What Kingdom Hearts Game To Play First

Kingdom Hearts 1 is the best game to play first for the optimal story experience.

Jumping into the Kingdom Hearts series can feel overwhelming with so many titles. Many wonder, what kingdom hearts game to play first? Starting with the original game, Kingdom Hearts 1, provides the foundational story. It introduces the characters, core concepts and sets the stage for all that follows.

Playing them in release order is usually the best path to understanding the complex plot. Beginning with the very first game is the most intuitive approach to begin the journey.

What Kingdom Hearts Game to Play First: A Beginner’s Guide

Okay, so you’re ready to jump into the amazing world of Kingdom Hearts! That’s fantastic! But with so many games, it’s totally understandable to feel a little lost. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lots of people wonder, “Where do I even begin?” It’s like trying to pick the first flavor in a giant ice cream sundae – exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. This guide will help you figure out the perfect starting point for your Kingdom Hearts journey.

Why the Order Matters (Kind Of!)

The Kingdom Hearts story is, well, let’s just say it’s intricate. It’s like a big, beautiful puzzle with lots of pieces that connect in surprising ways. Unlike some series where you can hop in anywhere, Kingdom Hearts is more serialized. The games build upon each other, and playing them in the right order will make the story much easier to follow. It also enhances your emotional connection to the characters and their journeys. Playing a later game first might leave you scratching your head, wondering what’s going on, and who these people are. Think of it like reading a book series; you wouldn’t start with book five, right?

The Release Order vs. the Chronological Order

This is where things get a little complicated. There are two main ways to play the Kingdom Hearts games: in the order they were released, and in the order the story actually happens (chronological order). They’re not the same! The release order is generally considered the better way for newcomers to start, as it allows you to understand how the story was meant to be told, and slowly reveals the mysteries at the appropriate times. Chronological order might give you the plot points in order, but sometimes knowing certain things before others can spoil the surprise or make a character’s motivations confusing.

The Argument for Release Order

Playing in release order offers several advantages, especially for new players. Here are some key reasons why we recommend starting with the first game:

Gradual Story Introduction: You will learn the lore and world of Kingdom Hearts slowly, just like the original players did. This helps avoid overwhelming you with information too quickly.
Character Development: You see the characters grow and change over time in the way the writers intended. This makes their actions, choices, and relationships more meaningful.
Evolution of Gameplay: The gameplay mechanics improve with each new release. Starting with the original allows you to appreciate the advancements and not feel frustrated going back to earlier mechanics later on.
Emotional Impact: The story beats and twists will have a bigger impact when experienced in the way they were initially designed. The reveals and connections are much more exciting when they happen naturally.

The Starting Point: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix

So, what’s the very first game you should play? It’s Kingdom Hearts Final Mix. This version is a slightly updated version of the original Kingdom Hearts, with additional content that helps make the experience a little smoother for first-time players. It’s included in almost every Kingdom Hearts collection you’ll find today.

Why Kingdom Hearts Final Mix is The Best Beginning

Foundation of the Series: It introduces you to all the key characters, core concepts, and the overall story. You’ll meet Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the infamous Heartless for the first time.
Simple But Engaging Gameplay: The gameplay is straightforward enough that you can pick it up easily, but it’s also deep enough to keep you engaged and improve as you go.
Familiar Disney Worlds: Exploring Disney worlds you know and love adds a fun layer of nostalgia that makes getting into the story even more enjoyable. You get to interact with characters from Aladdin, Hercules, The Little Mermaid, and many more beloved movies.
Clear Story Structure: The story, while it has its complexities, is easier to follow compared to the later titles. This will allow you to grasp the core ideas of Kingdom Hearts without getting too bogged down.
Available in Modern Collections: As previously mentioned, Kingdom Hearts Final Mix is almost always included in the various Kingdom Hearts collections on modern consoles, so it’s very easy to access.
Perfect Pace: The pace of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix is perfectly balanced, allowing the story to unfold at an engaging rate without feeling rushed or slow. You’ll have time to explore, complete side quests, and really absorb everything the world has to offer.

Navigating Through the Rest of the Series

Once you’ve finished the first game, you might be wondering “okay, what’s next?” Well, here’s a guide to playing through the rest of the games in the recommended release order. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple:

Kingdom Hearts Final Mix: As we already discussed, this is where you should begin. It sets the stage for everything to come.
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories: This game bridges the gap between the first and second main games. It features a unique card-based battle system. Don’t skip this title, as the story is vital to understanding the bigger picture. It continues Sora’s journey and adds more context about the mysterious Organization XIII.
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix: The first sequel, this game features significantly improved gameplay and an emotionally charged story. Here you’ll see Sora all grown up and the story takes another twist. Organization XIII’s role becomes much clearer.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days: While this game has a strange title, it’s essential to understand the background of several characters. It follows Roxas, another main character from the second title, and sheds light on Organization XIII’s past. It’s played on the Nintendo DS, but is usually presented as a movie in the remasters.
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix: This is a prequel to the entire series, focusing on three new Keyblade wielders, Aqua, Terra and Ventus. It expands the lore even more, giving more important context to the main storyline and the upcoming antagonists. While technically a prequel, it’s best experienced after you have played the first three games of the series because its story is full of references and callbacks.
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded: This game is an odd one, taking place inside a virtual world. The story is mostly an epilogue, but has significant lore implications for the entire series. You may also watch the movie version of the game in the collections.
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance: This title introduces the concept of “dream worlds” and is a direct lead up to the events of Kingdom Hearts III. It is also here that we get a glimpse at the events leading up to the final chapter, and learn the true plans of Master Xehanort. It also features a new system where you must switch between Sora and Riku periodically.
Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A Fragmentary Passage–: This short game acts as a prologue to Kingdom Hearts III, and features Aqua as the main character, and explains how she’s managed since the events of Birth by Sleep. It’s an important bridge to understand the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 3.
Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind: The most recent main entry in the series and the finale of the Xehanort saga. This title brings together nearly every plot thread from all previous games. Make sure you buy the Re:Mind DLC for the full experience.
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory: A rhythm action game that recaps the events of the previous games and provides a brief epilogue. It should be played after you have completed Kingdom Hearts III, because the events here will make little sense otherwise.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link: The latest game in the series, it’s a location based mobile game. Its story is relevant and canon to the entire Kingdom Hearts universe.

Understanding the Spin-offs and Side Games

You might notice that there are quite a few games outside of the main numbered titles. These games often get called “spin-offs” or “side games.” While they aren’t usually essential for understanding the main plot, they often provide deeper characterization and help fill in some gaps in the story, so it’s best to play through them in their respective order. For example, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days follows Roxas, a character that appears in Kingdom Hearts II. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep shows how the events leading up to the original game occurred. You don’t have to play every single side game, but they certainly can add to the enjoyment and understanding of the world.

The Importance of “Final Mix” Versions

You might see the term “Final Mix” popping up next to some of the game titles. Don’t ignore this! These versions contain extra content, such as new cutscenes, enemies, and items, and often include gameplay tweaks to improve the experience. They’re generally considered the definitive versions of each game and are what you’ll find bundled in the various Kingdom Hearts collections.

Key Concepts to Keep in Mind

As you play through the Kingdom Hearts series, there are several key concepts that you’ll encounter constantly. Knowing these ahead of time can help you understand the story and characters.

The Heart: The most important concept in the Kingdom Hearts universe. It’s where feelings, emotions, and memories are stored. It’s what drives many of the character’s actions.
The Darkness: The source of negativity and evil in the Kingdom Hearts universe. It manifests as Heartless creatures and seeks to consume all light.
The Light: The antithesis of the darkness. It represents hope, goodness, and everything positive. It’s often symbolized by hearts.
The Keyblade: A mystical weapon used to fight against the darkness. It is often seen as a symbol of light and is at the heart of the main conflict in the series.
Heartless: The creatures born from the darkness within hearts. They act as the main antagonists in the series and are often seen as the enemies you’ll be fighting.
Nobodies: Beings that are left behind when a heart turns into a Heartless. They also have a unique role to play in the story and are often the main antagonists throughout the series.
The Organization XIII: A group of Nobodies, the members of Organization XIII each have their own agenda and motivations, which are gradually revealed as the series continues.

Tips for New Players

Here are some helpful tips to make your first Kingdom Hearts experience a little smoother:

Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the story. Explore each world, talk to the characters, and enjoy the details.
Experiment with Abilities: Try out different abilities and magic spells to find what suits your playstyle. There is no one “right” way to play.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you get stuck, there are many online communities and guides that can provide assistance and advice.
Pay Attention to the Story: The Kingdom Hearts story is complex, so try to pay attention to the dialogue and cutscenes to make sure you aren’t missing anything important.
Have Fun! Kingdom Hearts is a unique and enjoyable experience. Relax, embrace the ride, and prepare for a wild adventure.

A Few Words about Platforms

The Kingdom Hearts series has been released on a variety of platforms over the years, and it is often confusing to find out what platforms are currently supported. Here is a quick recap of the platforms the series is currently available on:

Make sure you double check and purchase the correct version that you need.

Kingdom Hearts can seem daunting at first, but trust us, the journey is well worth it. By starting with Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and following the release order, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the wonderful story and characters that this series has to offer. Enjoy the adventure, and may your heart be your guiding key!

Kingdom Hearts Play Order Made Easy! [Full Version]

Final Thoughts

For new players, starting with Kingdom Hearts Final Mix is a must. This first game introduces the core characters and plot. It sets the stage for the entire saga.

Playing Kingdom Hearts 1 first will help you grasp future games. You’ll understand the key connections and story beats. Therefore, it’s the ideal answer to “what kingdom hearts game to play first.”