14 Best Kingdom Hearts Games for Fans and Newcomers in 2026
The best Kingdom Hearts games are as confusing as they are intriguing.
The best Kingdom Hearts games are as confusing as they are intriguing. You might have heard that this series features a convoluted story and a strange charm that is wholly unique. Both of these things are true.
If you’re having trouble getting started (or are returning in time for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4), you’ll find the best entries ranked below.
I’ve considered gameplay elements and storytelling to help you find the best Kingdom Hearts games in the franchise.
Our Top Picks for Kingdom Hearts Games
Kingdom Hearts is a massive franchise. Pinning down the best game of the series can be just as difficult as understanding the story. I can’t help you decipher the latter, but I can point you towards what I believe are the best games in the series.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a fan since the beginning or you’re just getting started; you’ll find all the best Kingdom Hearts games here.
Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC
ACTION RPG
Modern visuals and tight, exciting action RPG combat await in the latest mainline Kingdom Hearts game. This long–awaited end to the Dark Seeker Saga holds the grand conclusion of years of worldbuilding, storytelling, and muddied narratives.
Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece
ACTION RPG
Experience the entire Kingdom Hearts franchise in one package. Everything but the mobile games is included in this all–in–one collection, including Kingdom Hearts III and the Re Mind DLC. This collection is made for new fans, veterans, and those who don’t want to miss a single moment.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix
ACTION RPG
The definitive edition of the first Kingdom Hearts game, as well as additional stories that begin the complex story. Remastered versions of Kingdom Hearts 1, 358/2 Days, and Re:Chain of Memories are included.
Epic adventures featuring Disney worlds and Final Fantasy characters await you on your journey through the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Keep reading to find out how these games rank for the best emotional payoff.
14 Best Kingdom Hearts Games
The best Kingdom Hearts games are a fascinating blend of nostalgic characters and fast–paced action combat.
Kingdom Hearts was a top–selling PS2 title, and now it’s one of the top PC games on Steam. I’ll walk you through all the best Kingdom Hearts games, from the Final Mixes to the final chapters.
Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC
Best Kingdom Hearts Game for the Grand, Emotional Finale
Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Genre Action RPG PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Creator Square Enix Average playtime 40 Hours (Main game and DLC)
Modern graphics and fully–realized combat systems make
Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind DLC
one of the best Kingdom Hearts games in the franchise. Here, you’ll explore Disney worlds from more recent films (such as Arendelle from Frozen), and use popular Disney park rides as attacks. I found the dynamic Keyblade transformation mechanic to be one of the most satisfying parts of the game.
An earned emotional finale caps off the Dark Seeker Saga in a way you’ll never forget. Though no Final Fantasy characters return for this installment, your investment in the overarching story pays off in a big way. The impact of new quality–of–life improvements makes the entire experience much more enjoyable than previous entries. It’s also one of the top PC ga mes in the series.
Why we chose it The most recent mainline Kingdom Hearts game came after a long 14–year wait. Fans will love jumping back into the series, and newcomers won’t get caught up in janky systems.
My Verdict:
Kingdom Hearts III is the 13th game in a series that is over 20 years old. You can jump in here if you don’t have time to get caught up, but the other games give the story the impact it deserves.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Best Kingdom Hearts Game for the Final Prelude
- Our score
- ☆
- ★
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- ★
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- ★
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- ★
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- ★
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- Genre
- Action RPG
- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch
- Creator/s
- Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios
- Average playtime
- 29 Hours
- All of the games in the
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
- are essential to understanding the story’s emotional resolution in
- Kingdom Hearts III
- . They
- bridge the gap
and get fan–favorite characters to where they need to be for the full weight of the ending.
- Here, you’ll find
- Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD
- (a
- 3DS
- port),
- Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage–
- , and K
- ingdom Hearts χ Back Cover
- (the mobile game cutscene collection). These stories seem disjointed, but they have a
- huge impact that can’t be dismissed
.
Why we chose it This collection acts as a bridge to Kingdom Hearts III. It’s essential if you want to fully understand the story of that game.
My Verdict:
You can’t skip these games if you’re invested in the full story of Kingdom Hearts III.