Start with KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX in KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, then follow the collections through Kingdom Hearts III. For the most convenient beginner route, use the collection order—but know that 358/2 Days and Re:coded are presented as HD cutscene compilations, not full playable games. Square Enix’s official lineup provides no definitive list of story entries that beginners can skip without missing important context.
What to play first: the beginner-friendly order
The clearest starting point is KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, the first game in the series. From there, use the order in which Square Enix groups the entries in its collections. This is a practical route based on the publisher’s packaging, not a publisher-mandated beginner sequence.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 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 | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
- Re:Chain of Memories
- KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX
- 358/2 Days (HD cutscene compilation)
- Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX
- Re:coded (HD cutscene compilation)
- Dream Drop Distance HD
- χ Back Cover (HD movie)
- 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –
- KINGDOM HEARTS III
- Re Mind, if you want the additional chapter
The first six entries are grouped in KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-. The next three are in KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue. KINGDOM HEARTS III and the additional Re Mind chapter are included together in KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind. Square Enix describes 0.2 Birth by Sleep as a short episode that links to III, and Re Mind as another side of the tale unfolding during III’s climax.
What can you skip?
There is no evidence-based definitive skip list in Square Enix’s official collection descriptions. They identify what each collection contains and distinguish playable games from video presentations, but do not certify that any story entry can be skipped without losing context. If you want the safer time-saving option, defer a game only knowing that this guide cannot confirm it is dispensable.
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#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.
Two entries are easier to defer in terms of play time because the 1.5+2.5 collection supplies them as cutscene compilations: 358/2 Days and Re:coded. Watch those films when they come up in the collection order if you want their story material without playing the original games. χ Back Cover in 2.8 is also a movie, rather than a full playable remaster.
Which entries are playable, and which are video?
The format matters when deciding what you are buying and how you plan to play the series. Square Enix’s official lineup lists these titles; its collection descriptions clarify their presentation.
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.
| Collection | Included entry | Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX | Game |
| 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | Re:Chain of Memories | Game |
| 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX | Game |
| 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | 358/2 Days | HD cutscene compilation |
| 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX | Game |
| 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | Re:coded | HD cutscene compilation |
| 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD | Full-HD remaster |
| 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | χ Back Cover | HD movie |
| 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – | Short episode linking to III |
| III + Re Mind | KINGDOM HEARTS III | Game |
| III + Re Mind | Re Mind | Additional chapter |
Which collection should a beginner get?
Choose based on your platform, whether you want physical or digital media, and whether you want Re Mind. Store availability varies by region, so confirm the publisher’s platform listing and your specific marketplace before buying.
For the opening stretch: 1.5+2.5 ReMIX
This collection contains the first six entries in the recommended route, including the two cutscene compilations. Square Enix lists it for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Epic Games Store, and marks it newly available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows.
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
For the middle stretch: 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Get this collection after 1.5+2.5 to continue with Dream Drop Distance HD, χ Back Cover, and 0.2 Birth by Sleep. It combines a remastered game, a movie, and a short episode, so it is not three full games.
For the ending: III + Re Mind
This package includes the base game and the additional Re Mind chapter. If you only want to reach the end of the main game, III is the core entry; Re Mind adds another part of the story around its climax.
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
For all three collections in one bundle
Square Enix announced KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] for October 8, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, that release date is still in the future; do not assume the bundle is already available. The announced physical and digital editions are for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. Square Enix says the physical version requires an internet connection to download additional data. Check the publisher’s announcement and local store listing for current availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the collections fit the larger series
Square Enix describes the Dark Seeker Saga as spanning from the original game through KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind. That scope supports treating the collections as a route through the main saga, but it does not make the sequence above an officially prescribed beginner order. The publisher describes Kingdom Hearts as a role-playing series created through collaboration between Disney and Square Enix; the first game launched for PlayStation 2 in March 2002. Square Enix Holdings reported more than 38 million units in global package shipments and digital sales as of the end of June 2025. The series launched on Steam on June 13, 2024, according to Square Enix’s Steam announcement.
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