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If you’re asking what to play before Kingdom Hearts IV, follow the core story route through Kingdom Hearts III, then play its Re Mind DLC. As of October 7, 2026, SQUARE ENIX lists Kingdom Hearts IV for late 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC; it has not announced a specific launch date. Here’s a newcomer-friendly order, plus what you can skip if time is tight.
What order should I play Kingdom Hearts in?
This story-focused route moves from the original adventure through the major connective games and into Kingdom Hearts III. It is a practical recommendation, not a play order SQUARE ENIX calls mandatory.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![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 |
| 2 |
|
Kingdom Hearts All in One Package (PlayStation 4) | $53.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far (PS4) | $23.49 | Buy on Amazon |
- KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
- KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories
- KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX
- KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX
- KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD
- KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –
- KINGDOM HEARTS III
- KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind (DLC)
The order includes the numbered games and several entries that carry the story between them. SQUARE ENIX describes HD 2.8 as three titles leading up to Kingdom Hearts III, and specifically says 0.2 Birth by Sleep links to it. SQUARE ENIX’s game and collection descriptions also place Re Mind in the events of Kingdom Hearts III’s climax; play it after finishing the main game.
Do I need to play every Kingdom Hearts game?
No. For a first pass aimed at following the central story toward Kingdom Hearts IV, the route above is a useful target, but the side entries below add context rather than serving as stated prerequisites. Choose based on how much story background you want and whether you prefer playable games or video compilations.
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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 "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.
Optional cutscene compilations
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded are included in HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX as HD cutscene compilations, not as the original DS games. They provide additional context, but are reasonable skips when you want to keep your first playthrough focused.
Optional origins and lore
KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover, included in HD 2.8, is an HD movie about the Foretellers and the series’ origins. It adds background; SQUARE ENIX’s collection description does not identify it as a prerequisite for the numbered saga.
For completionists and rhythm-game fans
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory is a separate rhythm-action entry. Consider it if you want a musical recap and continuation, but it is not part of Collection [I~III].
Rank #2
- The compilation includes the following games: KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics) KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 FINAL CHAPTER PROLOGUE KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage– KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie)
- KINGDOM HEARTS III
What is the easiest way to catch up?
SQUARE ENIX describes KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] as bundling HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC). That makes it a convenient way to get much of the story route in one purchase. Availability and included editions vary by platform and region, so check the current store or retailer listing for your location.
The bundle is listed for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. The publisher lists physical editions for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in the referenced region; that does not establish availability of the same physical edition everywhere.
- Physical-edition download: SQUARE ENIX says the physical edition requires an internet connection to download additional data. Check the specific edition’s listing before buying.
- Not every inclusion is a full playable remaster: 358/2 Days and Re:coded are cutscene compilations, and χ Back Cover is a movie.
What is known about the next release?
As of October 7, 2026, SQUARE ENIX lists KINGDOM HEARTS IV for late 2027, with Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC announced as platforms. The official material reviewed gives no exact launch day. The D23 trailer revealed a world inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Coco. Release schedules can change, so check the publisher’s current announcement for updates.
Rank #3
- Includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 Remix & Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
- Catch up on the story leading up to Kingdom Hearts III
- Relive the magical adventures of Sora, Donald Duck, Goofy and friends
SQUARE ENIX has also announced an original Kingdom Hearts anime series for Disney Channel and Disney+, described as being in development. No release date was supplied, so it is not a required pre-game watch.
How much context is enough?
If you want the clearest story path, play the eight entries in the recommended order and add the optional material only if its lore or format appeals to you. The scale of the franchise is substantial: The Walt Disney Company said in its 2026 D23 announcement that Kingdom Hearts had sold more than 39 million units worldwide. That is Disney’s attributed figure, not an independently audited lifetime total.
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