The acclaimed choice-driven narrative franchise has captivated millions of players worldwide with its deep character development, supernatural mechanics, and emotional storytelling. Since the release of the original game, the series has expanded across multiple entries, prequels, and standalone sequels. Navigating this interconnected universe requires a clear strategy to appreciate how every choice builds upon the lore of Arcadia Bay and beyond.
The Timeline Prequel and Roots of Arcadia Bay
Experiencing the narrative chronologically requires players to begin with the dramatic events that set everything in motion before the original narrative takes place. The journey starts with Life is Strange Before the Storm, a three-episode prequel that follows the teenage years of Chloe Price. This entry focuses heavily on her deep, complex relationship with her high school classmate Rachel Amber, whose mysterious presence casts a massive shadow over subsequent events.
Playing this story first gives essential context to the grief and emotional instability that defines Chloe throughout the later entries. Players witness firsthand how her dad's death and her mother's new relationship reshape her character before the main protagonist returns to town. This grounding makes the supernatural revelations that follow feel much more impactful from a narrative standpoint.
The Core Time Travel Storyline
Following the events of the prequel, players should immediately transition into the award-winning original game, which follows the life of Max Caulfield. Returning to her hometown as a high school photographer, Max suddenly discovers she possesses the supernatural capability to rewind time. She uses this unique power to save her childhood friend Chloe from a fatal confrontation, initiating a massive chain reaction of choices and consequences.
This entry serves as the emotional anchor for the entire universe, blending time-altering mechanics with adult themes like depression and accountability. The choices made here permanently reshape the landscape of the series and establish the core thematic rules of the universe. The narrative beautifully wraps up the mystery of Rachel Amber while forcing players into a heartbreaking final decision.
Expanding the Horizon and Standalone Sequels
Once the initial arc concludes, the franchise shifts its focus toward new settings and entirely different sets of supernatural abilities. The next step in the journey is Life is Strange 2, which introduces players to the tragic journey of the Diaz brothers as they flee towards Mexico. This entry explores telekinetic powers while expanding the scope of the universe far beyond the borders of Arcadia Bay.
After completing the second major installment, players can dive safely into Life is Strange True Colors, which introduces Steph Gingrich and Alex Chen. Alex possesses a highly specialized form of empathy that allows her to absorb and manipulate the volatile emotions of others. This entry brings back familiar characters from earlier games while establishing its own self-contained mystery in a cozy mountain town.
