Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For a first playthrough, use release/story-reveal order: KINGDOM HEARTS, Re:Chain of Memories, KINGDOM HEARTS II, then the collection films and later games through KINGDOM HEARTS III, Re Mind, and Melody of Memory. Do not start with the fictional timeline unless you have already finished the series.
The recommended first-play order
Kingdom Hearts has prequels, remakes, side stories and cinematic compilations that can make a simple list look more complicated than it is. The route below preserves the order in which major mysteries and character relationships were revealed to players. It is an editorial recommendation for newcomers, not a sequence Square Enix has declared mandatory.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-Ojve+89L._SL160_.jpg)
|
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)
|
KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded | $64.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| # | Play or watch | What it is in current collections | Why it belongs here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KINGDOM HEARTS (Final Mix) | Full game | Introduces Sora, Donald, Goofy, the worlds and the series’ central mysteries. |
| 2 | KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories | Full game; remake of Chain of Memories | Continues directly from the first game and sets up the opening situation of Kingdom Hearts II. |
| 3 | KINGDOM HEARTS II (Final Mix) | Full game | Delivers the payoff to the first game’s setup and to Re:Chain of Memories. |
| 4 | KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days | Cinematic compilation in HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX | Its revelations land more effectively after you know Kingdom Hearts II. In that collection you watch an edited movie rather than play the original Nintendo DS game. |
| 5 | KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep (Final Mix) | Full game | A major prequel whose context and character connections are easier to appreciate after the first two numbered games. |
| 6 | KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded | Cinematic presentation in HD 2.5 ReMIX | It is a story bridge and setup piece, not a second full-length game in the modern collection. |
| 7 | KINGDOM HEARTS 3D: Dream Drop Distance | Full game in HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Moves the series toward the events and threats that define Kingdom Hearts III. |
| 8 | KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage | Short playable game in HD 2.8 | It functions as a late prelude to Kingdom Hearts III and is best experienced after Dream Drop Distance. |
| 9 | KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover | Film in HD 2.8 | Watch it here as background for the wider mythology, without letting its earlier fictional setting spoil later discoveries. |
| 10 | KINGDOM HEARTS III | Full game | The main modern conclusion to the arc established by the preceding entries. |
| 11 | KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind | Downloadable expansion for Kingdom Hearts III | Install and play it only after completing the base Kingdom Hearts III story. |
| 12 | KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory | Separate rhythm game | It follows Kingdom Hearts III and Re Mind, adding story material through a music-focused format. |
If you want the shortest useful answer, begin with the first three entries. Then follow the launcher order of the collections while keeping 358/2 Days after Kingdom Hearts II, and finish with Kingdom Hearts III, Re Mind and Melody of Memory.
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 matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhy release and story-reveal order works best for newcomers
Kingdom Hearts often tells you that an event happened earlier only after you have already seen its consequences. A prequel can therefore assume that you recognize a character, organization or unanswered question from a later-released game. Playing strictly by fictional date moves those introductions and explanations ahead of the dramatic context they were designed to provide.
#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.
Release/story-reveal order also keeps the series’ mechanical learning curve sensible. The original game establishes the basic combat and exploration loop. Re:Chain of Memories deliberately changes combat to a card-based system, while Kingdom Hearts II returns to a more direct action format. Later entries add their own systems without asking a new player to understand the entire mythology before meeting its foundations.
This approach does not mean chronological order is wrong. It means the two orders serve different goals: release order protects first-time reveals; chronology supports a replay in which you already know who everyone is and want to trace the fictional history from its earliest point.
What the HD collections actually give you
The collection names can obscure an important distinction: a launcher entry is not always a complete playable game. Check whether you are starting a game, a remake or a cinematic edit before assuming you need a controller, a save file or dozens of hours.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
| Entry | Format | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX | Playable game | Your starting point. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories | Playable remake | Play it between the first game and Kingdom Hearts II. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days | Cinematic compilation | Watch it after Kingdom Hearts II; the original DS gameplay is not included as a playable version. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX | Playable game | Complete it before starting 358/2 Days. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX | Playable game | Play after the 358/2 Days film in a first run. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded | Cinematic presentation | Watch the collection’s story version rather than expecting a full playable campaign. |
The official HD 1.5 Remix manual identifies the launcher entries for Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days. The HD 2.5 Remix manual identifies Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final Mix and Re:coded. Those manuals are useful when a store description does not make the play-versus-watch distinction obvious.
HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
HD 2.8 groups Dream Drop Distance, 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage and the χ Back Cover film. Play Dream Drop Distance, then 0.2, and watch Back Cover at the point shown in the recommended list. Back Cover is a film, not an additional combat game.
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 III, Re Mind and Melody of Memory
Kingdom Hearts III is sold separately in some packages and bundled with its Re Mind expansion in others. Re Mind is downloadable content for the completed game, not an alternative opening chapter. Melody of Memory is a separate rhythm title rather than one of the three HD compilation entries, so it normally comes last.
Release order versus chronological order
Choose release/story order when this is your first run
- You want surprises to arrive in the order the audience originally received them.
- You are unfamiliar with the recurring cast and terminology.
- You want each prequel to explain earlier events after you have seen their consequences.
- You are using a modern collection and want to follow a practical launcher-based path.
Choose chronological order only for a deliberate replay
A timeline-focused replay can begin with the earliest fictional events and move forward through the franchise’s history. That is a valid project for someone who has completed the games and wants to compare causes with consequences. It is less forgiving for a newcomer because it can reveal identities and relationships before the games that originally introduced them.
Square Enix’s official franchise portal maintains a timeline for readers who want that alternate route. Use it as a chronology reference, not as proof that timeline order is the preferred beginner sequence.
How to buy and install the right version
- Identify your platform. Collection names and availability differ between console storefronts, PC storefronts and physical releases.
- Check the exact bundle contents. Confirm that the listing includes HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Kingdom Hearts III and, if wanted, Re Mind. A similarly named package may contain only one compilation.
- Verify the edition labels. The modern collections use Final Mix versions for several games; do not assume an older standalone release contains the same content.
- Confirm DLC ownership. Kingdom Hearts III and Re Mind may appear as a combined product or as separate base-game and expansion listings.
- Install enough storage and updates before starting. The cinematic entries are launched from the collection even though they are not playable campaigns, and platform updates can change how the launcher displays them.
- Use the in-game titles, not a web list, to track progress. Mark each entry as played or watched so that you do not accidentally skip Re:coded or start Re Mind before finishing Kingdom Hearts III.
Square Enix product materials group the major compilations and Kingdom Hearts III packages, while the Steam announcement describes the Integrum Masterpiece as containing those compilations. Because naming, downloadable content and regional availability can change, read the current storefront description for your platform before purchasing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Skipping Re:Chain of Memories
Some players avoid it because its card system feels unlike the first game. In story terms, however, it sits directly between the original and Kingdom Hearts II. If the combat is not for you, lower the difficulty or watch the game’s scenes, but do not assume Kingdom Hearts II is the intended next chapter without that context.
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
Watching 358/2 Days before Kingdom Hearts II
The collection may place the cinematic entry near the beginning of its menu. Leave it until after Kingdom Hearts II. Its editing and emotional weight rely on information that Kingdom Hearts II gives you first.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Starting with Birth by Sleep because it is a prequel
Birth by Sleep occurs earlier in the fictional history, but that does not make it the best introduction. Starting there can expose relationships and concepts before the numbered games have established their importance.
Assuming every title is playable
358/2 Days, Re:coded and χ Back Cover are presented as cinematic material in the modern collections. Schedule viewing time for them, and do not search for a missing “play” option.
Launching Re Mind too early
Finish the base Kingdom Hearts III story first, then return to the title menu or your platform’s downloadable-content entry for Re Mind. Treating the expansion as an opening chapter can place its scenes out of context.
Confusing a collection with a complete franchise package
The 1.5 + 2.5 and 2.8 compilations cover different groups of entries. A package that includes one does not automatically include the other, and Melody of Memory is separate from those compilation listings.
Recommended Free Tools
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
If you have already started in the wrong order
You began Kingdom Hearts II
You can continue, but pause before going further if the opening raises questions about characters or events you do not recognize. Play or watch the first game and Re:Chain of Memories, then return to Kingdom Hearts II from an earlier save if possible.
You began with Birth by Sleep
There is no need to delete your save. Finish only if you are enjoying it, then switch to the recommended route and treat details you already encountered as known information rather than trying to reconstruct a spoiler-free run.
You are replaying the series
Use the official timeline as a planning aid and choose chronological order if tracing fictional history is your goal. You already possess the reveal context that makes chronology risky for a first-time player.
You only want the main numbered games
Play the original Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II and Kingdom Hearts III, but expect gaps. Re:Chain of Memories explains the transition into II, and the later games and films carry information that the numbered entries assume you know. The complete route is the better choice if you want the story rather than only the headline releases.
Quick Recap
A compact checklist
- Start with KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix.
- Play Re:Chain of Memories before KINGDOM HEARTS II Final Mix.
- Watch 358/2 Days after II, even though the collection menu may show it earlier.
- Play Birth by Sleep Final Mix, then watch Re:coded.
- Play Dream Drop Distance, then 0.2 Birth by Sleep, and watch χ Back Cover.
- Complete KINGDOM HEARTS III before installing or launching Re Mind.
- Finish with Melody of Memory.
- Before buying, verify platform, region, edition, bundle contents and DLC.
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.
