Uncharted Games Order: Chronological & Release

If you want to play the Uncharted series in the order the stories take place, start with Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011, PS Vita), then Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007), Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009), Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011), Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016), and finally Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017). If you prefer the order the games were released, simply play them in the order of their original launch dates, which is the most common way newcomers experience the series.

Why the Release Order Matters

The Uncharted series is a linear narrative that follows treasure hunter Nathan Drake across four main games and one standalone expansion. Each game builds on the previous one, both in story and gameplay mechanics. Playing in release order is the safest way to avoid spoilers and to experience the evolution of the game design. The first game, Drake’s Fortune, introduced the core mechanics (climbing, shooting, puzzle-solving), while later games refined them. If you start with Uncharted 4, you’ll miss the character development that makes the finale so impactful, and you’ll spoil several plot twists from earlier games.

Chronological Story Order

The chronological order differs from release order only by the inclusion of Golden Abyss, a prequel set before the first game. Here’s the full chronological sequence:

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011) – Set before the first game, it follows Drake on a quest in Panama. It’s a PS Vita exclusive and not included in the main console collections.
• Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007) – The first main game, set on a tropical island searching for El Dorado.
• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) – Set in the Himalayas, searching for Shangri-La.
• Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011) – Set in the Arabian desert, searching for the lost city of Ubar.
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) – Set a few years after the third game, it’s the final chapter for Nathan Drake.
• Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) – A standalone expansion that takes place after Uncharted 4, featuring Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross.

Note that Golden Abyss is often skipped by players because it’s only on the PS Vita, but it does fit into the timeline before the first game.

How to Choose Your Starting Point

For a newcomer, the best starting point is Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (or the Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection which includes the first three games). This gives you the full story from the beginning. If you only want to play the best games, many players recommend starting with Uncharted 2 because it’s widely considered the peak of the series, but you’ll miss some context. If you’re short on time, you can start with Uncharted 4 and still enjoy it as a standalone, but you’ll miss references and character relationships. The Lost Legacy is best played after the main series, as it features side characters.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a mainline game. It’s actually a spin-off that was only released on the PS Vita, and it’s not included in the remastered collection. Another issue is the order of Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy – some players think Lost Legacy is a prequel, but it’s set after the fourth game. Also, the mobile game Uncharted: Fortune Hunter is a puzzle game that doesn’t add to the story, so it can be ignored. A frequent question is whether you can skip the first game – you can, but you’ll miss the introduction of key characters like Elena and Sully.

Comparisons with Other Series

Uncharted is often compared to Tomb Raider and The Last of Us (also by Naughty Dog). Unlike Tomb Raider, which focuses on survival and a more open world, Uncharted is a linear, cinematic action-adventure. Compared to The Last of Us, Uncharted has a lighter tone, with more emphasis on set-piece moments and humor. In terms of gameplay, Uncharted’s climbing and shooting are more arcade-like, while The Last of Us is more stealth and resource management. If you enjoy Uncharted, you’ll likely enjoy these other titles, but they offer different experiences.

Cost and Availability

As of 2025, the entire main series is available on modern platforms. The Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection (games 1-3) is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy are bundled in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PS5 and PC. Prices vary, but the collections are often discounted. The PS Vita version of Golden Abyss is harder to find and requires a PS Vita or PS TV. You can also stream the games via PlayStation Plus Premium on PS5 or PC, but that requires a subscription. For a complete experience, buying the two collections is the most cost-effective way.

Safety and Spoiler-Free Tips

If you’re planning to play the series, avoid reading online summaries or watching YouTube videos that might spoil plot twists. The biggest spoilers involve character deaths and the ending of Uncharted 4. Also, be aware that the games contain violence and some mild language, so they’re rated T for Teen. For parents, the series is generally suitable for teens, but the later games have more intense combat. If you’re playing on a PC, make sure your system meets the requirements for the Legacy of Thieves Collection, as it’s a demanding game. Finally, remember to save your game often, especially in the earlier titles, as checkpoints can be sparse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Uncharted 1 before the others?

It’s not strictly necessary, but it introduces the main characters and sets up the relationship between Nathan, Elena, and Sully. The first game is also the shortest, so it’s worth playing for the story. If you find the gameplay dated, you can watch a summary and jump to Uncharted 2.

Is Uncharted: Golden Abyss worth playing?

Only if you have a PS Vita or PS TV. It’s a solid game but uses the Vita’s touch and motion controls, which can be divisive. It’s not essential to the overall plot, but it’s a decent prequel. Most players skip it because it’s not available on modern consoles.

What’s the best Uncharted game?

Most fans and critics consider Uncharted 2: Among Thieves the best, due to its pacing, set-pieces, and improved gameplay over the first game. Uncharted 4 is also highly praised for its story and graphics. The best one for you may depend on whether you prefer a tighter story (Uncharted 2) or a more emotional conclusion (Uncharted 4).

Can I play Uncharted 4 without playing the first three?

Yes, you can, but you’ll miss a lot of context. The game does a good job of introducing characters, but the emotional payoff is stronger if you’ve played the previous games. If you’re short on time, you could watch a recap on YouTube, but playing the collection is recommended.

Is The Lost Legacy a full game?

Yes, it’s a standalone expansion that’s about the same length as Uncharted 1 (around 7-10 hours). It features Chloe and Nadine, and it doesn’t require you to have played the main series, but it does contain references to Uncharted 4. It’s best played after the main series.

Will there be an Uncharted 5?

Naughty Dog has stated that Uncharted 4 was the final game for Nathan Drake, but the studio hasn’t ruled out future games with other characters. As of now, there’s no announced Uncharted 5, but the series may continue in other media, such as the 2022 film adaptation.

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