For a first playthrough, follow the series’ release-oriented story path: Life is Strange, Before the Storm, Captain Spirit (optional), Life is Strange 2, True Colors, Wavelengths (optional), Double Exposure, then Reunion. Starting with the original lets you meet Max and Chloe before the prequel revisits Chloe’s earlier life.
Recommended order for a first playthrough
- Life is Strange
- Life is Strange: Before the Storm
- The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit (optional)
- Life is Strange 2
- Life is Strange: True Colors
- True Colors: Wavelengths (optional DLC)
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure
- Life is Strange: Reunion
This is a spoiler-conscious recommendation, not an order required by the publisher. Square Enix describes Before the Storm as a prequel set three years before the first game. Playing the original first preserves its introduction to Max and Chloe, before the prequel returns to Chloe’s earlier life.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Life is Strange Collection (PS5) | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Life is Strange Collection (Disc + CIB) [PS5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vnVcZhH-L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Life is Strange Collection (Disc + CIB) [PS5] | $68.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection - Nintendo Switch | $54.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Life is Strange: Remastered Collection - Xbox [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ujh5RpchL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Life is Strange: Remastered Collection - Xbox [Digital Code] | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Life is Strange: Welcome to Blackwell Academy | $29.15 | Buy on Amazon |
Where the optional stories fit
Captain Spirit
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a free, optional short story that connects to Life is Strange 2. Play it before the sequel if you want that connection in sequence; it is not a numbered main game. Square Enix’s description calls it a free short story connecting to Life is Strange 2.
Wavelengths
Wavelengths is optional DLC for True Colors, starring Steph at the record store and radio station in Haven Springs. Its story takes place in the year before Alex arrives. Although that setting is earlier, playing the DLC after the main game is a convenient way to keep the bonus story with its parent game. Square Enix’s page describes it as an exclusive DLC story.
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- The box set comprises a disc with LIFE IS STRANGE: TRUE COLORS and LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE, alongside a redemption code granting entitlement to LIFE IS STRANGE REMASTERED, LIFE IS STRANGE: BEFORE THE STORM REMASTERED, LIFE IS STRANGE 2, and all associated DLC and pre-order incentive items.
- Supernatural powers collide with everyday life, and every choice you make has consequences.
- LIFE IS STRANGE is a single-player narrative adventure series that focuses on heartfelt, grounded stories with a twist of the strange, and a franchise that has won over 100 awards since its inception - including from The Peabody Awards, BAFTA, and GLAAD.
- Over five cinematic, emotional adventures, you’ll Rewind Time as Max Caulfield and uncover the secrets of Arcadia Bay with Chloe Price, take a road trip with Sean Diaz and his telekinetic brother Daniel, find a new home with psychic empath Alex Chen, and return to Max to solve a murder across two timelines.
Do you need to play Life Is Strange 2 and True Colors?
No—not to follow Max’s story. Life Is Strange 2 centers on Sean and Daniel, while True Colors follows Alex Chen. They are distinct character stories rather than prerequisites for the Max-focused entries. If you want a full franchise run, keep them in release-oriented sequence between Captain Spirit and Double Exposure. Square Enix’s series history lists the games and their release chronology.
Where Double Exposure and Reunion belong
Double Exposure returns to Max, who investigates the murder of her friend Safi. Play it before Reunion: the latter brings Max and Chloe together and is presented by Square Enix as the final chapter of their story. Reunion was released March 27, 2026, according to Square Enix.
Rank #2
- Life is Strange Remastered
- Life is Strange: Before the Storm Remastered
- Life is Strange 2
- Life is Strange: True Colors
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Shorter routes
For Max and Chloe’s story
If you only want the linked Max-and-Chloe thread, play Life Is Strange → Before the Storm → Double Exposure → Reunion. This is a focused route, not the complete franchise; it leaves out the separate stories of Sean, Daniel, and Alex.
For the complete series experience
Use the eight-entry list above, including both optional stories if you want their added character context. You can skip Captain Spirit and Wavelengths without skipping a numbered game.
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- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - 4
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- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - 4
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Buying the games as a collection
Square Enix’s European store lists a PS5 Life Is Strange Collection, released October 2, 2025. That regional package includes True Colors and Double Exposure on disc, with redemption codes for Life Is Strange Remastered, Before the Storm Remastered, Life Is Strange 2, and associated DLC. It does not include Reunion. Check the listing for your region before buying, since availability and package contents may differ. See the European store listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Remastered visuals across characters and environments
- Vastly improved character animation using full facial mocap performance
- Choice and consequence driven stories with multiple endings
- Harness the power of Max’s rewind ability or Chloe’s quick-witted attitude to change the course of events
- Distinct licenced soundtrack & original scores
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.
