Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep: Best Order To Play Characters

Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep took the traditional Kingdom Hearts formula and upended it, creating a cast of main protagonists fully independent of Disney or Square-Enix and splitting their tale into three separate playable adventures.

Featuring a voice cast helmed by the legendary Mark Hamill and the late Leonard Nimoy, Birth By Sleep follows Tera, Ventus, and Aqua as the true narrative of Kingdom Hearts begins. Birth By Sleep sets the stage for the greater trilogy and spin-offs while also serving as a quintessential piece of the overarching lore.

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What Order Should You Play The Characters In Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep?

Aqua, Terra and Ventus at the Keyblade Graveyard, about to face Master Xehanort and Vanitas.

While Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep can be enjoyed fully regardless of the order the character routes are played, the recommended order to play is simple:

1. Terra

2. Ventus

3. Aqua

While Terra’s route can be explored independently of his friends, it is important to play Ventus before Aqua in order to save the best pieces of the narrative puzzle for last.

Terra - Heart of Darkness

A cutscene featuring Aqua, Terra, and Ventus in Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep

Playing through Terra’s story first will allow players to chronologically experience Birth By Sleep, though the stories often intertwine. Terra is one of Master Eraqus’ prized pupils, and he is set to achieve his dream of becoming a Keyblade Master. While he and his friends are already adept at wielding the infamous keyblades, they have yet to pass their final trials. Following his arc first will fill in the odd gaps otherwise experienced if playing out of order. His is a slower-paced journey of self-discovery, but the import of Terra in the entirety of the Kingdom Hearts series is significant, and it starts with Birth By Sleep.

Ventus - Master Xehanort’s Pupil

Ventus preparing to fight the Mysterious Figure in Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep.

Ventus is the youngest of the trio training beneath Masters Eraqus and Xehanort. He becomes fast friends with Terra and Aqua, and he too shares the dream of becoming a Keyblade Master. He is introduced to his new pupils through Master Xehanort, and his journey is an important one with huge ramifications for Sora’s own Kingdom Hearts saga. It is recommended to play Ventus’ route before choosing Aqua’s, as the remaining story spoils much of what is questioned during Ventus' story.

Aqua - The Leading Lady

Aqua quickly became a fan favorite of the Kingdom Hearts series, thanks in large part to her character growth in Birth By Sleep. She and Terra initially shared their desire to become Keyblade Masters before welcoming Ventus into their circle of friendship. Together, the three trained tirelessly. Aqua is a virtuous character who strives to live justly while looking out for her friends. Leaving Aqua as the final character's path to complete answers the most pressing questions left from Terra and Ventus’ stories. The hand Aqua plays in influencing Terra and Ventus, as well as her journey behind the scenes and at the forefront of the entire Kingdom Hearts adventure, is vital to experience.

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