The Uncharted series stands as one of the most celebrated action-adventure franchises in gaming history. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, these games follow the thrilling exploits of treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he uncovers lost cities, ancient secrets, and dangerous conspiracies across the globe. With its cinematic storytelling, fast-paced gameplay, and witty dialogue, Uncharted has become a cornerstone of PlayStation’s legacy. For both newcomers and longtime fans, understanding the correct order of the Uncharted games is essential to fully experience its rich narrative and evolving character arcs.
Mainline Uncharted Games in Release Order
While there are spin-offs and remasters, the heart of the series lies in the mainline titles featuring Nathan Drake. Here’s how the games were released:
1. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
The game that started it all. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune introduces players to Nathan Drake, a charming but reckless fortune hunter. After discovering the coffin of his supposed ancestor, Sir Francis Drake, Nate finds himself on a quest to uncover the legendary city of El Dorado. Alongside journalist Elena Fisher and mentor Victor Sully Sullivan, Nate explores lush jungles and ancient ruins while fending off rival treasure hunters. The gameplay mixes platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving with cinematic flair, laying the groundwork for the series’ future.
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
Often considered one of the best entries in the series, Among Thieves takes Nate on a journey across Asia in search of the mythical Shambhala and the Cintamani Stone. The stakes are higher, the characters deeper, and the set-pieces more explosive. New allies like Chloe Frazer join the adventure, while old relationships are tested. This sequel elevated the franchise with its tighter narrative and improved mechanics, earning widespread critical acclaim.
3. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011)
This entry delves into Nate’s past and his long-standing friendship with Sully. The search for the lost city of Ubar leads the team through deserts, ancient ruins, and dangerous conspiracies tied to the historical figure T.E. Lawrence. Drake’s Deception is notable for its breathtaking visuals, character-driven story, and high-octane set pieces like the infamous cargo plane sequence. It also explores deeper emotional themes, giving players insight into Nathan’s motivations.
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)
The fourth main installment serves as a powerful conclusion to Nathan Drake’s story. Now retired and living a quiet life with Elena, Nate is pulled back into the world of treasure hunting by his long-lost brother, Sam. The quest to find the pirate utopia of Libertalia pushes Nate to his limits and forces him to confront the cost of his adventures. With enhanced graphics, open environments, and a more grounded tone, A Thief’s End delivers a mature and emotionally resonant finale.
Spin-Offs and Related Titles
Beyond the main saga, the Uncharted universe has expanded with additional entries that further explore characters and events. These titles add richness to the world and provide fresh perspectives.
5. Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2012)
A prequel to Drake’s Fortune, this PlayStation Vita exclusive takes place before Nate’s first major console adventure. It follows his partnership with treasure hunter Marisa Chase as they investigate a deadly secret in Central America. While not developed by Naughty Dog, Golden Abyss retains the series’ core gameplay and introduces portable-friendly mechanics. Though it doesn’t connect strongly with the main narrative arc, it offers valuable background on Nate’s earlier exploits.
6. Uncharted: Fight for Fortune (2012)
Released shortly after Golden Abyss, this card-based spin-off offers a very different take on the franchise. Focused on strategy rather than action, it serves as a light-hearted companion rather than a must-play chapter. While not essential to the story, it’s part of the broader Uncharted product line.
7. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017)
This standalone adventure shifts the spotlight to Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, both familiar faces from earlier entries. Set after the events of Uncharted 4, Chloe and Nadine team up to locate the Tusk of Ganesh in India. The Lost Legacy retains the series’ hallmark gameplay and storytelling, with an emphasis on female leads and character dynamics. Though shorter than the mainline games, it packs a full-fledged Uncharted experience.
Chronological Order of the Uncharted Series
For players interested in experiencing the story in chronological sequence rather than release order, here’s how the timeline flows:
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss(Prequel)
- Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
- Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception(Includes flashbacks to Nate’s youth)
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Uncharted: The Lost Legacy(Post-A Thief’s End)
Playing the games in this order offers a smooth narrative progression, allowing players to see Nathan Drake evolve from a young adventurer to a seasoned, reflective hero.
Remastered Collections and Legacy Editions
To make the series more accessible on modern platforms, several remastered editions have been released. These collections offer upgraded visuals, smoother performance, and bundled content.
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (2015)
This collection includes remastered versions of Drake’s Fortune, Among Thieves, and Drake’s Deception for PlayStation 4. With improved textures and 60 FPS performance, it’s an ideal entry point for newcomers or returning fans.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (2022)
Bundling Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Lost Legacy, this release targets PlayStation 5 and PC, offering visual enhancements, faster load times, and DualSense controller support for PS5 users. It brings the conclusion of the series to a broader audience with next-gen capabilities.
Why Play Uncharted in Order?
Playing the Uncharted games in order, whether by release or chronology, enhances the overall experience. The games build upon each other narratively and emotionally. Relationships grow, rivalries escalate, and personal conflicts deepen. Seeing Nathan’s journey from beginning to end provides a more rewarding and immersive adventure.
- Character arcs develop gradually with each installment
- Story references and callbacks are more impactful
- Gameplay mechanics evolve, showing the series’ technical growth
- The emotional weight of key moments hits harder with context
An Adventure Worth Experiencing
The Uncharted franchise is more than just a collection of action games it’s a deeply woven story about friendship, sacrifice, discovery, and the human spirit. Whether you’re discovering the series for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, playing the Uncharted games in order ensures a coherent and fulfilling journey. From the jungles of El Dorado to the cliffs of Libertalia, every chapter adds depth to Nathan Drake’s legacy and the unforgettable world he inhabits.