If you’re like me, Life is Strange isn’t just a game series—it’s an emotional core memory. Few franchises have held me in such a tight grip, with stories that linger long after the credits roll. There’s something about the mix of melancholy, nostalgia, and raw, human moments that makes each entry feel personal. I’ve played (and replayed) every single one, and while each game brings something different to the table, some naturally resonated more than others. Here’s how I’d rank the series from my personal favorite to least favorite—but let’s be real, I still love them all.

1. Life is Strange (2015)

The original game still holds the crown. Max and Chloe’s story hit me like a freight train and never let go. From the very first moment Max rewinds time in class, I was hooked. The atmosphere, the indie soundtrack, the bittersweet dialogue—it all just clicked. And let’s not forget the deeply impactful choices (yeah, I’m still recovering from the ending options). Max’s quiet strength paired with Chloe’s fire made for a friendship that felt painfully real. It’s haunting and comforting all at once. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve replayed this one, and every single time, it still gets me. Arcadia Bay became more than just a setting—it became a place I grieved, loved, and wanted to save.

2. Life is Strange: Double Exposure (2024)

This was everything I hoped for and more. Seeing Max again felt like coming home after a long journey. Her quiet resilience and introspective nature were honored beautifully, while also giving her room to grow. The dual timeline mechanic was not only engaging, but it also made me feel like my choices truly mattered in a way that felt fresh and high-stakes. The story was packed with emotional depth and just the right amount of supernatural mystery. And don’t even get me started on the soundtrack—it was stunning. The promise of seeing more of Max in future installments? I’m not crying, you’re crying.

3. Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)

Alex Chen brought a new kind of power to the Life is Strange universe—empathy. Her ability to feel and absorb others’ emotions could’ve easily come off as gimmicky, but instead, it became a moving way to explore mental health, connection, and community. Haven Springs was arguably the real star here. It’s cozy, vibrant, and made me want to pack up and move there. The LARPing chapter? Absolutely unforgettable. While Alex didn’t grab me quite as tightly as Max did, she’s still an incredibly well-written and relatable protagonist. True Colors was polished, emotional, and a meaningful step forward for the franchise.

4. Life is Strange: Before the Storm (2017)

A prequel that could’ve easily felt unnecessary—but it didn’t. It gave us a raw, intimate look at Chloe before Max returned, and more importantly, it fleshed out Rachel Amber into someone more than just a missing girl from the posters. Their relationship felt turbulent, poetic, and messy in all the ways that teenage love often is. While it didn’t carry the same emotional punch as the original, it added meaningful layers to characters I already cared about. Also, the mixtape vibes in this game? Chef’s kiss.

5. Life is Strange 2 (2018)

This one was tough to rank lower—not because it isn’t good, but because the emotional connection just didn’t hit me quite the same. Sean and Daniel’s road trip story is beautifully told, and the themes of family, immigration, and morality are incredibly powerful. But I’ll admit—I missed the Pacific Northwest moodiness, the old camera filters, and the feel of a small, eerie town. That said, the brotherhood dynamic was deeply moving, and some of the endings truly wrecked me. It’s a game that demands emotional investment, even if it didn’t stick with me in the same way.

6. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit (2018)

This little gem is often forgotten, but it shouldn’t be. As a free standalone demo, it’s a short but sweet look into the mind of Chris—a lonely boy using imagination to cope with grief. It ties into Life is Strange 2, but also stands alone as a simple, heartfelt experience. There’s something beautifully innocent and devastating about Chris’s superhero world, especially when you realize what’s happening in his real life. It may not be a full game, but it still manages to leave a mark.


Every Life is Strange game offers something unique—whether it’s a gut-punch of emotion, a story of healing, or a reminder of the power of choice. No matter the rank, each one holds a permanent spot in my heart (and my gaming library).

What’s your favorite entry in the series? Let’s talk about it.