Uncharted Series: Your Ultimate Guide and Comparison
Step into the swashbuckling world of Uncharted, where Nathan Drake chases lost treasures through heart-pounding action and cinematic storytelling. This guide breaks down every game, ranks the best, and pits Uncharted against its genre rival, Tomb Raider.
Share
The Uncharted series, brought to life by Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a love letter to adventure tales like Indiana Jones and pulp novels. Following the charming yet reckless treasure hunter Nathan Drake, it weaves pulse-pounding combat, clever puzzles, and jaw-dropping set pieces into unforgettable journeys. With over 50 million copies sold and a legacy as a PlayStation cornerstone, Uncharted has redefined action-adventure gaming. From its PS3 roots to polished PS5 remasters, this guide dives into each title, ranks them, and compares the series to Tomb Raider, its closest kin in the relic-hunting genre.
# How Many Uncharted Games Are There?
By October 2025, Uncharted boasts seven core titles: four mainline entries centered on Nathan Drake, one standalone spin-off, and two remastered collections. A handful of smaller spin-offs round out the lineup for handheld and mobile platforms. Unlike sprawling open-world epics, Uncharted thrives on linear, story-driven experiences, evolving with features like stealth, vehicle sequences, and multiplayer modes over time.
# Where Should You Start with Uncharted?
If you’re new to the series in 2025, kick things off with Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection on PS4 or PS5. This remastered trilogy (games 1–3) offers upgraded visuals and a handy Photo Mode, making it the perfect entry point. From there, leap into Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End for the saga’s emotional peak. If you’re a completionist or revisiting the series, the chronological order below traces Drake’s journey from brash rookie to seasoned adventurer.
# Uncharted Games in Chronological Story Order
The mainline Uncharted games follow Nathan Drake’s life in sequence, with spin-offs slotting in as prequels or side tales. Here’s how the story unfolds:
# Mainline Saga
# 1. Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011) – Prequel
Set in Panama’s lush jungles, this PlayStation Vita exclusive captures a young Drake chasing a cursed golden city. Tailored for handheld play, it uses touch controls for climbing and puzzle-solving, blending classic Uncharted action with Vita’s unique features.
Platforms: PlayStation Vita
What Stands Out: Portable adventure with innovative touch-based mechanics.
Reception: A solid side story; Metacritic 80/100. Sold over 500,000 copies.
# 2. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
Drake, claiming to be Sir Francis Drake’s heir, hunts the fabled El Dorado in the Amazon, facing mercenaries and undead horrors. This PS3 debut nails the series’ core: cover-based shooting, nimble platforming, and banter with mentor Victor “Sully” Sullivan.
Platforms: PlayStation 3 (remastered in Nathan Drake Collection)
What Stands Out: Pioneered cinematic action-adventure with charm and grit.
Reception: A genre trailblazer; Metacritic 88/100, named PS3 Game of the Year by IGN. Sold 4.8 million copies.
# 3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
Drake teams up with sly thief Chloe Frazer to track Marco Polo’s lost fleet and the mythical Shambhala, racing through Istanbul, Borneo, and the Himalayas. Iconic moments—like a derailing train in Nepal—set a new bar for spectacle.
Platforms: PlayStation 3 (remastered)
What Stands Out: Introduced multiplayer and seamless level design.
Reception: A landmark title; Metacritic 96/100, over 50 Game of the Year awards. Sold 6.5 million copies.
# 4. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011)
Chasing the “Atlantis of the Sands” in the Rub’ al Khali desert, Drake confronts his past and a cunning rival, Talbot. From London chases to Yemen’s rooftops, it’s a visual stunner.
Platforms: PlayStation 3 (remastered)
What Stands Out: Enhanced melee combat and sprawling desert exploration.
Reception: Critically lauded; Metacritic 92/100, praised for animation and visuals. Sold ~9 million copies.
# 5. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)
Retired from treasure hunting, Drake is pulled back by his long-lost brother Sam to chase pirate utopia Libertalia’s riches. Set in Madagascar and Scotland, it balances family drama with high-octane heists.
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (remastered in Legacy of Thieves)
What Stands Out: Driving mechanics, deeper stealth, and heartfelt storytelling.
Reception: A narrative triumph; Metacritic 93/100, 2016’s most-awarded game. Sold 18.6 million copies.
# 6. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) – Standalone Expansion
Sans Drake, Chloe Frazer and ex-mercenary Nadine Ross hunt Ganesh’s tusk in India’s Western Ghats, clashing with warlord Asav. It’s a shorter but vibrant adventure.
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (remastered)
What Stands Out: Dual protagonists and semi-open exploration zones.
Reception: A worthy side story; Metacritic 84/100. Sold 5.2 million copies.
# Additional Spin-Offs
- Uncharted: Fight for Fortune (2012): A Vita card game featuring series characters; Metacritic 67/100.
- Uncharted: Fortune Hunter (2016): A mobile puzzle game with match-3 mechanics; Metacritic 77/100.
- Collections: The Nathan Drake Collection (2015, PS4; Metacritic 86/100, 5.7 million sold) remasters games 1–3; Legacy of Thieves Collection (2022, PS5/PC; Metacritic 87/100) polishes Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy.
# Ranking the Best Uncharted Games
Drawing from critical reviews, fan love, and gameplay leaps, here’s how the core titles stack up. Uncharted 2 and 4 steal the spotlight, but every entry has its charm.
| Rank | Game | Metacritic Score | Why It Ranks Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) | 96/100 | A game-changer with gripping story, multiplayer, and iconic moments like the train crash. Fans call it the series’ heart. |
| 2 | Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) | 93/100 | A heartfelt finale with jaw-dropping visuals, driving, and emotional depth. A technical and narrative masterpiece. |
| 3 | Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011) | 92/100 | Polished action and diverse settings, though pacing stumbles slightly. Stunning visuals steal the show. |
| 4 | Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) | 84/100 | Chloe and Nadine shine in a fresh, compact epic with bold exploration. Proves the series’ staying power. |
| 5 | Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007) | 88/100 | The scrappy start that launched a legend, charming despite dated mechanics. |
| 6 | Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011) | 80/100 | A fun Vita prequel, but handheld constraints limit its grandeur. |
# Uncharted vs. Tomb Raider: A Treasure-Hunting Showdown
Uncharted and Tomb Raider share a passion for relic-chasing and ancient ruins, both drawing from Indiana Jones vibes, but they tell their tales differently. Tomb Raider hit the scene in 1996, paving the way for Uncharted’s 2007 debut, once playfully called “Dude Raider.” The Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy (2013–2018) reimagined Lara Croft as a raw, determined survivor, while Drake leans on charisma and quips. Here’s the face-off:
| Category | Uncharted | Tomb Raider (Survivor Trilogy) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story & Characters | Blockbuster energy with sharp banter and a tight cast (Drake, Sully, Elena). It’s like a summer action movie in game form. | Lara’s intense, personal growth anchors a darker, myth-heavy saga with layered side characters. | Uncharted – Snappier dialogue and richer relationships. |
| Gameplay | Fluid climbing, cover-based shooting, and puzzles in linear, cinematic levels. Later entries add stealth and vehicles for flair. | Semi-open worlds with crafting, skill trees, and bow-driven stealth. Offers more combat depth and replay value. | Tomb Raider – Broader mechanics and exploration. |
| Puzzles & Exploration | Smart, story-driven puzzles in vibrant, linear settings. | Expansive tombs with open-ended paths and tools like survival instincts for secrets. | Tomb Raider – Richer, more intricate exploration. |
| Tone & Spectacle | Playful adventure with jaw-dropping moments like collapsing buildings. | Gritty survival with apocalyptic stakes and cultist foes. | Uncharted – Unbeatable cinematic thrills. |
| Overall Impact | Redefined single-player storytelling with 50M+ sales and a movie. | Pioneered the genre; reboots kept Lara relevant. | Tie – Both are iconic in their own right. |
Uncharted delivers polished, movie-like fun, while Tomb Raider offers raw depth and exploration. Play both to experience the full range of treasure-hunting glory—Drake for thrills, Croft for grit.
# Playing Uncharted Games by Release Date
- Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
- Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011)
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss (2011)
- Uncharted: Fight for Fortune (2012)
- Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (2015)
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)
- Uncharted: Fortune Hunter (2016)
- Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017)
- Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (2022)
With rumors of a new Uncharted chapter simmering, the series remains a testament to bold adventure. Ready to swing into Drake’s world? Grab a rope and dive in!
PSG Online
Author
