Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor a first playthrough, follow a release-oriented path: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix → Re:Chain of Memories → Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix → 358/2 Days → Birth by Sleep Final Mix → Re:coded → Dream Drop Distance HD → χ Back Cover → 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – → Kingdom Hearts III → Re Mind. This is practical guidance, not an order Square Enix requires. It also separates playable games from cutscene compilations and a movie, which matters when you choose a collection.
Recommended order for a first playthrough
The Kingdom Hearts series combines action role-playing with Disney worlds and characters. Square Enix describes its central idea as “the story of Light overcoming Darkness with the power of Friendship.” For newcomers, a release-oriented sequence offers a practical way through the connected story without treating the series’ earlier-era tales as an opening requirement.
- Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
- Re:Chain of Memories
- Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
- 358/2 Days
- Birth by Sleep Final Mix
- Re:coded
- Dream Drop Distance HD
- χ Back Cover
- 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –
- Kingdom Hearts III
- Re Mind
The placement of 358/2 Days depends on what you mean by release order. In the original release sequence it came before Kingdom Hearts II. If you are using the current 1.5+2.5 collection, its cutscene compilation can be viewed after II to preserve the mainline games’ reveal structure. Collection-menu order and a recommended story-viewing order do not have to match.
Is chronological order better?
Not necessarily. Several entries take place in an earlier era, while others bridge into later games; a strict timeline is a different goal from a first-play sequence. Square Enix’s official pages reviewed here establish that χ Back Cover concerns the series’ origins and that 0.2 links toward Kingdom Hearts III, but they do not lay out a complete chronology for every game and movie. Treat the sequence above as a release-oriented recommendation, not a definitive official timeline.
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#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.
What is playable in each collection?
The collections package the series for easier access, but not every included story is a playable game. Square Enix’s product pages describe these contents:
| Collection | Contents relevant to the play order | Format |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- | Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final Mix, plus 358/2 Days and Re:coded | The four named games are playable; 358/2 Days and Re:coded are HD cutscene compilations, not playable remasters in this collection. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD, χ Back Cover, and 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – | Dream Drop Distance HD and 0.2 are games; χ Back Cover is a movie. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind | Kingdom Hearts III and Re Mind | Re Mind is DLC: an additional chapter telling another side of events during the game’s climax. |
If you want to experience every included story, plan to watch the compilations and movie as well as playing the games. The collections do not turn those video presentations into playable entries.
Rank #2
- IGN and GameSpot "Game of the Year" and "Best RPG" from The Game Awards
- ATLUS' newest fantasy JRPG with beautiful anime cutscenes
- Free demo with save-data carry over
- Awaken 40+ "Archetypes," magical powers that lie dormant in your heart
- Innovative battle system that blends strategic turn-based combat and dynamic real-time combat
Which edition should you get?
Square Enix announced KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] on June 10, 2026, with a release date of October 8, 2026. It bundles 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind. The announced platforms are Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. Square Enix notes that release times and store availability may vary by region.
The physical edition requires an internet connection to download additional data, according to Square Enix’s announcement. Its official product page also lists Steam and Epic digital storefronts for collection content, so check the specific platform and regional store listing rather than assuming the announced platform list covers every digital option.
Rank #3
- 53 unique locations, Sublime artwork
- Tantalizing storyline, Unique case-solving mechanics
- Clever puzzles, Four convoluted mysteries!
- Audio – English In Game Text – English, French, German, Russinan, Chinese (Simplified)
The bundled collection is the most direct one-bundle route through these three packages if it is available for your platform and region. Before buying, check whether you are choosing physical or digital, confirm the listed packages, and account for the physical edition’s download requirement. If the bundle is unavailable or unsuitable for your platform, the three individual collections provide the same package-level route where sold.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH PS5 controller skin (inside the case) featuring Cloud and Sephiroth. This PS5 controller skin provides full coverage without buttons or sensor interference.
- An Expansive World: As the party searches for Sephiroth, explore the beautiful, expansive regions of the world and open up new areas to discover through unique forms of transportation
- Deepen their relationships to unleash powerful team based combos
- An Evolved Battle System: Combine strategic thinking with thrilling action combat alongside your comrades, including newly added characters
- Beyond the Walls of Fate: In this standalone adventure for fans and newcomers, Cloud and his comrades venture across the planet, their fates unwritten, making each step outside the dystopian city of Midgar fresh and mysterious
Rank #4
- Help your grand paw remember his tales of bravery and adventure by documenting your journey in the trusty journal. Grab your pawmera and capture nostalgic spots on the island. Snap photos with locals, tourists, wildlife, and everything else you can find on the island!
- Have the purrfect time of your life as you unravel the secrets of Petit Island! From unique wildlife to hidden gems in villages and cities, let your curiosity be your guide on this remarkable expedition.
- Get to know the island's quirky and interesting characters as you go along your journey! Befriend the community to gain their trust-scratch their back, and they'll scratch yours!
- Customize your appearance to your heart's desire! With plenty of options, craft the feline character that reflects your unique style and personality.
Quick guide: play or watch?
- Want to play the main entries? Start with Final Mix and proceed through the games in the first-play sequence.
- Want the full story material in the collections? Include the 358/2 Days and Re:coded cutscene compilations, and watch the χ Back Cover movie.
- Want original release placement? Put 358/2 Days before Kingdom Hearts II; for the 1.5+2.5 cutscene compilation, viewing it after II is a practical first-time alternative.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
