All Kingdom Hearts Games in Order: Chronological & Release Order (2026)

The Kingdom Hearts series has been around for more than two decades, becoming one of gaming’s most beloved action RPG franchises. However, with titles releasing across PlayStation, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, PSP, 3DS, mobile devices, PC, and modern consoles, figuring out the correct order to play the series can be confusing, especially when trying to connect the story threads ahead of much-anticipated Kingdom Hearts IV.

To help both newcomers and returning players, we’ve put together a complete Kingdom Hearts chronological order and release order guide. Whether you want to experience the story as it unfolds in the timeline or follow the games as fans originally played them, this guide has you covered.

How to Play Kingdom Hearts Games in Chronological Order

If your goal is to experience the story in timeline order, you’ll want to start with the earliest events in the franchise universe and work your way toward the conclusion of the Dark Seeker Saga. This approach provides a clearer understanding of key characters such as Sora, Aqua, Terra, Ventus, and Master Xehanort.

Game NameRelease YearPlatforms

Kingdom Hearts X / Unchained X / Union X	2013 (X), 2015 (Unchained X), 2017 (Union X)	PC, Android, iOS
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road	2020	Android, iOS
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep	2010	PSP, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep- A Fragmentary Passage	2017	PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts	2002 (Original) / 2003 (Final Mix)	PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories	2004 (Re:Chain of Memories remake 2007)	GBA, PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days	2009	Nintendo DS
Kingdom Hearts II	2005 (Original) / 2007 (Final Mix)	PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded	2010 (mobile), 2011 (DS)	Nintendo DS
Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance	2012	Nintendo 3DS, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts III	2019	PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind	2020 (DLC)	PS4, Xbox One, PC
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory	2020	Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC

How to Play Kingdom Hearts Games in Release Order?

While this is the chronological timeline, most players are better off playing in release order. Several later-released prequels reveal story information that was originally intended to be discovered much later, making release order a smoother experience for newcomers. Additionally, you’ll see the gameplay evolve naturally while uncovering major story twists in the intended sequence.

Kingdom Hearts

The original game introduces Sora, Riku, and Kairi while establishing the series’ core concepts, including Keyblades, Heartless, and the battle between light and darkness. It provided an excellent blend of action RPG combat and storytelling that laid the foundation for the franchise.

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

Serving as a direct sequel to the original game, Chain of Memories takes Sora to Castle Oblivion where mysterious memory loss begins affecting him and his companions. The game introduced a unique card-based battle system that replaced traditional combat mechanics and also marked the first appearance of Organization XIII.

Kingdom Hearts II

KH II significantly expanded the scope of the series with improved combat, larger worlds, and deeper storytelling. Players begin as Roxas before reuniting with Sora and uncovering the truth about Nobodies and Organization XIII. It remains one of the most beloved entries thanks to its refined gameplay and emotional narrative.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Released for the Nintendo DS, 358/2 Days focuses on Roxas and his life within Organization XIII. The game explores his friendships with Axel and Xion while filling in important story gaps between Original game and the sequel. Mission-based gameplay was introduced to suit the handheld platform.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

This PSP prequel takes players ten years before the events of the original game. Following Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, Birth by Sleep reveals the origins of several key characters and introduces Master Xehanort as the central villain. Its command deck combat system offered a fresh twist on traditional series gameplay.

Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded

Re:Coded follows a digital version of Sora exploring a corrupted version of Jiminy Cricket’s journal. While the story is smaller in scope, it contains several plot threads that become important later. The game experimented with different gameplay styles, mixing action combat with puzzle and platforming elements.

NOTE: Re:Coded is the definitive version of the game, released for Nintendo DS. It is based on the original episodic mobile game Kingdom Hearts coded, but with Re:Coded being the more widely accessible release today.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

Dream Drop Distance follows Sora and Riku as they undertake the Mark of Mastery exam. The game introduced Flowmotion movement mechanics, Dream Eater companions, and dual protagonists. More importantly, it sets up many of the story developments that directly lead into KH III.

Kingdom Hearts X / Unchained X / Union X

Release Year	2013 – 2017 (same game but released on different platform)
Developer	Square Enix, Success
Metacritic Score	Unchained X (~70)

Originally released as a browser game before moving to mobile devices, KH X explores the ancient history of the series and the events surrounding the Keyblade War. It introduced important lore elements involving the Foretellers, the Master of Masters, and the foundations of the franchise’s universe.

Kingdom Hearts III

After years of anticipation, KH III brought the Dark Seeker Saga to its conclusion. Sora travels across Disney and Pixar worlds while gathering allies for the final confrontation against Master Xehanort. The game expanded combat systems, introduced Keyblade transformations, and delivered one of the series’ biggest adventures.

Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory

Melody of Memory takes a different approach as a rhythm-action game. Players relive iconic moments from across the franchise through music while following Kairi’s perspective on the events of the story. Despite its genre shift, it also advances the narrative beyond KHIII.

NOTE: Some entries are not included as full standalone releases in the main release order list above. This is because they either function as mobile/live-service titles, story DLC, or cinematic collections.

New to Kingdom Hearts? Where to Start

If you’re completely new to the Kingdom Hearts franchise, the best place to start is the original game and then continue through the series in release order. This ensures that you’ll experience the story’s mysteries, twists, and character reveals exactly as intended by the developers.

However, that can be difficult. So, for players who don’t want to track down multiple older systems, the modern HD collections are the easiest way to get started. The HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX and KH HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue contain most of the essential games and story content needed before jumping into Kingdom Hearts III.

At the end of the day, there’s no single “perfect” way to experience the expansive series, just the one that fits how you like to play.

So, which order makes more sense for you: release order or chronological order? Let us know in the comments below.