Silent Hill Games in Order: Timeline & Play Order
This article lays out the Silent Hill games in both story-chronological order and recommended play order, so you can decide how to experience the series. You’ll get the release order, the in-universe timeline, and a practical guide for newcomers. The timeline is loose because the games rarely give exact dates, but the main entries connect through shared locations, characters, and events.
Release Order vs. Story Timeline
Silent Hill’s story chronology is not the same as its release order. The first game (1999) sets the town’s curse, but later games jump backward and forward in time. For example, Silent Hill: Origins (2007) is a prequel set before the first game, while Silent Hill 4: The Room (2004) takes place after the second game. The developers have never given an official unified timeline, so fan consensus fills the gaps.
Here’s the generally accepted story order:
- Silent Hill: Origins (2007) – prequel, set before the first game
- Silent Hill (1999) – the original incident
- Silent Hill 3 (2003) – direct sequel to the first game
- Silent Hill 2 (2001) – takes place around the same time as 3, but with different characters
- Silent Hill 4: The Room (2004) – set a few years after 2
- Silent Hill: Homecoming (2008) – set after 4, but not directly connected
- Silent Hill: Downpour (2012) – set after Homecoming
- Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (2009) – a reimagining, not canon
Note that Shattered Memories is a psychological remake of the first game with a different story, so it doesn’t fit the timeline. The spin-offs like Silent Hill: The Arcade and Silent Hill: Book of Memories are also non-canon or side stories.
Recommended Play Order for Newcomers
If you’re new to the series, the best order is release order for the main numbered entries, because that’s how the gameplay and story evolved. Start with the first game, then 2, 3, and 4. After that, you can try the later titles if you want more, but they’re not essential.
- Silent Hill (1999) – sets the town’s lore and introduces the Otherworld
- Silent Hill 2 (2001) – standalone story, widely considered the best entry point for its emotional depth
- Silent Hill 3 (2003) – direct sequel to the first, so play it after
- Silent Hill 4: The Room (2004) – more experimental, but still a main entry
- Silent Hill: Homecoming (2008) – if you want more, but it’s not as well received
- Silent Hill: Downpour (2012) – the last main game, with mixed reviews
Some fans suggest starting with Silent Hill 2 because it’s self-contained and doesn’t require knowledge of the first game. That’s fine, but you’ll miss some references in 3 if you skip the original.
Why the Timeline Is Confusing
The Silent Hill series doesn’t have a central story arc like many other franchises. Each game features a different protagonist, and the town itself is the only constant. The developers intentionally kept the lore vague, so fans argue over details like whether Silent Hill 2 happens before or after Silent Hill 3. In an interview, series creator Keiichiro Toyama said the games are “not meant to be a single continuous story.� That’s why you can play them in almost any order without feeling lost.
Another source of confusion is the multiple endings. Each game has several endings, some of which are joke endings, and the canon ending is rarely confirmed. For example, Silent Hill 2 has five endings, and the “Leave� ending is generally considered canon, but the developers never said so officially.
How to Play the Older Games Today
Many of the original Silent Hill games are not easy to find on modern platforms. The first three games were released on PlayStation, and the HD Collection (2012) for PS3 and Xbox 360 includes 2 and 3, but it’s notorious for bugs and altered voice acting. The best ways to play are:
- Original hardware – PlayStation, PS2, or Xbox with the discs (expensive but authentic)
- Emulation – using a PC emulator and legally obtained ROMs (requires some technical setup)
- PC versions – Silent Hill 2 and 3 had PC ports, but they’re old and need fan patches to run on modern systems
- Silent Hill: Origins – available on PSP and PS2
- Silent Hill: Homecoming – on PC and Xbox 360
- Silent Hill: Downpour – on PS3 and Xbox 360
As of 2024, there is no official remaster of the original Silent Hill, but a remake of Silent Hill 2 was announced and released in 2024 for PS5 and PC. That remake is a good alternative if you can’t play the original.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a prequel or sequel. It’s actually a reimagining of the first game with a different story and gameplay style (no combat, only running and hiding). It’s not part of the main timeline.
Another mistake is thinking Silent Hill: Homecoming is a direct sequel to Silent Hill 2 because it references the town’s cult. It’s set in a different location and follows a new protagonist, so it’s only loosely connected.
Also, don’t confuse the Silent Hill movie (2006) with the games. The movie is based on the first game but changes several plot points, and it’s not considered canon by most fans.
Which Games Are Worth Playing?
If you only have time for a few, the consensus is that Silent Hill 2 is the best, followed by Silent Hill 3 and the original. Silent Hill 4 is polarizing but has a unique story. The later games (Homecoming, Downpour) are generally considered weaker, but some players enjoy them for their atmosphere.
If you’re a completionist, you might want to try the spin-offs like Silent Hill: Origins (which is decent) and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (which is interesting as a reimagining). The arcade game and Book of Memories are usually skipped by fans.
What About the Remake and Future?
The Silent Hill 2 remake (2024) was developed by Bloober Team and published by Konami. It’s a faithful retelling with modern graphics and gameplay. For newcomers, this is a great way to experience the story without dealing with old controls. However, it doesn’t replace the original’s atmosphere for purists.
Konami has also announced other projects like Silent Hill f and a new movie, but as of this writing, they haven’t been released. The series is clearly not dead, but the timeline remains as ambiguous as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play Silent Hill 1 before 2?
No. Silent Hill 2 is a standalone story with a different protagonist and no direct connection to the first game’s plot. You can play it first without confusion. However, Silent Hill 3 is a direct sequel to the first, so you should play the original before 3.
Is Silent Hill 2 remake canon?
The remake is a retelling of the original story, so it’s essentially the same canon. It doesn’t change the timeline, but it adds modern presentation. For the story, you can treat it as the same events.
What is the correct chronological order?
Most fans agree on: Origins → Silent Hill 1 → Silent Hill 3 → Silent Hill 2 → Silent Hill 4 → Homecoming → Downpour. But the developers have never confirmed this, and some games like Shattered Memories don’t fit at all.
Can I play Silent Hill 3 without playing the first?
You can, but you’ll miss a lot of context. Silent Hill 3 continues the story of the protagonist from the first game, and many plot points reference the original’s events. It’s best to play the first game first.
Which Silent Hill game is the scariest?
Most players say Silent Hill 2 or Silent Hill 3 are the scariest, but it’s subjective. Silent Hill 4 has some disturbing moments, and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is more psychological. It depends on what you find frightening.
Are the Silent Hill games connected to each other?
Yes, but loosely. They share the same town, and some characters appear in multiple games (like the cult and the town’s history). However, each game has its own protagonist and story, so you don’t need to play them all to enjoy one.
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