Optimal Playing Sequence for the Life Is Strange Game Series

Life is Strange is an engaging franchise featuring a blend of interconnected and standalone titles that appeal to a diverse audience. Prospective players often ponder the optimal way to experience these games, typically considering release order versus chronological order. However, unlike many franchises, Life is Strange allows flexibility in how its games are played, as not every installment must be approached in a specific order to appreciate the context of others. Still, new players should be cautious, as some sequences may spoil surprises for later titles.

The core theme of the Life is Strange series revolves around young protagonists navigating their late teens to early adulthood while grappling with significant life changes. Although most characters fall within this age range, the series does include younger figures, such as Daniel in Life is Strange 2, and Chris from The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit. Central to these narratives are protagonists endowed with extraordinary abilities that shape their journeys. With the recent release of Life is Strange: Double Exposure, now is an ideal moment to delve into the series.

Starting with the Original Life Is Strange

Max Caulfield’s Journey Begins

Life Is Strange Remastered Collection Gameplay

The original Life is Strange serves as the best introduction to the franchise. Set in the quaint town of Arcadia Bay, the narrative follows Max Caulfield, a budding photographer who returns to her hometown for her senior year at Blackwell Academy. During her time there, she rekindles her friendship with Chloe Price, creating an emotional journey filled with exploration and discovery. However, senior year takes a dark turn as Max aids Chloe in investigating the mysterious disappearance of their friend, Rachel Amber.

Throughout their quest to uncover the truth behind Rachel’s disappearance, Max uncovers hidden secrets about both Blackwell Academy and the residents of Arcadia Bay. This thrilling adventure is enhanced by Max’s unique ability to rewind time, a power that aids them in avoiding perilous situations. The captivating atmosphere of Arcadia Bay combined with the intense narrative makes Life is Strange 1 an essential experience for those wishing to explore the franchise.

Exploring Life Is Strange: Before The Storm

Chloe’s Prequel Story Unveiled

Life is Strange: Before the Storm, a prequel to the original game, still should not be played before Life is Strange. Even in a prequel format, the game’s narrative expectation is built upon players having already engaged with the first installment, as this enhances clarity and emotional impact. Additionally, Before the Storm contains pivotal moments that connect with the overarching story, making it essential to have prior knowledge of the original.

Set when Chloe is still at Blackwell Academy, players navigate her life without the benefit of Max’s rewind powers. The storyline deeply explores Chloe and Rachel’s relationship, featuring significant spoilers for Life is Strange that become more meaningful after experiencing the first game. For those choosing to begin with Before the Storm, it is advisable to save the bonus episode, Farewell, until after completing both main games, as its emotional weight is best absorbed in that context.

Discovering Life Is Strange 2

A Sibling Journey of Survival

Life is Strange 2 presents a fresh narrative perspective through the lens of two brothers on a journey after a traumatic incident. The game takes players on an adventure from Seattle to Mexico as Sean and Daniel navigate their way home. While it’s possible for newcomers to begin with this title, doing so may limit the depth of their experience, as Sean and Daniel’s struggles are entirely separate from Max and Chloe’s story.

Although The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit offers connections to LiS2, it’s recommended to play it between the first and second games, especially since Life is Strange 2 is rich with references and Easter eggs linked to the original title that might go unnoticed otherwise.

Immersing in Life Is Strange: True Colors

Steph’s Return from Blackwell Academy

Alex playing guitar in Life is Strange: True Colors

Returning to the franchise’s familiar small-town atmosphere, Life is Strange: True Colors invites players to join Alex, who possesses the remarkable ability to empathically experience the emotions of others. This talent opens up new narrative pathways and choices for players to explore. Like its predecessors, True Colors benefits from being played in release order to fully appreciate the depth of references and character relationships.

Steph’s involvement in True Colors adds further ties to past games, enriching the story even more. While it is feasible to interchange the order of True Colors and Life is Strange 2, it’s advisable to play them in their intended sequence to avoid missing key elements, including the bonus episode, Wavelength, which should be enjoyed after completing True Colors.

Max Returns in Life Is Strange: Double Exposure

College Life Challenges for Max

Max and Safiya in Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Stepping into the latest installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, players will find it crucial to first experience at least the original Life is Strange. Max’s return as the protagonist emphasizes the significance of her previous experiences, especially regarding her powers. Even if one opts to exclude Life is Strange 2 and True Colors, the recommended progression remains: Life is Strange, followed by Before the Storm, Farewell, and finally Double Exposure.

As Max navigates a new college environment, she continues to chase her dream of becoming a photographer while confronting new mysteries, including the deeply unsettling murder of a friend. However, her attempt to utilize her time manipulation ability after years of dormancy leads to significant complications, including the manifestation of overlapping timelines.

The Value of Release Order in Life Is Strange

Guidance for New Players

Chloe and Max hugging on train tracks in Life is Strange

To avoid the pitfalls of spoilers, new players are strongly encouraged to experience Life is Strange in the order of release. The primary exceptions to this guideline are Life is Strange 2 and True Colors, both capable of being approached independently without requiring knowledge of the prior games.

Once players have journeyed through the franchise in its intended order, revisiting the series chronologically can offer a fresh perspective. Experiencing Life is Strange: Before the Storm after being familiar with its spoilers allows players to appreciate character interactions in a completely new light. The heartwarming moments and the idiosyncratic charm of Life is Strange shine brightest when the narrative’s flow has been fully experienced.

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