For some, the Kingdom Hearts series boasts some of the greatest games ever made. For others, it’s a tangled web of subtitles, timelines, and recurring character names. Both perspectives hold truth, but the confusion can be cleared by playing the games in the correct order. However, with a convoluted naming system and releases scattered across various platforms, Square Enix hasn’t made this easy. Fortunately, the games are now bundled on consoles and Steam, simplifying access for players anticipating Kingdom Hearts 4. This guide will serve as your key, whether you’re eagerly awaiting the next installment or simply want to finally dive into this beloved series.
Sora, Mickey, Goofy, and more in Kingdom Hearts 2.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise has captivated players since its 2002 debut, with entries among the best PlayStation 2 titles, and shows no signs of slowing down. The numerous subtitles and re-releases with altered names can create the illusion of a larger library than actually exists. For clarity, this guide lists the initial release of each game, noting any subsequent updated versions.
Kingdom Hearts Games by Release Date
This list presents the Kingdom Hearts games in the order they were initially released, providing a historical overview of the franchise’s evolution.
- Kingdom Hearts/Kingdom Hearts Final Mix — 2002
- Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories/Re: Chain of Memories — 2004
- Kingdom Hearts 2/Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix — 2005
- Kingdom Hearts Coded/Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded — 2008
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days — 2009
- Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep/Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix — 2010
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance — 2012
- Kingdom Hearts X/Unchained X/Union X Dark Road — 2013
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth By Sleep -A fragmentary passage- — 2017
- Kingdom Hearts 3 — 2019
- Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory — 2020
Kingdom Hearts 2
Kingdom Hearts Games in Chronological Order
Understanding the Kingdom Hearts narrative requires careful attention to the chronological order of events. While playing the games in release order offers a historical perspective, experiencing them chronologically can enhance comprehension of the intricate storyline. Each game contributes significantly to the overarching narrative, leaving no room for omissions.
For titles like 358/2 Days, Re: Coded, and Kingdom Hearts X, which are either inaccessible or difficult to obtain, the compilations offer concise video summaries of the essential plot points, ensuring players stay informed.
The following reflects the official Kingdom Hearts timeline:
- Kingdom Hearts X/Union X
- Kingdom Hearts Dark Road
- Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth By Sleep -A fragmentary passage-
- Kingdom Hearts/Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories/Re: Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
- Kingdom Hearts 2/Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts Coded/Re: Coded
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
- Kingdom Hearts 3
- Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
This chronological order offers the most cohesive narrative experience, allowing players to fully appreciate the complexities and nuances of the Kingdom Hearts universe.
