Kingdom Hearts: What Order to Play?

Full Version: • Kingdom Hearts Play Or...
Confused about what order to play Kingdom Hearts in? Start here.
Before starting Kingdom Hearts 4 make sure you understand what order the games are in.
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This video quickly shows how to progress through the series, and explains what games are in Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 and Kingdom Hearts 2.8 collections.
The number of games and stories can be confusing, but now you'll know where to start with your Kingdom Hearts adventure!
If you're a kingdom hearts fan or wanting to become one, consider subscribing!
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[@S_Haise]

I love how people are still asking this despite the games being ordered in the newer releases.

[@smugaru]

I agree, it is a little weird. I think at this point some people are determined to make playing this series more confusing than it actually is. They've bought too much into the "Kingdom Hearts is confusing" meme. I'll gladly do my part to help make it clear though lol 😂

[@froakachu8077]

Maybe the reason why is coz 358/2 is out before 2 in the 1.5+2.5 collection

[@smugaru]

@Froakachu Ohhh yess, I dedicated a whole section to 358/2 days in the new version of this video, lol👌

[@SobrietyandSolace]

@@smugarushould definitely be played afterwards, the impact is so much greater

[@smugaru]

@@SobrietyandSolace Completely agree with you there. I've gotten a few people who disagree though 😅😅

[@isiahduran2041]

Trust me if you play it in chronological order your ass is gonna be SO lost lmao

[@smugaru]

Yeah, I feel the story is more dense in chronological order for someone brand new, lol. Maybe on a replay, after you're already familiar with the series 😅

[@sinx117]

​@@smugaru starting with X and Union X must be a hell of a nightmare

[@smugaru]

@SinX I bet, lmao! I was always curious about trying out that OG X[chi] though.

[@eastmanalucard7044]

I wasn’t just get invested or use your brain chronological is better

[@sahansubayi5101]

I was playing it chronological and i dammn i understand the whole Story of kingdom hearts but if you play the game on chronological release time well then your getting confused

[@Its_PizzaTime]

Chronological, to me, is a fun way to replay the games. NEVER for someone's first playthrough

[@smugaru]

Mmhmm exactly what I was trying to get at. But apparently it has worked out for some people, so what do I know, lol 😂

[@xiracord9179]

Replay maybe, but for newcomers, the best eay is launch. And Cronological order, yo can eatch avery X scene, and need to wait for ML before yo plar DR and then BbS.

[@TravisDujack]

When you say 'Let's keep this simple" I can't help but wait for "... And Clean". lol That reaction is burned into me

[@smugaru]

I purposefully didn't do it, but it was tough. It works so well lol

[@Calooseeus]

I had this same thought before I played Kingdom Hearts in 2022. So I bought the Kingdom Hearts All-in-One thingy, which had all the games together in release order. Played and Platinum'd them all in 6 months. Best game series.

[@smugaru]

Oh wow, that's impressive!! I still haven't even platinumed any of the games lol. It's always great to see folks having a good time with KH 💛

[@Benjiyagi]

Screenshot or it didn’t happen

[@success9271]

love the way you looped this.

[@smugaru]

Hey thank you so much! Wasn't entirely sure if it would do right, definitely an experiment hahaha. So good to know 🥰 💛

[@sinjin4605]

​@@smugaruAlso, what about Union χ? I know, its gameplay has been ended, but theater mode allows us to still see the story. So, after which game should we do so?

[@smugaru]

@@sinjin4605 KHux works best around KH3, can be before or after. I explained it a bit more in my new video. Union X is important, but for someone brand new, it might be frustrating to hear you have to play a mobile game, lol.

[@MarioLord14]

The whole series made me cry, rage, laugh, and was just a lot of fun. I’m glad I’m played through this.

[@smugaru]

@MarioLord14 Woohoo, I love to hear that! 🥰💛💛

[@raimidoriyamidoriyashonen1368]

I played the chronological order, no regrets

[@smugaru]

I mean, hey, if you were able to keep up with the story, then it's all good, hahaha 😌👌

[@raimidoriyamidoriyashonen1368]

@@smugaru the only game that made my mind go crazy at first was the explanations on Dream Drop Distance lol

[@smugaru]

@@raimidoriyamidoriyashonen1368 Yeah for real. The KH story is straightforward until 3D. I've only played it once so far, but it genuinely confused me lol😬

[@mr.starly2423]

Don’t care. Nobody asked.

[@topcatfan]

​@@mr.starly2423I did

[@user-zq1um1mf1s]

I have to say though once you've fully grasped the story and know everything then playing it in chronological order starting with X is very interesting

[@smugaru]

That I can definitely agree with. Going back seeing things in chronological order, especially with X/DR is really interesting after you've gotten the basic rundown😁

[@PurpleFX1]

You should include Dark Road after melody of memory

[@smugaru]

I would agree with that. I do think Union X/Dark Road are important, but I'd argue that they're not essential to enjoy the core games yet. I do want to make another version of this where I mention them too 💛

[@hazzydahaka13]

​@@smugaru I'd argue they will be in the near future once Missing Link and KH4 release.

[@smugaru]

@@hazzydahaka13 Yeah, that's definitely going to be true. But I wouldn't want to overload someone with the knowledge that they'll have to view mobile games when starting the series lol

[@zephyrias]

@@smugaru i stuck Union X (and its jpn and global versions) before 3 and dark road after.

[@smugaru]

@zephyrias I feel like that's pretty reasonable. Whether or not you can convince other new players to do that? ehhh lol 😂

[@TehJakeify]

On my very first run of the series, I played 358/2 Days before 2. I have no regrets; I think it’s a fine way to experience the story and helps you grow a greater attachment to Roxas

[@smugaru]

Yeah, I think at this point it comes down to personal preference. I do think the intro of Days spoils some things of KH2: events and revealing organization members. It also adds a new character non present in KH2. I played Days when it came out and after KH2, and it helped me have a stronger attachment to Roxas in a retrospective way.

[@Ryan-Ellis]

dearly beloved is so beautiful man

[@smugaru]

Still an absolute banger, truly 💛

[@Neat_Video]

I like what you did there at the end ;)

[@cynthiasantiago2059]

If you want to be not confused with chronological order play birth by sleep, 0.2 fragmentory passage, kingdom hearts 1, chain of memories, 365/2 days, kingdom hearts 2, kingdom hearts re coded, kingdom hearts dream drop distance, kingdom hearts 3, and finally melody of memories ur are welcome if that helps

[@smugaru]

Agreed, if chronological is what you're going for, that's it 👌 I'd still suggest release order for brand new players to the series.

[@laoieali]

As a player I personally played it in the remix order I played days before 2

[@joshuaevans4301]

I'm just going through the games in the order that they are presented to me in the latest releases. Having a great time so far! For example, Buncha-days leads directly into KH2 in a way that's really satisfying

[@smugaru]

@joshuaevans4301 I'm glad you're enjoying them so far! I still have my opinions about Days before/after KH2 lol. More people will probably be exposed to it in this "remix" order now than who originally would have in release order😂 It is really interesting that Square Enix has recently clarified their stance on the play order, but probably won't ever change the collection order.

[@smugaru]

Just to be clear, this is meant for new people to the series, not the rest of us more experienced with the games already. Plus, I left out KHUX & DR because I thought they would put off new people. I talk about them in the full version 💛

[@davidmeyers9595]

Your not funny!

[@Jt_Sativa]

Are all of these om ps4

[@smugaru]

​@@Jt_Sativa Yes, they are! All of the games and movies I mentioned here are available on PS4. And I believe also available digitally on PS5.

[@Co_olImagination]

i disagree since Namora the creator said in an interview that he wished days came out before 2 because it explains more plus you already know something happens to Xion instead of being surprised which is why he ordered it before KH2 on the collections…

[@smugaru]

I actually bring up that interview in my video about chronological or release order. I am aware that that's what he said, but I do still question it. Three game collections were always planned it seems so it's possible he just had to come up with a reason to cover for it. The storytelling going with Days first before KH2 has always felt more feels more regressive to me due to the org members suddenly being hidden and mysterious after we've had all their identities shown and a whole character (Xion) being completely absent because she probably hadn't been thought of yet. It's not a big deal, it's just that I wouldn't personally suggest doing Days first.

[@CucasNerdyCorner]

I just figured x back cover is before 0.2 because x back cover ends with Luxu walking in the keyblade graveyard with the black box and 0.2 starts with Luxu looking at the aftermath of the keyblade war. Plus 0.2 literally ends with the beginning part of kh3.

[@smugaru]

To be completely honest, 0.2 and x back cover would be the two that I would say are interchangeable, as long as they're experienced right before KH3 I think you'll be good haha

[@CucasNerdyCorner]

@@smugaru agreed, but I'm surprised you didn't any of the mobiles games lol

[@smugaru]

​@@CucasNerdyCorner I do think they're important, but I don't think they're essential for getting into the core story (yet anyways lol) Khux and DR seem to be more about the deeper lore or relating to the "bigger picture" scope for series. Also imo, anyone new to the series will probably look into it themselves if they make it to KH3 lol

[@CucasNerdyCorner]

@@smugaru yeah I can see that, but awesome video... I love showing videos like this to my friends who thinks chronological order is the right way and I'm like... "WRONG!" 🤣

[@smugaru]

@@CucasNerdyCorner Helping others understand is why I put this together!! I don't want people to get confused. I'll try to get out a full version eventually. But anyone who says chronological order ain't no friend of mine 😂😂

[@stevensoraastro1124]

Just play in release order. I do that for every series and I have never been confused.

[@smugaru]

Exactly my thought. I can understand if you're young and you just happen to start with a game in the middle or if it's a series like FF or Xenoblade where it won't be as crucial

[@Alexgodofwar5662]

That is just a straight lie lmao

[@stevensoraastro1124]

Im not sure what you are saying the lie is, but playing games in release order is the proper way to do things. The writers and designers of not only games, but any medium are learning as they write. Its just generally better to do that with anything. @@Alexgodofwar5662

[@Zergito]

People argue that you should play 358/2 Days before KH2. I agreed with that for the longest time, but then I forgot that in the beginning of KH2 it really is a nice setup as you go thru Roxas’ end because of the mystery of it all. So yes, the KH series is best played in release order.

[@smugaru]

The confusion and mystery really add to the experience imo. Having 358/2 basically peel back the curtain and recontextualize all of KH2 was so cool and refreshing. But to maximize the effect you need the setup from KH2. It also changes how you view KH2 when you replay it haha👀👀

[@jakersify]

Playing the games this way made KH3 so much more rewarding. Also, I would like to add: Watch the mobile game cutscenes (X, Union X, etc.) right before KH3 or after KH3 to get some more lore and backstory to some characters. You don't have to do this, but I highly recommend doing so.

[@smugaru]

Absolutely agree! I do address the mobile games in the full version. I get that there's like a little bit of confusion at the start of the series, but so many things are tied or explained by the time you get to KH3. Just gotta trust the process lol😂

[@felipetorr148]

playing in chronological order is like removing the fun

[@smugaru]

Mmmhmm, it removes a lot of the impact of certain reveals by just blatantly spoiling things. Like, you gotta have some surprises lol.

[@RainingFlow19]

I prefer this order over square suggested order for KH 358/2. Got so many spoilers in that game that makes the organization and riku less mysterious. Many players that played the remaster played KH 358/2 first and is such a shame.

[@smugaru]

That's exactly why I suggest release order! I'm getting more comments defending chrono order without very good reasons. I think people are being convinced by story explained videos laying out the story in full. When you're playing the games though, it doesn't hit the same way in chronological order lol 😂

[@Naxaky]

For story : watch everglow s timeline series For gameplay go with any

[@land-uknown7456]

days and kh2 is a different situation you can play kh2 before day's but knowing that the events of days happened right before kh2 it's fine to play it before kh2 heck even final remix have it in that order

[@smugaru]

I go over it more in my new video, but I do stand by my point that the story isn't intended to be consumed chronologically. Watching Days ahead of KH2 spoils the story, and Days loses a lot of its impact when viewed first. The reason why they did it this way for 1.5 imo is because they needed something to fill out the collection: yes, it's technically chronologically correct, and represents the .5 between KH 1 & 2. They also added content into CoM for viewing the movie.

[@nebulazz9298]

This series is so fun

[@smugaru]

Truuuuee!! 😉💛

[@__Rey03__]

I suggest this order: Kh1 Kh chain of memory Kh 358/2 days Kh2 The end

[@smugaru]

The throughline with the endings of KH1 and KH2 are so good, I can certainly understand that lol 😂 I'm a little surprised people suggest seeing 358/2 Days before KH 2

[@kaelin_cherise]

​@smugaru because if you play 358/2 after KH2 it ruins some of the story? I watched a playthrough where someone played in this order and they kinda admitted half the plot was for naught because "well I know what happens to Roxas and no one talked about this Xion character so clearly something happens." It's the one exemption i feel should be made to chronological vs. release. I just like to say "go down the list as presented in the HD rerelease."

[@demp11]

​@@kaelin_cheriseyes exactly it makes so much more sense to play days before 2 because you also understand why you are suddenly roxas at the beginning. Makes you way more invested in his part in kh2

[@Co_olImagination]

@@smugaruNamora said he wishes people played Days before KH2 that’s why it’s ordered like that in the games collection

[@ThunderofDarkcloud]

I would change just one thing in this list. Play coded before BBS so it would answer the mystery of what was written in Mickey's letter right away but open the mystery of who those 3 people are that sora somehow knows.

[@smugaru]

Interesting, ok. I can see the argument for coded and BBS being interchangeable. I'm not into it personally, but I think I understand your angle 🤔😌👌

[@HyoukaAnalystLore3452]

Gotta play Days before KH2, GOT IT. Thanks pal^^

[@smugaru]

After checking Days out again recently, I even more strongly believe it should be played AFTER KH2. It treats you as if you've already played KH2 by blatantly spoiling parts of it, even in the intro. If you really want to experience it before KH2, then that's fine, but I do believe you lose a lot of impact.

[@zaydensmith1284]

I was playing kingdom hearts this Friday ❤❤❤ and I'm a kh fan ❤

[@smugaru]

Ahhh yeah!! 💛💛💛 I've actually been thinking about starting up the first game again, purely out of comfort lol

[@sorrelquest-ql8ts]

Watching Back Cover without the Union X cutscenes is basically getting like 1/3 of the story. And you should prob check out Dark Road after Melody of Memory too

[@smugaru]

I agree with that yeah haha. Back Cover is like a very rudimentary entry level look at what was happening. It's really only good enough to get you started, but nothing of substance even occurs in it lol 😂

[@zackc5973]

Thank you I've seen people post online telling people new to the series to start with BBS (before x came out) and to play days before COM or 2. I always thought that's crazy. BBS would be confusing if played 1st. And I feel without playing kh2 and COM Days would be an awful, confusing experience.

[@smugaru]

The stories really do rely pretty heavily on each other, and having established information from one game being recontexualized in another. I have gotten a few comments trying to call out release order, but I still stand by that many of the reveals lose a lot of impact if you try viewing all of the stories in chronological order 😅

[@PhoenixWrightAceAttorney]

I like how this video loops. At the end he says, "...now you'll never be..." And starts with... "...confused about which order to play Kingdom Hearts?" Whats funny is that it still has a question mark at the end of the opening sentence, implying that even after watching this video, you're still questioning which order to play Kindgom Hearts. This comment was so long that I feel like it was much a hige waste of time...and it kinda is lol.

[@smugaru]

Thank you, hahaha. It was definitely some trial and error figuring out how to make it work. I'm glad you liked it 🥰😂

[@SerbaBisa69]

"Let's keep it simpe" (and clean)

[@leer3896]

Ur making me wanna replay all these now

[@smugaru]

I meeeeaaan, might as well. KH4 will be on the way at some point, so why not have a refresher 😆💛

[@coolz123123]

The only change I’d make is, when got play kh2 … just before you start part 2 of redoing the worlds, you can watch the 358/2 days and then continue kh2. To me personally, I think that is a much better way of doing it and you’ll also understand Roxas and axel much more

[@smugaru]

Oh, now that is interesting. So far, you're the only one I've seen make that suggestion. It's definitely worth taking into consideration 🤔

[@markling5058]

I think for first playthru u should do release order after do a chronological run it is fun

[@smugaru]

@markling5058 Yeah exactly, I think chronological order would be a pretty nice way to shake things up, after you've gotten the ground rules down or however you might think of it haha.

[@daiyahigashikata]

i think people should watch the mobile game, at least before or after KH3. there's a lot of stuff in KH3 that you won't understand without it, and it'll definitely be important in KH4, they talk about Quadratum without namedropping it.

[@smugaru]

Truuuee, I definitely agree with this! I left the mobile games out of this video because it might be overwhelming for a new player. I do mention them in the full version of the video though!

[@Miss_Tenebriss]

Honestly, I started with kh3 (because my aunt was playing that and I tried and now it's my favorite game) then I started kh1, I'm just completely stuck 💀 and now I'm busy playing kh2. In between I played birth by sleep and some kind of film 😂

[@smugaru]

Ahhh so you're hopping around, at least you're having a good time honestly. I'm more surprised that you have an aunt that plays games, that's pretty hype lol 😂👌

[@Miss_Tenebriss]

@@smugaru I know 😂 I'm a girl too while my dad doesn't really play anything else than Grand Turismo 🤣

[@smugaru]

@@Miss_Tenebriss Women gaming, love to see it 😌👌

[@Miss_Tenebriss]

@@smugaru nice, I don't get how people can't like gaming honestly 😂💀

[@smugaru]

@@Miss_Tenebriss That's what I'm wondering, seriously lol.

[@mark8860]

I did this but with back cover and 0.2 switched which I think is better because 0.2 is essentially the prologue for 3

[@smugaru]

Yeah, in the full version, I do admit that those two are interchangeable. Just as long as they're right before KH3, lol

[@aidinexmachina4232]

I've always wanted a streamer to play them in Chronological order. It'd be a crazy way for someone to be introduced to the series.

[@nordinreecendo512]

I usually suggest playing 2 before CoM because you'll be just as confused as Sora and it really emulates the memory wipe that happens at the end of CoM.

[@smugaru]

That is... a very interesting take tbh😂

[@nordinreecendo512]

@@smugaru It was the way I played it as a kid and it worked out well for me. I remember desperately wanting CoM for a long time and finally finding it at a game store, then playing the game over a week or so and finally getting more answers about who those mysterious hooded guys are. Honestly playing 2 before CoM was not only immersive, but it made me even more interested to learn what happened between games.

[@smugaru]

@nordinreecendo512 Ahhhh, ok! I kinda get that more. As an Ex Nintendo fanboy, I was desperate to play KH when I was a kid and ended up renting CoM for the GBA (I didn't get far 💀) It didn't deter me from getting into the series lol

[@evansrodriguez7856]

I agree with this order, but I think 358/2 days should be before Kingdom Hearts 2 so that the player knows who is Roxas and why do we play as him at the start if Kingdom Hearts 2

[@smugaru]

I'm starting to understand a little better why people feel this way. I just personally wouldn't suggest it. I stand by my opinion that the mystery and confusion with Roxas in KH2 is sort of the point and adds to the experience

[@evansrodriguez7856]

@@smugaru , but I feel like the other promise fight is more impactful and sad knowing that Roxas is not the villain here. Knowing that Sora unintentionally took Axel and Xion away feels like an experience we all should have as we fight that battle

[@smugaru]

@@evansrodriguez7856 I would argue that it is still impactful in a retrospective way. Playing Days after could encourage a replay of KH2 to see it in full context. But the context ahead of time isn't worth the spoilers and inclusions of characters that won't even be in KH2 (Xion and Ventus). I realize it's just a matter of perspective though and my own personal bias lol.

[@evansrodriguez7856]

@@smugaru , fair enough. I suppose you're right

[@smugaru]

@@evansrodriguez7856 I'm not necessarily looking to be right. I do respect your perspective and it reminds me that we all experience and absorb stories differently. Again, it's just different perspectives, not right or wrong 💛

[@coopersunday5981]

The only thing that is confusing to me is that HUMONGOUS amount of lore 😂

[@smugaru]

That's part of the fun though lmao; piecing together the story and different events. Also, I'm learning that Kingdom Hearts doesn't even have it nearly as bad as some other games do 👀🤣

[@freykiva3887]

I remember BBS being my first KH game having no idea at all and I thought it's only a single game til I searched it up on KZbin and saw KH2 gameplays, luckily I still manage to catch up in the series by buying all the games in my PS4. Though I didn't play in chronological, I played what I want to play and I still haven't finished MoM yet.

[@smugaru]

It's so great being able to have most of the games and stories in the single collection now. And it not being so spread out anymore 😂

[@freykiva3887]

@@smugaru Yes! It's one of the reasons why kingdom hearts is seen as "confusing", it's only because some games are just spread out that causes lack of context.

[@smugaru]

@@freykiva3887 Yeah, not anymore thankfully lol

[@terminatgor2322]

I agree. But you could also do it like in the collection and play 358 before 2

[@smugaru]

You can if you want, but Days assumes you've played KH2. It literally spoils the organization reveals in the intro. Days is meant to answer questions and establish new details that are not intended to be known starting KH2

[@superiorgamedude]

I'd actually watch Back Cover BEFORE playing A Fragmentary Passage, as A Fragmentary Passage leads directly into KH3.

[@smugaru]

Those two specifically, I would agree, could be swapped, as long as they're right before playing KH3 😌👍

[@iitzblvckgrim]

I havent gotten lost i played it in its right order and they is line is so fucking sad I LOVE IT

[@mizushah]

I'll admit, it would have been cool being a mystery on Roxas by playing 2 before 358/2 Days. Only thing i did was see 358/2 before 2, and honestly it still helped me feel more comnected on Roxas, Axel, and Xions whole story and better getting 2.

[@smugaru]

Ahhh, ok. I mean, if it worked for you, that's good! It's just one of my things is that Xion clearly wasn't thought up for KH2 when it was made, so you have to wait even longer before she's even made relevant again if you're going chronological lol 😂

[@mikeymittens777]

nah in my opinion playing in chronological order made it alot easier to understand. i started with 358/2days and re:coded

[@smugaru]

Oooh, interesting! As long as you're able to understand the story, that's all that matters, lol😂

[@liyoung03]

I already know the plot of most of the games so when i want to replay the series i go in chronological

[@smugaru]

Yeah, that would certainly be fun to do once you're already familiar with the games and the story 😄👍

[@demp11]

It has a reason why nomura decided to put days before kh2, because a lot of people where annoyed and confused why they suddenly played a new character named roxas.

[@smugaru]

Oh really? I'd love to look into that if you have the source?! 😲

[@andrewsoley8338]

Dude thanks I just started too you came at the perfect time thanks man

[@smugaru]

Fantastic, glad I could help out! 💛

[@Xernadraws]

Only play in chronological order after you play in the release date order. My friend got into it and he wanted to play chronologically and he got very lost.

[@smugaru]

I know it might seem like you can outsmart the "complicated " story, but honestly, I feel like that would make things worse 🤣 Also, with chronological order, you'd miss out on all of the exciting reveals, lol.

[@Alexgodofwar5662]

That is a straight lie I'm playing for the first time in chronological order and is completely fine

[@Xernadraws]

@@Alexgodofwar5662 well what game are you on rn?

[@Alexgodofwar5662]

@@Xernadraws KH2 with only re:coded and DDD left (KH3 was my first)

[@mateocortanage]

Heck yeah. I was thinking this for when my girl plays. 1.5 & 2.5 suggest you watch DAYS before playing KH2 but i was thinking "nahhh she's gonna know way too much." That confusion is necessary. (Because we went thru it)

[@smugaru]

Right exactly. I still hold that opinion, KH 2 before Days, hahaha. The confusion and then having everything fall into place later on is a part of the experience.

[@Dragonk116]

I'm pretty sure so many fans have beat us over the head of newcomers to play it in the release order instead of the chronological order and there's a good reason why is because of its plot structure.

[@smugaru]

Yes, exactly! Personally, I feel you shouldn't try to outsmart its "complicated" story. Otherwise, you're just gonna make things worse, lol. The story isn't that confusing, just maybe a little long at this point. It's just how it's structured, like you said.

[@fat_hercules]

I will die on the Three-Five-Eight-Days-Over-Two pronunciation hill!

[@smugaru]

Is that how it's said in the trailer? I can't remember right now lol. It definitely makes more sense that way😂 Honestly, I just say Over-Two-Days out of habit now hahaha

[@theguyatgamestop]

i just say "three-fifty-eight days" and completely skip the "over two" i also once thought that meant half a day

[@kita6502]

Honestly i recommend people now days to play 358/2 before kh2. You get more context to roxas, why he left the organization and why it took so long to recover sora. The game also doesnt spoil anything from kh2. Like bbs does. And it provides more context to organization. You can tell each org member just by their voice and posture and expressions if you played 358 first

[@smugaru]

358/2 assumes that you've played KH2 with it showing scenes from KH2 in its intro and spoiling the reveal of the rest of the organization members. I do feel you lose impact when you don't have the initial frame of reference for Roxas from KH2. And the beginning of KH2 is supposed to be confusing, like we're confused alongside Roxas and Sora, and then you get an explanation later. Days is supposed to be more of a retrospective story of KH2 and CoM from a different side. I'm not saying you can't do it. I would just never make that suggestion myself.

[@gdawg1585]

Gives me plenty of time to play them all since itll probably be another 10 years until KH IV is released.

[@smugaru]

Exxxaactly, there's plenty of time to catch up lol 😂 It also helps that most of the game are only about 30-35hrs on average.

[@Karuzo131]

I just started playing Kingdom hearts 1 and man I love and hate this gane at the same time😂

[@smugaru]

I still love the first game, but it does have some growing pains for sure. Definitely don't be ashamed to check some guides if you need to. It's worth playing imo 😂

[@Karuzo131]

@@smugaru I definitely keep going. The world and characters are amazing but yeah it really has it difficulties 😂

[@smugaru]

@@Karuzo131 You'll be rocking it by the end I'm sure lol And the gameplay only gets better as the games go on (chain of memories excluded lol)

[@augustorojas9371]

I played 358 first and ended up like Roxas and Xion asking who is Sora.

[@smugaru]

lmao I can only imagine. But I'm guessing you've stuck around for now? 😂

[@tinkthelink]

If you play Birth by sleep first, it shouldn't spoil anything for any of the other kingdom hearts games

[@smugaru]

Doesn't it sort of spoil how Sora and Riku get involved with everything 😅 This was aimed more at brand new players. I think chronological is a bit more dense for someone starting out. And that reveal with Sora and Riku I thought was fun to see after they've been established.

[@tinkthelink]

​@Smugaru I wouldn't think so since it would only show small glimpse of older Riku which I think wouldn't spoil much as the rest just shows a young Sora and Riku being talked to by Terra and Aqua

[@everyneed3959]

If you play birth by sleep before KH1 and 358 days before KH2 then the main games make WAY more sense tho

[@smugaru]

I would disagree with doing that the first time though (doing it on purpose anyway). A part of the fun is the mystery and reveals.

[@everyneed3959]

@@smugaru i totally agree for a completely new player. 2nd or 3rd play through tho it would be fun to play those games first before kha1 and 2 lol

[@firexe14]

I dont even play it at the an order but i still understand the games story kingdom hearts series always top

[@shadowskat3r361]

should've said "let's keep this simple and clean" lol

[@smugaru]

And run the risk of being called cringe? Surely not lol😂

[@Tony-qe3fl]

@@smugaru Honestly, as a fan of the series I always appreciate Simple and Clean puns

[@theweebking6748]

It's been said a million times, he doesn't need to add to it imo. Overused.

[@smugaru]

@@theweebking6748 I didn't wanna run the risk of being cringe 😭🤣

[@richardminnis8013]

​@@smugaruyou did right bro🤙🏼💯🫡

[@ryyyyyyn]

i agree with this 100%. people who play bbs first have no idea what they’re getting into, not to mention bbs isnt exactly a beginner friendly game imo when it comes to the ability system and stuff.

[@guardianangeloflight1466]

Don't forget to watch the cutscenes from union cross and dark road after you watch back cover

[@smugaru]

Yeah, I left out the mobile games from this version in order to not overwhelm brand new players. I would imagine if you made it to Backcover you'll probably seek out the cutscenes for UX and DR 😂 I do mention them in the full version of this though 👍

[@guardianangeloflight1466]

@smugaru it doesn't help that they aren't supported online anymore. Although, I can still access my old account, so that's pretty cool, imo.

[@smugaru]

@@guardianangeloflight1466 Yeah it's cool that you can still access some of it Very grateful that people have uploaded the cutscenes to KZbin though. And people like Damos wrangling up a fan dub. That's wild! But I do miss having the UX game a little bit lol.

[@kxnggeppetto]

I played them in chronological order and I wasn't confused at all. Had I played them in release order, then I would have been lost af

[@smugaru]

You started with Birth by sleep? 😮 As long as you're able to understand the story, I guess lol. Someone just starting out, I will still personally suggest release order. I feel the impact of certain reveals just hits differently

[@zanderlaitinen7109]

Back Cover doesn't replace the rest of the χ Series though... or Dark Road. Here is a slightly more accurate release order with the omitted games: • Kingdom Hearts • Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories • Kingdom Hearts II • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days • Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep • Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded • Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance • Kingdom Hearts χ • Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ (Up to quest 645) • Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover • Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep A Fragmentary Passage • Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] (Up to quest 855) • Kingdom Hearts III • Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] (Up to quest 920) • Kingdom Hearts III Re𝄌Mind • Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] (Up to quest 945) • Kingdom Hearts Dark Road (Episode 1) • Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] (Up to quest 950) • Kingdom Hearts Dark Road (Episode 2) • Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] (Up to quest 965) • Kingdom Hearts Dark Road (Episode 3) • Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory • Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] (to quest 979 ~ The End) • Kingdom Hearts Dark Road (Episodes 4-8 ~ The End)

[@zanderlaitinen7109]

(Based on Japanese release dates, which is mainly only relevant for Union χ [Cross] and Dark Road)

[@smugaru]

Very nice and thorough!! I would agree, X Back Cover is very much a supplemental addition to just get you introduced to the world of X/Union Cross without actually giving much of substance in the end 😅

[@zanderlaitinen7109]

@@smugaru Well, it does give a better perspective for the foretellers and MoM, so I think it's substance enough for what it's trying to do. I don't think it was ever actually intended to be a recap for console only audiences.

[@smugaru]

@@zanderlaitinen7109 Yeeaah that's a very good point

[@GalaxyJakeYT]

Agreed yeah, although I had more fun playing 1 and 2 before Chain

[@Deltabolster]

I will say that you could probably do days before kh2 like the 1.5+2.5 collection has it and neither game would lose any story impact

[@smugaru]

I'm not saying you can't do it. I just wouldn't suggest it lol If Days was your entry point, that's fine, but it does assume that you've played KH2. It really is a retrospective story, filling in parts of KH2. And I would say the story of days won't be as engaging if you don't have the context of Roxas in KH2. The intro literally spoils the organization members reveal and introduces a character made up after KH2 who won't be relevant until after BBS.

[@Deltabolster]

@@smugaru I personally can't say Roxas' story really hit that hard for me. I think with days first it's gonna hit harder sure you get a reveal of the org 13 but demyx in the underworld forever take away their mystique anyway so it's not a big change

[@smugaru]

@@Deltabolster Hmmm interesting, alright! I will be curious to get your thoughts afterwards 👍

[@ctswag4204]

As someone who has played all of the games as they came out, I would still recommend chronological order for new players.

[@smugaru]

Interesting, ok. I do still feel like you'd lose a lot of impact for certain reveals. But if it helps you keep the story together, then I mean why not haha.

[@hanunghannz2015]

My 1st time playing KH 1 when i was 12 yo. And now untill i'm 30, i'm still cant finish it 😂

[@smugaru]

I am 30 too! I believe in you lol😭😂

[@blaykecarlsongaming]

Personally, i played 1, 2, bbs, 358/2, 3, DDD, Chain of memories, 0.2.

[@smugaru]

Oohhh, how interesting! 😲 I'm really curious about 0.2 being at the end there. What was that like? lol

[@drinks_menu]

You can play chain of memories after 2 considering like 80% of ppl did that and were just fine

[@smugaru]

I bet that was true for a lot of people lol. I would still suggest seeing the story before KH2 though 😂😂

[@captaintogawa9736]

Chain of Memories Melody of Memory I agree though.

[@brantjustilian3791]

Chronological order is impossible to do with kingdom hearts because Dream drop distance introduced time travel. Along side the clones and dreams within dreams.

[@smugaru]

True, and I just feel like the story wasn't structured for chronological order. It's not something that you need to outsmart or something. You lose a lot of impact from reveals if you view the story chronologically in my opinion. The story isn't even that confusing until you reach DDD honestly.

[@darkAwesome100]

the one downvote is from Xehanort

[@smugaru]

I shall now expect at least 13 dislikes on every video, lol 😆 💛

[@justanothershrimp1908]

You forgot the fan dub movie of the mobile game, because that shit is extremely important and for some god dammed reason.

[@smugaru]

That's right! Big props to Damos for making the fan dub happen. So very cool and helpful I left the mobile games out of this version to not overwhelm new players. The UX story goes pretty hard from what I remember.

[@molduga]

“And you’re all caught up” Forgets to mention: X UnchainedX UnionX Dark Road

[@smugaru]

Don't worry, I mentioned them in the full version of the video. I don't think they're crucial for getting started with the series. Obviously, they'd fit in best around right before or after KH3. And I would hope for someone just starting, they'd probably seek them out by that time lol.

[@silentkaine9352]

Days and 2 are interchangable but I agree this is the best order

[@smugaru]

If I recall, the intro to Days spoils bits of KH 2. I think the story loses a lot of impact if you see it before KH2.

[@silentkaine9352]

@@smugaru I agree but 2 also spoils days

[@smugaru]

@@silentkaine9352 I just personally feel it makes more sense when you have main characters like Roxas already established before going in. KH2 is more so the setup or base, and Days is revealing what was going on behind the scenes.

[@boyanr2d229]

I started playing days directly after rechain

[@smugaru]

I mean ultimately it's up to what you decide to do. I would still highly suggest it going after KH2, but I'm not gonna pitch a fit about it lol

[@kdude2821]

I’d actually swap Re:Chain and KH2 when recommending to new players, but that’s just me

[@smugaru]

Oh really?! That's interesting, why do you feel that way?

[@kdude2821]

@@smugaru I really don’t know, I guess I liked the sense of mystery to the organization members while playing 2 for the first time and the satisfaction of know who some of them are and learning more about them in Re:Chain

[@smugaru]

@KDude Yeah, I get liking the mystery. That's why I don't suggest playing in "chronological order." You lose a lot of the mystery imo

[@CertavusGrey5450]

Seems kinda odd that despite days coming out after CoM and kh2, in the collection there’s a keyblade you can unlock for CoM if you watch/play days first.

[@smugaru]

It wasn't that way on PS2. That was actually an addition for the 1.5 remix lol. I think they were just trying to add replayability to CoM when they decided to bundle them together for 1.5 and didn't have Days be playable 😅

[@EmeraldBlade98]

Before 3 would be UX but the servers shut down. You pretty much wouldn’t understand how significant the ending of 3 is without it

[@smugaru]

I do talk about the mobile games in the full version. I excluded them to not overwhelm brand new people. And I would say they're not super crucial to get through the core games. If someone makes it to KH3 they'll probably seek out UX on their own I would imagine lol.

[@EmeraldBlade98]

@@smugaru I get you but I disagree heavily, since the series is done with xeanort the only thing that is relevant now is the box that the master of masters has and what the foretellers are up to. The lineage of the foretellers and where they are now

[@smugaru]

@@EmeraldBlade98 I agree with that yeah. In my other video, I say they cover more of the deep lore and bigger picture for the series going forward. I think telling new people that there are mobile games they need to pay attention to from the jump, they might dip prematurely. X Backcover is somewhat of a supplement for UX, not a replacement, but it helps get the basic gist across. UX and DR are important, but like you said they can wait till around KH3, by that point you're more likely to be invested in the story.

[@secondbestjojo1300]

Sorry I started my playthroug with chronologival order and started with birth by sleep I wasn't really that confused just had too look up a couple of things but it honestly wasn't that bad of an experience Spoiler Seeing terra again in kh2 blew my mind

[@smugaru]

I mean honestly as long as you're able to keep up with the story, that's all that matters, lol! Glad you're enjoying it! 💛

[@sobeksuwek]

Release order is the best for most game

[@smugaru]

And most narrative things in general imo. I mean if you can. I get under certain circumstances it might not be possible.

[@shadow3856]

You left out some things Order as u did but, KH3 (not the dld), union x (just watch the story on yt), remind dlc, dark road, melody of memory

[@smugaru]

I left out Khux and DR on purpose, not to overwhelm new players. I do mention them in the full version though 👍

[@yderga8707]

I don't think you necessarily have to play in release order, but you definitely need to play KH1 first. Honestly no matter which order you play them you're not going to understand the plot anyway.

[@gustavos.8511]

Realease order is the best way, first it would be evil to make people start with the mobile games lol, and also while chronological order might make sense down the road, it ruins a lot of surprises Spoilers: like playing BBS before KH1, things like Vanitas looking like Sora doesn't have the same impact, it spoils the entire plot of KH1 that Sora wasn't chosen and that Riku could wield the keyblade and much more, honestly, it doesn't matter how much some insist, even if it may work for some, this series simply was not made to be played in chronological order.

[@smugaru]

Pretty much it exactly! For us who are already familiar with the series, it might be fun to revisit in a more chronological order, but the story is clearly designed to be experienced in release order. Most of the games rely pretty heavily on each other. That's not to say it can't be played out of order, but there's a lot of impact and surprise lost.

[@Exposed635]

Unless you're playing the remix on ps4 then play them in the order they're put in. I understood it more that way

[@smugaru]

Yeah, the collections are pretty much in the right order. Literally, the only thing I'd change is swapping Days to be after KH2 lol.

[@bishywishy0]

What the song in the background

[@smugaru]

It's called "Dearly Beloved" by Yoko Shimomura Basically, the opening theme for all of the games, it's so good 😍

[@codycurtin2295]

I wanted to do chronological order but my gf decided to join me on this journey as the switch has released all the games and after going over the stories i realized chrono order is horrible for first timers

[@smugaru]

Yeah, for us who have already played them, it's a nice change up. But for someone brand new, just stick to release order lol. That's cool your GF wanted to join you. I hope y'all are having fun 😍💛

[@TheBronf]

it really isnt that many games tbh. jsut feels like alot since we have played them so much.

[@smugaru]

I agree, I think it also has that perception because the series has been around a while now. It doesn't compare to a series like metal gear, though. Now that's a lot of games,lol

[@jL-xi2md]

I'd just swap 365 1/2 days with kh2. Helps with the whole Roxas thing at the beginning of 2 gives context

[@smugaru]

Yeah, I've gotten a few people suggesting that. I feel like Days loses a lot of impact if viewed chronologically, and its intro blatantly spoils parts of KH2. It also takes away the mystery from the beginning of KH2, and you're introduced to a character who won't be mentioned in the game, lol. Days really is more so expanding on the lead up. Re-contextualizing the characters and their motives.

[@moonlightostrich3690]

pro tip for anyone trying this out. playing chain of memories is a can of worms. dont feel ashamed to play on easy mode or watch a cutscene compilation online.

[@smugaru]

Exxxaactly. I completely agree. No shame in the cutscene compilation or beginner mode The story is important, but the gameplay will be a turn off for a lot of people.

[@Lxrd_Kaiii]

I didn't play in "release order" I wasn't even born when re:coded released. My first game was kh ddd because my cousin got me the game without telling me the storyline about kh.

[@smugaru]

Shout-out to your cousin for getting you in the door, lol 😆 Sure, you got thrown in the deep end, but it made a lasting, positive impression hopefully 😅

[@SobrietyandSolace]

No play Days after KH2!!

[@Zorolostonceagain]

This is THE perfect loop lol

[@smugaru]

Much appreciated! 🥹🙏

[@Zorolostonceagain]

@@smugaru ofc 😄