What if you could step into the shoes of a real-life adventurer, leaping across crumbling ruins and outsmarting cunning villains? That’s the thrill Nathan Drake offers in the Uncharted series. These games mix heart-pounding action with cinematic storytelling, making them some of the most beloved adventures in gaming history.
But here’s the tricky part: where do you even begin? With four main titles and a spin-off, new players often feel lost. Should you start with Drake’s very first treasure hunt, or jump straight into his most polished performance? Choosing the right entry point can feel like navigating a booby-trapped temple yourself—confusing and risky!
Don’t worry about wasting time on the wrong game. This guide cuts through the clutter. We break down every major Uncharted title, explaining what makes each one special and who it’s best for. By the end, you will know exactly which adventure belongs at the top of your must-play list.
Top Uncharted Game Recommendations
- Unparalleled Story - Play as Nathan Drake across a trilogy of thrilling, white-knuckle adventures. Experience Drake's relationships with those closest to him, as he struggles to balance adventure and family.
- New Trophies - Brand-new trophies created exclusively for Uncharted's debut on the PS4 system. Photo Mode - Freeze gameplay at any time and take control of the camera to capture your most memorable moments from the trilogy to share with friends directly from your PS4 system. Utilize graphical filters, camera controls, and other options to customize your shot
- Uncharted 4 A Thief's End Multiplayer Beta - purchasers of Uncharted The Nathan Drake Collection will receive exclusive access to Uncharted 4 A Thief's End multiplayer Beta while the Beta is available (a UK/EU PSN account may be required)
- English (Subtitle)
- Seek your fortune and leave your mark on the map in the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection.
- Uncover the thrilling cinematic storytelling and the largest blockbuster action set pieces in the UNCHARTED franchise
- Delivered by award winning developer Naughty Dog, the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection includes the two critically-acclaimed UNCHARTED 4: A Thief's End and UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy.
- Each story is filled with laughs, drama, high octane combat, and a sense of wonder - remastered to be even more immersive.
- Live the adventure like never before with the features and incredible speed of the PlayStation 5 console.
- Unparalleled Story – Play as Nathan Drake across a trilogy of thrilling, white-knuckle adventures. Experience Drake’s relationships with those closest to him, as he struggles to balance adventure and family.
- New Trophies – Brand-new trophies created exclusively for UNCHARTED’s debut on the PS4 system.
- Photo Mode – Freeze gameplay at any time and take control of the camera to capture your most memorable moments from the trilogy to share with friends directly from your PS4 system. Utilize graphical filters, camera controls, and other options to customize your shot.
- UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End Multiplayer Beta – purchasers of UNCHARTED: The Nathan Drake Collection will receive exclusive access to UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End multiplayer Beta while the Beta is available.
- Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection - PlayStation 4
- Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves.
- With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure.
- His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he’s willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood, language, use of alcohol, use of tobacco, violence
- English (Publication Language)
- Uncover the clue to Sir Francis Drake's last great adventure and seek out the fabled treasure of El Dorado
- Use maps and hidden artifacts to uncover an island that was thought to have never existed
- Explore exotic locations, such as expansive jungles and 4000-year-old ruins.
- Interact with Drakes companions through cooperative mechanics and exploration
- Daring high-speed chases over land and water
- Unparalleled Story - Play as Nathan Drake across a trilogy of thrilling, white-knuckle adventures. Experience Drake's relationships with those closest to him, as he struggles to balance adventure and family.
- New Trophies - Brand-new trophies created exclusively for UNCHARTED's debut on the PS4 system.
- Photo Mode - Freeze gameplay at any time and take control of the camera to capture your most memorable moments from the trilogy to share with friends directly from your PS4 system.
- UNCHARTED 4: A Thief's End Multiplayer Beta - purchasers of UNCHARTED: The Nathan Drake Collection will receive exclusive access to UNCHARTED 4: A Thief's End multiplayer Beta while the Beta is available.
- Experience one of the most revered game series of all time as you follow the perilous journey of Nathan Drake across the globe, from humble beginnings to extraordinary discoveries.
- Play as Nathan Drake across a trilogy of thrilling, white-knuckle adventures. Experience Drake's relationships with those closest to him, as he struggles to balance adventure and family
- Brand-new trophies created exclusively for UNCHARTED's debut on the PS4 system
- Freeze gameplay at any time and take control of the camera to capture your most memorable moments from the trilogy to share with friends directly from your PS4 system. Utilize graphical filters, camera controls, and other options to customize your shot
- English (Subtitle)
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Uncharted Games
Uncharted games offer thrilling adventures. They blend action, puzzles, and amazing stories. If you want to jump into the world of Nathan Drake, this guide helps you choose the right game.
Key Features to Look For
When buying an Uncharted game, check these important parts first.
- Story Quality: The best Uncharted games have exciting plots. Look for games praised for their strong characters and surprising twists. A good story keeps you playing.
- Gameplay Variety: Great Uncharted titles mix things up. You should experience climbing, shooting enemies, and solving tricky puzzles. If a game only offers shooting, it might be less fun.
- Graphics and Performance: Since these games look beautiful, check the platform. Newer consoles (like PS4 or PS5) run the latest games best. Smooth frame rates make climbing and shooting feel better.
- Remasters vs. New Titles: Older games often get “Remastered” versions. These updates improve the graphics. Decide if you want the original experience or a prettier version.
Important Materials (What Makes Up the Game)
Uncharted is a video game, so “materials” refer to the core components that build the experience.
- Engine Technology: This is the software that runs the game. Newer engines handle detailed environments and realistic character movements better.
- Voice Acting: Top-tier voice actors bring Nathan Drake and others to life. High-quality voice work makes the drama feel real.
- Music Score: The music sets the mood. Epic orchestral scores during action scenes are a hallmark of the series.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an Uncharted game fantastic, while others can cause disappointment.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Fluid Platforming: Climbing and jumping must feel easy and responsive. If Drake gets stuck easily, the game quality drops.
- Cinematic Presentation: Uncharted games feel like playable movies. Great camera angles and dramatic cutscenes boost quality.
- Challenging Puzzles: Puzzles should make you think without being frustratingly hard.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Repetitive Combat: If you fight the same types of enemies using the same tactics for hours, the game gets boring.
- Clunky Controls: Slow response times when aiming or jumping greatly lower enjoyment.
- Too Much Reliance on Quick-Time Events (QTEs): QTEs are moments where you press a button quickly when prompted. Too many of these make the game feel less interactive.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this game for, and when should you play it?
User Experience:
Players generally find Uncharted games thrilling and accessible. They are designed to be enjoyed by many gamers, not just experts. The controls are usually simple to learn. You feel like a rugged explorer discovering lost cities.
Use Cases:
- For Story Lovers: If you love movies with treasure hunts and action, Uncharted is perfect.
- For Casual Players: The “Normal” difficulty setting allows new players to enjoy the story without too much stress from combat.
- For Solo Play: These games are primarily single-player adventures. They are best enjoyed when you can focus entirely on the narrative. (Some entries have multiplayer, but the story is the main draw.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Uncharted Games
Q: Which Uncharted game should I play first?
A: Most experts suggest starting with Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. This package includes the first three games, allowing you to follow the story from the beginning.
Q: Are Uncharted games hard to play if I’m new to video games?
A: No, they are usually very welcoming. The early games offer adjustable difficulty levels. You can choose an easier setting if you only care about the story and action.
Q: Do I need to play them in order?
A: Yes, playing them in order is highly recommended. The story builds upon itself, and you will understand the characters much better if you follow their journey chronologically.
Q: Are these games available on platforms other than PlayStation?
A: Previously, Uncharted was exclusive to PlayStation consoles. However, some titles have been released on PC (Personal Computer) more recently.
Q: What is the main character’s name?
A: The main hero you control in most of the series is Nathan Drake. He is a famous treasure hunter.
Q: Do Uncharted games have online multiplayer modes?
A: Some of the main entries include optional online modes where you can compete against other players. However, the core experience is the single-player adventure.
Q: How long does it take to finish one Uncharted game?
A: Typically, finishing the main story of one Uncharted game takes about 12 to 15 hours. This can be longer if you look for all the hidden treasures.
Q: Is there a movie based on the games?
A: Yes, a major motion picture based on the characters was released recently. Watching the movie is fun, but the games tell the definitive story.
Q: Are there puzzles in every Uncharted game?
A: Yes, puzzles are a core element. They usually involve deciphering ancient clues or manipulating the environment to open a hidden door.
Q: Should I buy the original PS3 versions or the newer Remastered versions?
A: If you own a modern PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5), you should buy the Remastered versions. They run smoother and look much sharper on modern TVs.