The Kingdom Hearts franchise is the culmination of 20 years worth of storytelling through video games and other forms of media. However, one of the biggest criticism of the franchise concerns its confusing storyline. This is largely due to the massive number of characters involved with the series and its out-of-order storytelling. While most of it is ironed out in Kingdom Hearts III, the journey to get there can be daunting.
Thankfully, the titles can be organized into a timeline that is (relatively) easy to understand. Playing the games in this order could be a great way to introduce newcomers, or give veteran fans a chance to experience the series in a new way. There's a lot to learn, from the early years of the evil Master Xehanort to Kairi's search for Sora. Here's how to play Kingdom hearts in chronological order.
Kingdom Hearts χ
The story begins during Kingdom Hearts χ, a collection of videos and games that chronicle the events leading up to and after the Keyblade War. Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover is a film that begins with the formation of the different factions in the Kingdom Hearts χ game. The story continues to Kingdom Hearts χ, which later becomes Unchained and Union χ.
This story introduces the keyblade wielders and the Keyblade War. Centuries later, Xehanort's story begins with Kingdom Hearts Union χ: Dark Road, covering his younger years. Back Cover is available on Kingdom Hearts II.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and the cutscenes for Kingdom Hearts χ and Dark Road are free to download on smartphones.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
Birth by Sleep occurs sometime after Dark Road and follows three keyblade wielders named Aqua, Terra and Ventus. The story is a darker chapter in the series where Xehanort gains more control and manipulates each member of the trio. Aqua's story continues in Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage. The main game is available on the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, while A Fragmentary Passage is available on Kingdom Hearts II.8 Final Chapter Prologue.
Kingdom Hearts
While Kingdom Hearts is the first release in the series, it takes place 10 years after Birth by Sleep. This game marks the start of Sora's journey with Goofy and Donald to find and save his friends. Also, since it's the first in the franchise, some controls are different from the previous titles, most notably a lack of camera control. However, it's still a fun journey with great characters and action. Kingdom Hearts is available in Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
Chain of Memories continues Sora's story as he explores new and familiar worlds to regain his memories. It helps set up major plot points for Kingdom Hearts II but features a card-battle combat system that makes fighting challenging for even veteran players. While the combat system makes the experience a bit of a chore, it's still a great game that can be experienced as part of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days
Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days follows a trio of Organization XIII members named Roxas, Xion and Axel. It interweaves with the events of Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts. The first 24 days occur during the finale of Kingdom Hearts, while days 25-49 occur during Chain of Memories. Like Birth by Sleep, the story is a dark chapter about the loss of friendships that also sets up Roxas' journey in Kingdom Hearts II. The cutscenes are available on the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II is the next big step in the franchise and concludes Roxas' story (for now) with him finally being reunited with Sora. Now stronger and older, Sora's skills with the keyblade have grown as he faces off with members of Organization XIII. The combat has also improved thanks to improved gear systems and coves that make Sora faster and stronger. Kingdom Hearts II is a must-play for fans and newcomers as it features one of the best stories and battle systems in the series. It can be played on the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
Kingdom Hearts: Coded
Kingdom Hearts: Coded (later Re: coded) was an early mobile game turned Nintendo DS title that sees Jiminy Cricket organizing his notes from Sora's journey. However, a mysterious message prompts Jiminy and King Mickey to digitize his notes and create a digital Sora to relive certain events of the first game. However, certain glitches make things more difficult than before. The title takes place between the end of Kingdom Hearts II and its epilogue, and the cutscenes are available on the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance is the bridge between Kingdom Hearts II and III. While it isn't a mainline title, it has enough content to make it as important as one. During Riku and Sora's Mark of Mastery exam, the duo must awaken sleeping worlds from new enemies called Dream Eaters. However, each character has a time limit, and once it has run out, the player drops to the other character. The game also connects to 358/2 Days and Birth by Sleep leading to the big finale. Dream Drop Distance is available as part of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX.
Kingdom Hearts III
Kingdom Hearts III marks the end of a journey almost 20 years in the making -- while also opening the door to a new storyline. The game finally collects all main and side title characters for a final battle against Xehanort -- one that has huge implications moving forward. While it's not clear where the series will go from here, the Re: Mind DLC provides some ideas. Kingdom Hearts III is available to play on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory
Melody of Memory shifts focus to Kairi, who sends players on a trip down the game's long history as a rhythm game. Playing through the franchise's best songs, players can re-experience great moments from the series in a way that's both nostalgic and addictive. It also offers more hints at what's to come, making it an unexpected but enjoyable entry. Melody of Memory is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.