehensive guide to every version or platform on which these stories may be accessed.
Use the schedule as a flexible guide
If you want to play alongside the series, use each proposed window as a rough target, then follow Kotaku’s posts and discussion as they appear. Since the schedule may change, the announcement is best understood as a roadmap for the shared journey—not a promise that every installment will be covered on a specific date.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 Remix & Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
- Catch up on the story leading up to Kingdom Hearts III
- Relive the magical adventures of Sora, Donald Duck, Goofy and friends
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