Uncharted Series

What is the Uncharted series? 

The Uncharted series is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game franchise developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The games follow Nathan Drake, a charismatic treasure hunter who uncovers lost cities, ancient myths, and hidden artifacts, often while dodging bullets, solving puzzles, and battling rival adventurers.

The games are known for their cinematic storytelling, thrilling set pieces, witty writing, and platforming-based exploration. A trademark of the franchise is its seamless mix of intense third-person shooting, traversal, and emotional character development that feels like playing through a Hollywood blockbuster.

When did Uncharted come out?

The first game, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, was released in 2007 for PlayStation 3. It laid the groundwork for a new era of cinematic gaming and established Naughty Dog as one of the top developers in the industry. The series expanded across two more console generations, with Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) capping off Nathan Drake’s story. A spin-off, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017), followed a new pair of protagonists.

Full Uncharted game series in order of release

There are six main entries in the Uncharted game series, including a standalone spin-off and a remastered collection for newer platforms. If you wonder how many uncharted games are there, check out our list.

1. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
3. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011)
4. Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2012 – PlayStation Vita)
5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)
6. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017)

The Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection (2015) remastered the original trilogy for PS4, while Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (2022) brought Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy to PS5 and PC.

What is the best order to play Uncharted games in?

If you’re new to the Uncharted franchise, it’s best to play the games in chronological release order. Each entry builds on the character development and storytelling of the last, especially in Nathan Drake’s arc.

Here is the recommended Uncharted game series in order:

1. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
3. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
4. Uncharted: Golden Abyss (prequel, optional)
5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
6. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

Golden Abyss serves as a prequel but is not essential to the main timeline and isn’t available on PlayStation consoles outside the PS Vita. If you’re short on time, you can skip it without missing core story elements.

The best Uncharted games

Many fans and critics consider Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) the high point of the series, with its memorable train sequence, tight pacing, and bold improvements over the original. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) is another standout, praised for its mature storytelling, stunning visuals, and emotional closure to Nathan Drake’s journey.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy proved the franchise could thrive beyond its original protagonist, offering a focused, exciting adventure with Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross. Meanwhile, the Nathan Drake Collection is an excellent way for newcomers to experience the original trilogy with modern visuals and performance.

Who are the most iconic Uncharted characters?

The most iconic Uncharted character is, of course, Nathan Drake, part adventurer, part wisecracking rogue. Over the course of the series, his character evolves from treasure hunter to a man seeking a peaceful life away from danger.

Other key characters include Victor “Sully” Sullivan, Drake’s mentor and loyal friend, and Elena Fisher, a journalist who becomes Nathan’s love interest and eventually his wife. Chloe Frazer, a fan-favorite introduced in Uncharted 2, became the lead in The Lost Legacy, showing that the franchise’s strength goes beyond Drake.

Villains like Zoran Lazarević, Rafe Adler, and Katherine Marlowe also left strong impressions, thanks to the series’ cinematic approach to storytelling and strong voice performances.

What’s next for the Uncharted game series?

While Uncharted 4 wrapped up Nathan Drake’s story, The Lost Legacy proved there’s room for more adventures in the same universe. As of now, Naughty Dog has not officially confirmed another Uncharted game, but rumors and industry chatter suggest that the franchise may return, potentially with new characters or from a new studio within PlayStation.

The success of the Uncharted movie (2022), starring Tom Holland as a young Nathan Drake, also reignited interest in the franchise. Whether it’s a prequel, sequel, or spiritual successor, the Uncharted series is far too beloved to stay dormant for long. Fans are hopeful that another chapter in the Uncharted timeline is just around the corner.