Kingdom Hearts Collections: What’s Included & Which to Buy

If you’re trying to figure out which Kingdom Hearts collection to buy, the short answer is: buy Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix first (it contains the core saga), then Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (it bridges into Kingdom Hearts III). The All-In-One Package bundles both of those plus Kingdom Hearts III into a single purchase, which is the most cost-effective way to get the entire series on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

What Are the Kingdom Hearts Collections?

The Kingdom Hearts series spans multiple consoles and handhelds, which makes it confusing for newcomers. To solve this, Square Enix released three HD remaster collections that compile the games into modern platforms. Each collection contains a mix of full remasters, cutscene compilations, and re-releases of portable titles with updated controls and graphics.

There are three main collections:

• Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix – the essential saga, covering the first two numbered titles and the most important side stories.
• Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue – a smaller set that bridges the gap to Kingdom Hearts III.
• Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package – a bundle that includes 1.5 + 2.5, 2.8, and Kingdom Hearts III (with its DLC on PS4).

What’s Included in Each Collection?

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix

• Kingdom Hearts Final Mix – the original PS2 game, remastered in HD, with extra bosses and abilities from the Japanese Final Mix version.
• Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories – a 3D remake of the Game Boy Advance card-based sequel.
• Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix – the second numbered title, with additional content.
• Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days – a cinematic compilation of the DS game (not playable, but the story is fully told in cutscenes).
• Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix – a prequel that explains the origins of the series’ key characters.
• Kingdom Hearts Re:coded – another cinematic compilation of the DS title.

This collection is the backbone of the series. If you only buy one, this is the one.

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue

• Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD – a remaster of the 3DS game that directly sets up Kingdom Hearts III.
• Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover – a movie that shows events from the mobile game Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ from the perspective of the Foretellers.
• Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage – a short playable episode that acts as a prologue to Kingdom Hearts III, starring Aqua.

This collection is shorter but essential for understanding the lead-up to the third game. It also includes a secret ending that ties directly into KH3.

Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package

This is a single physical disc or digital bundle that includes:

• Everything from 1.5 + 2.5 Remix
• Everything from 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
• Kingdom Hearts III (the main third entry)
• On PlayStation 4, it also includes the Re Mind DLC (the story expansion). On Xbox and PC, the DLC is sold separately.

If you’re starting fresh on PS4 or Xbox One, this is the simplest and usually the cheapest way to get the full saga.

Which Collection Should You Buy?

The choice depends on your platform and how much you already own.

• If you own nothing: buy the All-In-One Package on PS4 or Xbox One. It gives you everything in one purchase, and you won’t have to hunt down separate discs.
• If you already own 1.5 + 2.5: buy 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue next. It’s the direct bridge to KH3.
• If you own 1.5 + 2.5 and 2.8: just buy Kingdom Hearts III separately (and its DLC if you want the full story).
• If you’re on PC (Epic Games Store): All three collections are available individually, but there is no All-In-One bundle. Buy 1.5 + 2.5, then 2.8, then KH3.
• If you’re on Nintendo Switch: The collections are available as cloud versions only. That means you need a stable internet connection and the games stream to your console. If you have other options, the Switch cloud versions are generally the least recommended due to latency and the need for a persistent connection.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that 358/2 Days and Re:coded are playable in 1.5 + 2.5. They are not – they’re presented as full-length HD movies that stitch together cutscenes with new voice acting. If you want to actually play those DS games, you’d need the original cartridges and a DS/3DS.

Another issue is that the All-In-One Package on Xbox One does not include the Re Mind DLC, even though the PS4 version does. If you’re on Xbox, you’ll need to buy the DLC separately to get the full ending of KH3.

Also, the collections are not available on PS3 in a single bundle. On PS3, 1.5 and 2.5 were sold as separate discs. The PS4 versions combine them into one.

Story Order vs. Release Order

If you want to play in chronological story order, the collections make it easy because they’re already organized in a sensible way. The intended play order is:

1. Kingdom Hearts Final Mix (in 1.5+2.5)
2. Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (in 1.5+2.5)
3. Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix (in 1.5+2.5)
4. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (watch the movie in 1.5+2.5)
5. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix (in 1.5+2.5)
6. Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (watch the movie in 1.5+2.5)
7. Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD (in 2.8)
8. Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover (watch in 2.8)
9. Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage (in 2.8)
10. Kingdom Hearts III (and then the Re Mind DLC)

This order is roughly chronological and avoids the worst narrative confusion. The collections are designed so you can play them in this order without needing to switch discs.

Cost and Value Considerations

Prices vary by platform and sales, but generally the All-In-One Package is the best value if you’re buying new. It often retails for less than the sum of its parts, and it frequently goes on sale on the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store. The individual collections are also regularly discounted, so if you’re patient, you can pick up 1.5+2.5 and 2.8 for very little.

One thing to keep in mind: the All-In-One Package on PS4 includes the Re Mind DLC, which is a significant story expansion. If you buy KH3 separately, you’ll need to factor in the DLC cost if you want the full experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the All-In-One Package worth it if I already own KH3?

If you already own Kingdom Hearts III (and its DLC), then the All-In-One Package is redundant. You only need 1.5+2.5 and 2.8. But if you don’t own any of the games, the All-In-One is almost always cheaper than buying the three parts separately.

Do I need to play the mobile game before KH3?

The mobile game Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ (now called Kingdom Hearts Union χ) is not required to understand the main plot of KH3, but it does provide background on the Keyblade War and the Foretellers. The Back Cover movie in 2.8 covers the essential lore from that mobile game, so you can watch that instead.

Can I play the collections on PC?

Yes, all three collections are available on PC via the Epic Games Store. They were released in 2021. There is no Steam version as of this writing. The PC versions include all the same content as the console versions, but the Re Mind DLC for KH3 is sold separately.

Are the Switch cloud versions any good?

The Switch versions require a constant internet connection and stream the game from servers. If you have a fast, stable connection, they’re playable, but they suffer from input lag and occasional visual artifacts. If you have any other platform, it’s better to play there.

What’s the difference between Final Mix and the original versions?

Final Mix versions are enhanced editions that were originally released only in Japan. They add extra bosses, abilities, cutscenes, and sometimes new story elements. The HD collections are based on the Final Mix versions, so you’re getting the definitive versions of each game.

Can I skip the 358/2 Days and Re:coded movies?

You can skip them if you only care about the main numbered titles, but they do add context. 358/2 Days explains the relationship between Roxas, Axel, and Xion, which is important for KH2 and KH3. Re:coded is less essential, but it sets up some plot points that appear in Dream Drop Distance. If you’re short on time, you can watch a summary online, but the movies are well done and worth watching at least once.

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in t | Number of games in collection | - | 3 | 1 | 10
in d | Total hours to complete all included games | hours | 120 | 1 | 1000
out pace | Average hours per game | hours/game | d / t | 1
out total | Total hours (your input) | hours | d | 0