KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-: Complete Collection Guide
A guide to the whole KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- collection on Steam: what order to play in, how each game's combat system works, key early choices, difficulty advice, optional superbosses, and PC setup notes.
Researched September 2026 — current as of the Steam release (June 13, 2024) with the August 26, 2024 crash-fix update. Live games change; check the linked sources if something differs.
Quick Start
- Play in release order. KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, then Re:Chain of Memories, then the 358/2 Days movie, then KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX, then Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX, then the Re:coded movie.
- Two of the six are movies. 358/2 Days and Re:coded are HD cutscene compilations, not playable games. Watch them where they fall in the order; they matter for the story.
- Choose your language version before you start. Japanese and International versions are separate (set in Steam Properties > General) and saves can't be transferred between them.
- Use a controller. These games were designed around a gamepad.
- The opening choices in KH1 and KH2 matter for how your character levels. Read the section below before starting each.
- Don't fear Beginner or Standard if you want the story; choose Proud or Critical for challenge.
- Save at every save point. There is no autosave to fall back on; a game over usually lets you continue near the fight, but a crash or quit loses everything since your last save.
- Update the game. The August 2024 patch fixed crashes on AMD RX 7000-series GPUs and the ASUS ROG Ally.
What's in the Collection
| Title |
Type |
Notes |
| KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX |
Playable |
Where it all begins; action RPG with Donald and Goofy |
| KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories |
Playable |
Card-based combat remake of Chain of Memories; Sora and Riku stories |
| KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days |
HD cutscene compilation |
Story bridge before KH2 |
| KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX |
Playable |
The series' combat high point for many fans |
| KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX |
Playable |
Prequel with three playable characters |
| KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded |
HD cutscene compilation |
Story bridge after BbS |
After this collection, the story continues in KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and then KINGDOM HEARTS III (all three are in the KINGDOM HEARTS INTEGRUM MASTERPIECE bundle).
KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
The Dive to the Heart choice
At the start, you choose one of three items to gain (Sword, Shield, or Staff) and one to give up. This shapes your stat growth: gaining the Sword favors strength, the Shield favors defense, the Staff favors magic. You also answer three questions from Sora's island friends during the Dive to the Heart; your answers shape how quickly you level (faster early or faster later).
Recommendation: first-timers are well served by Shield or Staff; experienced players often pick based on playstyle. None of the options locks you out of content.
Core systems
- Commands: attack, magic, items, and summons through the command menu.
- Magic: Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Cure, and more over time. Cure is your lifeline.
- Abilities: equip abilities using AP. Prioritize dodge rolls, extra combo abilities, and Second Chance-style survival abilities when available.
- Party: Donald and Goofy by default, with world-specific guests. Set their behavior in the menu (for example, how freely Donald uses healing).
- Gummi Ship: travel between worlds. The ship segments can be upgraded and customized.
- Keyblades: many worlds reward a new Keyblade with different stats and abilities.
Tips
- Learn Dodge Roll early.
- Buy Ethers and Potions before bosses.
- Explore each world fully for Keyblades and upgrades.
- The Olympus Coliseum cups give good rewards and some of the game's best optional fights.
Optional superbosses (Final Mix)
Sephiroth, Ice Titan, Kurt Zisa, Phantom and the Unknown are optional endgame challenges. Leave them until you're well into the late game.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories
Card combat
- Everything is a card: attacks, magic, items, summons.
- Card values (0–9) decide who wins a clash; higher value breaks lower. 0 cards can break any card, but can also be broken by any card played after them.
- Sleights: combine three cards for powerful special moves.
- Reload your deck when it runs out; reloading takes longer each time in a fight.
- Deck building: keep a mix of high-value attack cards, a few 0 cards, and Cure cards.
Room synthesis
You create rooms using map cards, which set the type of room and its effects. Plan which cards to use for rest rooms (save points), treasure rooms, and so on.
Two stories
After Sora's story, Riku's story ("Reverse/Rebirth") plays differently: fixed decks and a Dark Mode mechanic. It's shorter and more combat-focused.
KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX
Opening choice
Like KH1, you choose one item to gain and one to give up. In KH2 the choice affects when you learn abilities and your stat growth. It's less important overall; pick what fits your style.
Core systems
- Reaction Commands: context-sensitive button prompts (often Triangle/Y) that trigger special moves, especially in boss fights. Watch for them.
- Drive Forms: transform with Donald, Goofy, or both for special abilities and power. Forms include Valor, Wisdom, Limit, Master, and Final. Anti Form can trigger instead of the form you chose, and becomes more likely the more often you use Drive; you can't use magic or items while in it, so be careful in boss fights.
- Form levels: level up Drive Forms to unlock movement abilities (like higher jump, glide and quick run) that Sora can use in normal form.
- Summons: Chicken Little, Genie, Stitch and Peter Pan.
- Limits: team attacks with party members.
- Gummi Ship: returns with a revamped system.
Difficulty
Critical Mode (a Final Mix addition) is the hardest mode: enemies deal double damage, you earn less EXP and gain less HP/MP from bonus levels, but you gain AP faster, deal slightly more damage, and get the EXP Zero ability early for low-level challenge runs (per the KH wiki).
Optional superbosses and challenges (Final Mix)
- Sephiroth: optional fight in Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden, introduced during your second visit; a classic skill check.
- Absent Silhouettes: five optional fights against phantom versions of the Organization members from Chain of Memories, spread around worlds.
- Data Organization XIII: much harder "Replica Data" versions of all 13 members, fought at the Garden of Assemblage once each member has been beaten in the story or as an Absent Silhouette. The Cavern of Remembrance is the post-game dungeon in Radiant Garden that gets you there.
- Lingering Will: post-game, through a portal in Disney Castle's Hall of the Cornerstone; widely considered the hardest fight in the game.
- Mushroom XIII: optional mushroom enemies in various worlds, each with its own mini-game challenge.
- Olympus Coliseum cups.
Tips
- Level your Drive Forms for movement abilities.
- Use Reaction Commands constantly.
- Stack Cure and keep MP management in mind.
- Save for Final Form in tough fights.
KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX
Three characters
- Terra: strength-focused.
- Ventus: speed-focused.
- Aqua: magic-focused.
Order: many players recommend Terra, then Ventus, then Aqua, since Aqua's story wraps things up. The Final Episode unlocks after all three stories, and Final Mix adds a Secret Episode.
Core systems
- Command Deck: equip attack, magic and item commands in slots.
- Command Melding: combine two commands to create new ones, with abilities from crystals.
- Command Styles: build up to change stance with special combos.
- Shotlock: aim and fire a burst of attacks at locked targets.
- D-Link: borrow a friend's abilities.
- Mirage Arena: multiplayer-style arena with extra battles (playable solo here).
Optional superbosses
No Heart, Vanitas Remnant, and the Mysterious Figure are the best-known optional fights. Critical Mode and the Mirage Arena add further challenges.
Tips
- Meld aggressively. The best commands come from melding.
- Level commands by using them.
- Use Shotlocks on bosses.
- Keep a Cure command in every deck.
Difficulty Recommendations
| Player |
Suggested difficulty |
| Story-first, new to the series |
Beginner or Standard |
| Action game fan |
Proud |
| Series veteran |
Critical Mode (KH2FM and BbSFM) |
PC Setup Notes
- Steam launched June 13, 2024.
- Aug 26, 2024 update: fixed crashes on AMD Radeon RX 7000-series (including RX 7800 XT and 7900 XT) and the ASUS ROG Ally, for KH FM, Re:CoM, KH2FM and BbSFM.
- Language versions: Japanese and International versions are separate; switch in Steam Properties > General. Saves don't transfer between them.
- Mods: the PC community has built tools for KH2FM, including randomizers. Back up saves before installing anything.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the movies. 358/2 Days and Re:coded carry key story.
- Ignoring abilities. Equip them.
- Not using Reaction Commands in KH2.
- Neglecting Drive Form levels.
- Taking on superbosses too early.
- Choosing the wrong language version and losing saves.
Advanced Tips
- KH1: master the dodge roll and guard timing.
- Re:CoM: build sleights around your favorite cards; 0 cards are strong in bosses.
- KH2: master Reflect and Reaction Commands.
- BbS: melding for top-tier commands; Shotlocks for damage.
FAQ
What order should I play?
KH FINAL MIX → Re:Chain of Memories → 358/2 Days (movie) → KH II FINAL MIX → Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX → Re:coded (movie). Then HD 2.8 and KH III.
Are all six games playable?
No. 358/2 Days and Re:coded are HD cutscene compilations.
Can I transfer saves between the Japanese and International versions?
No.
Is a controller required?
Recommended.
Where does the story go next?
KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, then KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind.
Is it being updated?
Only bug fixes; the last was August 2024. It frequently appears in Square Enix sales (for example March 2026).
Sources