Start with the original Kingdom Hearts. The easiest way to play it is through Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, which Square Enix calls “an essential collection of the first six stories in the KINGDOM HEARTS series.” From there, move to HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, then Kingdom Hearts III with its Re Mind expansion. Melody of Memory is a rhythm game that continues the story after III, so it comes last.
This route is editorial advice built from what Square Enix’s official bundles contain. Square Enix does not publish it as a mandatory play order.
| # | 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)
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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 |
| 3 |
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Kingdom Hearts Re:coded | $64.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The recommended route at a glance
- Kingdom Hearts (Final Mix), the first game, in HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
- Re:Chain of Memories, also in HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
- 358/2 Days, presented as HD remastered cinematics in that collection.
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, in HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
- Birth by Sleep Final Mix, in HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
- Re:coded, presented as HD remastered cinematics in that collection.
- Dream Drop Distance HD, 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage– and the χ Back Cover movie, all in HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.
- Kingdom Hearts III plus its Re Mind expansion.
- Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, if you want the continuation after III.
Steps 1 to 6 follow the order in which Square Enix’s store listing names the 1.5 + 2.5 contents. That is the order the package presents them in. It is not a rule that you must finish every spin-off before moving on.
What each collection contains
HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
This is the central early-series collection. According to the Square Enix Store’s PS4 listing for The Story So Far, it holds:
#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.
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
- Re:Chain of Memories
- 358/2 Days (HD remastered cinematics)
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
- Birth by Sleep Final Mix
- Re:coded (HD remastered cinematics)
358/2 Days and Re:coded are cinematics in this collection, so you watch their stories and don’t play them. Newcomers should know this before buying, because “six stories” does not mean six playable games.
HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
The same listing gives the HD 2.8 contents as Dream Drop Distance HD, 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage– and χ Back Cover, which is a movie. It is the bridge between the early games and III.
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.
The Story So Far
The Square Enix Store lists The Story So Far as a PS4 product that combines HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX with HD 2.8. Square Enix is both developer and publisher. It is a convenient single purchase for a PS4 player, but that listing doesn’t tell you what is in stock or what it costs in your region. Kingdom Hearts III is not part of the contents listed there, so you would need it separately.
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| Platform | What Square Enix announced | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 | The Story So Far: HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX plus HD 2.8 in one listing | Current stock and regional price; III is separate |
| Nintendo Switch | 2022 announcement: cloud versions of HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind, plus the all-in-one Integrum Masterpiece for Cloud | These are cloud editions, so confirm that the service is still running and available in your region |
| PC (Epic Games Store) | 2021 announcement: HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Kingdom Hearts III, Melody of Memory | The announcement is dated, so confirm that each title is still listed and what it costs |
Compare in this order:
- Platform compatibility. Check this first, since the contents differ by platform.
- Physical or cloud. A PS4 disc and a Switch cloud version are very different purchases. Cloud play depends on a connection and on the service staying available.
- Playable or cinematic. 358/2 Days and Re:coded are cinematics in the collection listing.
- How far the bundle goes. Check whether it stops at HD 2.8 or reaches III and Re Mind.
Why begin with the first game
Don’t start with whichever title carries a sequel number. The collections are built to run from the first game onward, and Square Enix describes 1.5 + 2.5 as the essential early-series collection. Starting at the original lets the early-story entries come in the order the package presents them. After that, HD 2.8 leads into III.
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
Can you skip the cinematic entries?
You aren’t blocked from continuing if you skip them. Because 358/2 Days and Re:coded are short cinematic presentations in the collection, they cost far less time than a full game would. The official pages reviewed don’t give a skip-or-watch rule, so treat watching them as the safer way to follow the story, not as an official requirement.
Quick Recap
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
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.
