For a first playthrough, follow the series’ release order rather than rearranging entries into in-universe chronology. A July 4, 2024 MeriStation guide recommends this approach because changing the order can reveal important story events early. That is editorial guidance, not an order prescribed by Square Enix or Tetsuya Nomura.
Kingdom Hearts release order for a first playthrough
- Kingdom Hearts (Kingdom Hearts Final Mix in the current HD collection)
- Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts II
- Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
- Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage–
- Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover
- Kingdom Hearts III
This sequence follows the release-order recommendation in MeriStation’s guide, updated July 4, 2024. The recommended sequence matters more than the order in which a collection happens to display its contents.
How to follow the order using the collections
Square Enix groups the entries into three collection parts. Use this map to move through the recommended sequence; the bundles’ presentation order does not always match it.
| Collection | Included games or story presentations | Where they fit in the sequence |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX | Kingdom Hearts Final Mix; Re:Chain of Memories; 358/2 Days story scenes; Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix; Birth by Sleep Final Mix; Re:coded story scenes | Play Kingdom Hearts, Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II, Re:coded, 358/2 Days, then Birth by Sleep. Note that the recommended order places Re:coded before 358/2 Days even though the collection presents those entries in a different order. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD; 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage–; χ Back Cover | Play these in the listed first-play sequence: Dream Drop Distance, 0.2 Birth by Sleep, then χ Back Cover. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind | Kingdom Hearts III and the Re Mind add-on | Play Kingdom Hearts III after the earlier entries in the list. |
These contents are listed on Square Enix’s official collection page and its Japanese lineup page. The 358/2 Days and Re:coded inclusions in 1.5+2.5 are story presentations, not full playable game entries; account for that when deciding what experience you want from the collection.
#1 Best Overall
![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 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.
Why not use in-universe chronological order?
Kingdom Hearts tells a connected story across numbered games, non-numbered games, and story presentations. Rearranging those entries to match when events occur in the fictional timeline can expose information earlier than intended for a newcomer. The release-order recommendation comes from MeriStation’s editorial guidance; the official Square Enix series overview describes the series but does not prescribe a play order.
Square Enix describes Kingdom Hearts as action role-playing games developed and published under Tetsuya Nomura’s direction, created in collaboration with Disney. Its official overview follows Sora, a Keyblade wielder, traveling with Donald and Goofy through Disney worlds. This mix of characters and interconnected entries is why a simple “play the numbered games” approach leaves out relevant story material. Read the official series overview for the publisher’s description.
Rank #2
- Join Sora, Donald, and Goofy on their journey across the Disney universe
- Contains 9 epic KINGDOM HEARTS experiences; Number of players: 1 player; ESRB content: Fantasy violence, mild blood, mild language, mild suggestive themes, use of alcohol; Genre: Action and adventure; Role playing
- Play through the KINGDOM HEARTS series from the very beginning
- All games remastered in HD
Platforms, editions, and buying considerations
Square Enix’s Japanese collection reference lists KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I〜III] for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows; it also lists Steam. Individual compilation pages list Steam and Epic Games Store as well as supported console and Windows editions. Availability can vary by region and specific edition, so check the store listing for your country and platform rather than assuming every version is sold everywhere.
The Japanese official page gives October 8, 2026 as the release date for KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I〜III]. It says the packaged version requires an internet connection to download additional data. This is information for the Japanese product reference; it does not establish availability, stock, or package requirements in every market. Confirm the current regional listing before buying, and do not assume the package is fully playable offline based on that notice.
Rank #3
- 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
- Check that the edition works on your console or operating system.
- Confirm which compilation volumes are included and whether Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is part of the set.
- If you want a physical edition, check whether it requires an additional-data download and whether that suits your internet access.
- Verify regional availability, seller, and current stock directly with the retailer.
Square Enix’s official Japanese collection details are at its lineup page; the official collection page gives collection contents. Platform and retail details can change, so treat regional store listings as the final check.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What kind of series is Kingdom Hearts?
The release-order list is useful because the story extends beyond the numbered console games. Square Enix’s official series description calls Kingdom Hearts a series of action role-playing games developed and published under Tetsuya Nomura’s direction. The publisher’s 2025 annual report says the franchise has surpassed 38 million units in cumulative global package shipments and digital sales; that is a lifetime total reported by Square Enix Holdings, not sales for 2025 alone. See the 2025 annual report.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A new collection of the first three Kingdom Hearts titles in gorgeous high definition including the following
- Kingdom Hearts 1 Final Mix
- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (HD reMastered cinematics)
Rank #4
![Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] | Digital | Nintendo Switch 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sE+HIRncL._SL160_.jpg)
- Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III]
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