The Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog, has become a cornerstone of cinematic action-adventure gaming.  Follow Nathan Drake, a witty and resourceful treasure hunter, on a globe-trotting journey filled with danger, exotic locales, and historical mysteries.

This article guides you through the Uncharted games in order of release, offering a glimpse into the narrative and gameplay that captivated audiences.

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007):  A Legacy of Fortune Hunters

The series kicks off with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, introducing Nathan Drake and his mentor, Victor Sullivan (Sully).  They embark on a perilous hunt for El Dorado, the legendary lost city of gold.  Their quest leads them to a remote island off the coast of Panama, where they face mercenaries, deadly traps, and a chilling historical secret.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009):  Marco Polo’s Lost Fleet

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves picks up a few years later.  Drake and Sully, along with reporter Chloe Frazer, chase after the lost fleet of Marco Polo.  Their hunt takes them across continents, from lush jungles to snowy mountain ranges, as they uncover a hidden network and a powerful artifact.  Among Thieves is praised for its refined gameplay, thrilling action set pieces, and the introduction of Chloe Frazer, a fan-favorite character.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011):  The Irem of the Sands

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception throws Drake and Sully into a desperate search for the lost city of Irem of the Sands.  They’re joined by Elena Fisher, a journalist and Drake’s love interest, and face a ruthless former British officer, Marlowe, who seeks the city’s power for his own nefarious ends.  Drake’s Deception boasts even grander set pieces, including a thrilling plane mid-air cargo transfer sequence, and delves deeper into Drake’s past.

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011):  A Lost Legacy in Central America

While not developed by Naughty Dog, Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the PlayStation Vita serves as a standalone entry.  The story follows Nathan Drake’s younger years as he teams up with his friend, Samuel “Sam” Drake, to unravel a mystery in Central America.  Golden Abyss offers a unique experience on the Vita’s handheld format and explores Drake’s earlier adventures.

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (2015):  A Remastered Trilogy

For those new to the series or wanting to revisit the classics, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection offers remastered versions of the first three Uncharted games – Drake’s Fortune, Among Thieves, and Drake’s Deception – for the PlayStation 4.  These remasters feature enhanced visuals, improved frame rates, and Trophy support, making them the definitive way to experience these early adventures.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016):  A Brother’s Legacy

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End marks the emotional finale of Nathan Drake’s story.  Several years after his previous adventure, Drake, now retired with Elena, is lured back into the world of treasure hunting by his long-lost brother, Sam.  Their quest for Libertalia, a pirate utopia, takes them across the globe and forces Drake to confront his past.  A Thief’s End is lauded for its emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and a fitting conclusion to Drake’s journey.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017):  A New Chapter Begins

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy serves as a standalone expansion to Uncharted 4.  It follows Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, a former enemy from A Thief’s End, as they team up to find the legendary Tusk of Ganesh in India.  The Lost Legacy offers a new perspective on the Uncharted universe, showcasing Chloe’s resourcefulness and Nadine’s complex character.  The success of The Lost Legacy hints at the potential for future adventures beyond Nathan Drake.

Beyond the Games:  Uncharted’s Legacy

The Uncharted series has transcended video games.  A feature film adaptation starring Tom Holland as a young Nathan Drake hit theaters in 2022.  Additionally, a rumored sequel to the film is in development.  The enduring popularity of the Uncharted games lies in its blend of thrilling action,  engaging characters, and  exploration of historical mysteries.

Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just starting your journey, the Uncharted series offers a captivating adventure waiting to be explored.  So, grab your journal, channel your inner Nathan Drake, and set sail for a world of unforgettable experiences.

FAQs

Uncharted is a beloved action-adventure franchise following the thrilling treasure hunts of Nathan Drake.  Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new recruit, this FAQ will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the Uncharted games in the optimal order.

How Many Uncharted Games Are There?

There are six main installments in the Uncharted series, with additional spin-offs and remasters:

Main Series: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007), Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009), Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011), Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)

Uncharted: Fight for Fortune (2012), Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011), and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) are some of the spin-off titles.

Remasters: Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (2015 – PS4 Remasters of Uncharted 1-3), Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (2022 – PC & PS5 Remasters of Uncharted 4 & The Lost Legacy)

In What Order Should I Play the Uncharted Games?

There are two main approaches:

Chronological Order: This order aligns with the story’s timeline:

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Optional Prequel)

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (Standalone expansion set after Uncharted 4)

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Release Order: Playing in the order they were released allows you to experience the evolution of the storytelling and gameplay:

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Optional Prequel)

Uncharted: Fight for Fortune (Multiplayer only, no story)

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (Standalone expansion set after Uncharted 4)

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Which Order is Right for Me?

If you prioritize experiencing the story as it unfolds chronologically, go with the chronological order. However, playing in release order allows you to appreciate the improvements in graphics and gameplay mechanics as the series progresses.

Are the Spin-offs Important?

Uncharted: Golden Abyss offers a prequel to Drake’s Fortune, but it’s not essential to understand the main story.  Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is a standalone expansion that doesn’t directly require playing Uncharted 4, but it does reference events from that game.

Recommendations for New Players?

For newcomers, release order might be ideal.  Starting with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune lets you experience the origin story and gradually adjust to the gameplay.  The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4 remasters of 1-3) is a great option for a cohesive entry point.

Where Can I Play the Uncharted Games?

The Uncharted games are primarily available on PlayStation consoles. However, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection brings remastered versions of Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy to PC and PS5.

Ready to Set Sail?

With this FAQ as your guide, you’re equipped to embark on your Uncharted adventure!  Remember, no matter which order you choose, prepare to be swept away by thrilling stories, breathtaking action, and unforgettable characters.

To read more, Click Here.