TheLife is Strangeseries is hailed for its impressive storytelling, iconic characters, and emotional impact. From the lighthouse in Arcadia Bay to the record store in Haven Springs, the spaces created for the games are filled to the brim with nostalgic feelings. As the series has grown, so too has the complexity of its timeline.
The choices you make, particularly at the end of the original game, can send this timeline into a spin. Here’s a more organized look at all theLife is Strangegames in chronological order.
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Life is Strange Chronological Order Guide
TheLife is Strangeuniverse encompasses many full game entries, DLCs, and a few side storylines. The timeline can get confusing, especially those spanning years before the original. But don’t worry; you don’t need the power to rewind time to help you out here. We’ll break down theLife is Stangegame order chronologically.
Farewell Episode DLC (Life is Strange: Before the Storm)
Year it takes place:2008
TheLife is Strangetimeline begins with a pair of departures that impact Max and Chloe, the protagonists of the original two games, for years to come. Since it’s a DLC, the episode’s content goes by quickly and can be completed in under an hour. It’s best to play this after playing the original game, but you don’t necessarily have to finish the other parts ofBefore the Stormfirst. However, keep in mind that you do need to have the base game ofBTSto play it.
Although it’s a short piece, there are still a lot of heavy choices that’ll help you unlock the game’s multiple endings.Before the Storm Farewallalso holds many endearing nostalgic moments, as you dive further into Max and Chloe’s childhood.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Year it takes place:2010
Before the Stormis a prequel to the first game that tells the story of Chloe’s relationship with Rachel Amber, the teenager who has gone missing when the events of the original game unfold. Chloe and Rachel ditch school, navigate trauma, and uncover family secrets.
If you’re a newcomer to the series, you could start withBefore the Stormfirst, considering that it is a standalone story. But, as someone who played both the original andBTS, you may want to dig into the original first to make this prequel journey feel more impactful.
Life is Strange
Year it takes place:2013
The originalLife is Strangegame features iconic storytelling, a beautiful soundtrack, and a cast of deeply drawn characters. You’ll play as Max Caulfield, a senior in high school who has recently discovered her ability to reverse time. It changes the outcome of every scene that puts some serious weight to your decisions. The choices get even more heavy when you must find a way to save your childhood best friend, Chloe Price.
Life is Strangebreaks down into five emotionally-driven chapters, lasting around 14 hours. In addition to saving Chloe, you’ll need to uncover the dark truth behind Rachel Amber’s disappearance, leading to multiple monumental endings that affect the rest ofLife is Strange’stimeline.
Life is Strange (Comic Series)
Year it takes place:Starting in 2014
The comic book tie-in series for theLife is Strangegames begins about a year after the events of the first game, and takes place over the course of six story ‘arcs’. In order they are: Dust, Waves, Strings, Tracks, Coming Home, and Settling Dust. The comic series follows the Bae (not Bay) ending of the first game, but is in many ways a divergent timeline from the other games to come.
There has been some speculation on whether or not theLife is Strangecomic book series is canon to the rest of the timeline. The general consesus with the fans indicate that it is not since there are some discrepancies with certain narratives. It could be considered more of side storyline that offers more possibilities on what happened after the originalLife is Strange.
Life is Strange 2: Episodes 1 & 2
Year it takes place:October-December 2016
The direct sequel game in the series follows two brothers, Sean and Daniel, as they journey south from Washington to the US-Mexico border. When their father is killed by a police officer, Daniel’s telekinesis powers aid the pair in escaping danger.
Given thatLife is Strange 2follows a new cast of characters, it’s more or less a standalone story that doesn’t require too much knowledge of the original. Though, there are moments that reference its predecessor, so it does have some connection to the first one.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Year it takes place:December 2016
Captain Spiritis a short demo game that allows players to learn more about Chris, a side character encountered by Sean and Daniel near the end of the second episode ofLife is Strange 2.You’ll explore the imaginative mind of this nine-year-old boy, embarking on brave adventures as Captain Spirit, Chris’ superhero alter-ego.
This chapter in theLife is Strangeuniverse is often forgotten because it’s not as essential to the main story, but it’s worth playing nonetheless. The choices you make inCaptain Spiritalso links toLife is Strange 2, tying in together for one epic tale.
Life is Strange 2: Episodes 3-5
Year it takes place:December 2016- June 2017
The conclusion to Sean and Daniel’s story occurs over the course of many months, but also features flashbacks that bring players back to events that occur before the game starts. If you took a break to playCaptain Spiritin betweenLife is Strange 2’sepisodes, there’s a quick recap to help catch you up to speed with the story.
Similar to manyLife is Strangeentries,LiS 2comes with multiple endings that are determined by low or high-morality-based choices. It works similarly to games likeRed Dead Redemption 2andInFamous, where you may unlock good or evil conclusions.
Wavelengths DLC (Life is Strange: True Colors)
Year it takes place:2018-2019
TheWavelengthsDLC forTrue Colorstakes place before the events of the main game and follows the side character Steph Gingrich, who also appears inBefore the Storm, on her first day at the Haven Springs record store. You’ll take on the role of a radio host for KRCT: Haven’s best, as Steph reflects on her past and the future ahead.
In many ways, this DLC is just as much a sequel toBefore the Stormas it is a prequel toTrue Colors.However, if you want to play this add-on, you must purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition ofTrue Colors.
Life is Strange: True Colors
Year it takes place:2019-2020
True Colorsmakes a few references here and there to prior entries in the series, but for the most part, it’s an entirely separate experience that has brought in many newLife is Strangefans, and doesn’t require playing allLife is Strangegames in order. You’ll embark on the supernatural journey of Alex Chen, the main protagonist who must deal with a “curse.” This curse gives her control of strong emotions from others, allowing her to experience, absorb, or manipulate them.
The emotions also emit colorful auras, hence the titling,True Colors. Alex must learn to deal with her powers to find out what really happened to her dead brother in a supposed accident.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Year it takes place:2023
InDouble Exposure, the original protagonist of the series, Max Caulfield, makes a welcome return.Several years have passed since the first game, and Max is now a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University. AlthoughLife is Strange 2is considered a sequel,Double Exposurefits the bill much more. Even the officialSquare Enix pageindicates it as a “direct sequel” to the original.
This time, we’ll be opening parallel universes in an attempt to save her friend Safi. So, instead of the standard Rewind powers, you’ll unlock the new ability to Shift, altering between two realities: one where Safi is alive and another where she is not.
What is the best way to play Life is Strange?
There are a lot of ways you can go about playingLife is Strangegames. You could go the semi-simple route of experiencing it chronologically, but you may not fully grasp concepts from certain games. So, if you want to play it in a more impactful way, here’s the best way to play theLife is Strangegames:
Starting with the originalLife is Strangeis always a good idea. I think you’ll get more emotionally invested in the characters this way since you’ll have more knowledge of their lives and relationships. You could still try out the chronological way and start with theFarewellepisode, but I suggest reserving this route for a possible second playthrough of the entireLife is Strangeseries. It could open the door to hidden Easter Eggs you didn’t know before.
If you’re particularly interested in Max Caulfield’s storyline, you could focus onLife is Strange,Before the Storm, andDouble Exposure. This approach simplifies your list for a shorter playthrough, yet it also means missing out on other compelling narratives. Nevertheless, if you have the time, why not dig into the entire series?
How Many Life is Strange Games Are There?
In total,there are six gamesin the Life is Strange universe. However, the originalLife is StrangeandLife is Strange: Before the Stormare available together as a single remastered collection on select consoles.
As mentioned earlier, theWavelengthsDLC also requires you to get the upgraded edition ofTrue Colors. On the other hand,The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spiritdoesn’t mandate aLife is Strange 2purchase, despite being connected to it. It’s a completely free demo that’s available on platforms like PlayStation, PC, and Xbox.
