Life is Strange: Best Play Order for New Players
For first-time players, the best way to experience Life is Strange is to play the original 2015 game first, followed by its prequel Before the Storm, then the sequel Life is Strange 2, and finally True Colors. This order follows the release timeline, which is also the order the developers intended, and it avoids spoilers and narrative confusion that can arise from playing the prequel first.
Why Release Order Beats Chronological Order
Many fans debate whether to play Before the Storm (set three years before the original) first for chronological consistency. However, the prequel assumes you already know the fates of characters like Chloe and Rachel. Playing it first spoils key twists in the original, such as Rachel’s disappearance and Chloe’s strained relationship with her mother. The original game also introduces the rewind mechanic and the mystery of Arcadia Bay, which the prequel references but does not explain. Release order preserves the intended emotional impact: you meet Chloe as a rebellious teen in the first game, then see her younger, more vulnerable self in the prequel.
The Core Games in Order
- Life is Strange (2015) – 5 episodes, follows photography student Max Caulfield who discovers she can rewind time. This is the foundational story.
- Life is Strange: Before the Storm (2017) – 3 episodes plus a bonus episode, follows Chloe Price three years earlier and her relationship with Rachel Amber. Play this after the original to avoid spoilers.
- Life is Strange 2 (2018–2019) – 5 episodes, a standalone story about brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz on the run. It is set after the first game but features a new cast and location.
- Life is Strange: True Colors (2021) – 5 episodes, another standalone story about Alex Chen who can sense and manipulate emotions. It is set in a different town with new characters.
What About the Spin-Offs and Remasters?
There are two additional pieces of content: The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit (2018), a free prologue to Life is Strange 2, and the Life is Strange Remastered Collection (2022), which includes updated versions of the original and Before the Storm. For a first playthrough, you can skip Captain Spirit until you start Life is Strange 2, as it introduces the Diaz family and features a character who appears in the main game. The remastered versions are visual upgrades with improved facial animations and lighting, but the story and dialogue are unchanged. If you have a choice, the remastered versions are fine for new players, but the original versions are equally playable.
How to Choose Your Own Order
If you are the kind of player who prefers chronological storytelling and does not mind spoilers, you could play Before the Storm first. However, this is generally discouraged because the prequel’s emotional payoff relies on knowing what happens in the original. For example, the post-credits scene in Before the Storm shows a character’s fate that is a major twist in the first game. If you play the prequel first, that twist loses its impact. The safest approach is to follow release order, which is also the order on most digital storefronts.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
A frequent mistake is assuming all Life is Strange games share the same characters. Only the first game and Before the Storm share the setting of Arcadia Bay and the characters Max, Chloe, and Rachel. Life is Strange 2 and True Colors are standalone stories with only minor cameos from previous games. Another misconception is that choices carry over between games. They do not. Each game has its own save system, and your decisions only affect the ending of that specific game. The only exception is a small cameo in Life is Strange 2 that references your choice at the end of the first game, but it is not required to understand the story.
What to Expect from Each Game
- Life is Strange – A mystery about a missing girl, with a heavy focus on friendship and the butterfly effect of time travel. Expect emotional dialogue and tough choices.
- Before the Storm – A more intimate story about grief and rebellion, with no superpowers. It uses a “backtalk” mechanic instead of time rewind.
- Life is Strange 2 – A road-trip story with a brotherly bond, featuring a morality system that affects your younger brother’s powers. It is more linear than the first game.
- True Colors – A mystery about a small town, with a power that lets you read and manipulate emotions. It has a more polished presentation and a shorter episode length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip Before the Storm and still understand the story?
Yes, you can skip it. The original game explains everything you need to know about Chloe and Rachel. However, Before the Storm adds depth to their relationship and explains why Chloe is so attached to Rachel. It is not essential but is highly recommended for fans who want more context.
Is Life is Strange 2 connected to the first game?
Only loosely. It takes place in the same universe, and a character from the first game makes a brief cameo depending on your ending choice. But the main plot is entirely separate, featuring new characters and a new setting. You can play it without having played the first game, though you will miss the cameo reference.
Which game is the best for a newcomer?
The original Life is Strange is the best starting point. It introduces the core themes of choice and consequence, and it is the most iconic entry. If you enjoy it, you will likely enjoy the others. If you are short on time, True Colors is the most accessible in terms of pacing and modern graphics, but it still benefits from having played the first game for context on the series’ tone.
Do I need to play Captain Spirit before Life is Strange 2?
It is recommended but not required. Captain Spirit is a free standalone episode that introduces a character who appears in Life is Strange 2. It takes about an hour to complete and gives you a better understanding of the Diaz family background. If you skip it, you will still understand the main game, but you will miss some emotional resonance.
Are the remastered versions worth it for a first playthrough?
Yes, if you have the choice. The remastered versions of the first game and Before the Storm feature improved graphics and facial animations, which make the emotional scenes more impactful. However, the original versions are perfectly fine, and some players report minor technical issues with the remasters. The story and choices are identical, so it comes down to whether you prefer updated visuals.
How long does each game take to finish?
Each episode takes about 2–3 hours, so the 5-episode games take roughly 10–15 hours. Before the Storm is shorter at about 6–9 hours for its 3 episodes plus the bonus episode. True Colors is also about 10–12 hours. These are approximate times based on average playthroughs, and they can vary depending on how much you explore and rewind.
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