The Ys series is one of the longest-running action RPG franchises in gaming history, debuting in 1987 and still going strong today. With more than three decades of adventures starring the ever-curious red-haired hero Adol Christin, newcomers often find themselves asking a simple but overwhelming question: Where should I start? Between remakes, timeline jumps, gameplay shifts, and multiple platform versions, choosing the right entry point can feel harder than fighting a screen full of monsters.

TL;DR: If you want the safest modern starting point, begin with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana for its accessibility, story, and gameplay polish. If you prefer old-school action, try Ys I & II Chronicles. For a story-rich but modern experience with strong character progression, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an excellent alternative. The series is loosely connected, so you don’t need to play everything in order.

Understanding the Ys Series Structure

The Ys games follow the wanderings of Adol Christin, a red-haired adventurer whose journals chronicle his journeys across the world of Eresia. Each game represents one of his adventures. While there is a loose chronological timeline, most entries are self-contained stories. That means you can jump into many of them without feeling lost.

There are three major gameplay “eras” in the series:

• Bump System Era – Final Fantasy-style overworld movement where you attack by colliding with enemies slightly off-center (Ys I & II).
• Solo Action Era – Fast-paced hack-and-slash with one playable character (Ys Origin, Ys VI, Ys: The Oath in Felghana).
• Party System Era – Modern action combat with an interchangeable three-character party (Ys Seven onward).

Understanding which combat style you prefer will help you choose the right starting point.

Best Starting Point for Most Players: Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

Release Year: 2016
Style: Party-based action RPG
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Switch, PC

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is widely considered the best entry point for modern audiences. It features:

• Fast, responsive combat
• A clear and engaging story
• Beautiful island environments
• A likable cast of characters
• High quality-of-life features

The story places Adol on a mysterious cursed island after a shipwreck. As you rescue fellow survivors and build a village, the narrative gradually unfolds into something grander and unexpectedly emotional. While long-time fans will appreciate references, newcomers can enjoy it with zero prior knowledge.

Why start here? It strikes a perfect balance between accessibility, depth, and modern design. If you only play one Ys game, this is the safest choice.

Best for Retro Fans: Ys I & II Chronicles

Release (Remake): 2009
Style: Bump system combat
Platforms: PC, PSP

If you want to experience the series at its roots, Ys I & II Chronicles is the definitive way to do it. These are remakes of the original games with updated visuals and music.

The combat uses the unusual “bump” system: you damage enemies by colliding into them slightly off-center. It sounds strange, but once mastered, it becomes surprisingly satisfying.

Why start here?

• You want the canonical beginning of Adol’s journey.
• You enjoy retro design sensibilities.
• You prefer shorter, tightly designed RPGs.

However, new players who expect modern mechanics may find it dated.

Best Modern Alternative: Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

Release Year: 2019
Style: Party-based action RPG
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Switch, PC

Ys IX builds on the systems introduced in Ys VIII but adds supernatural mobility abilities like wall-running and gliding. The darker city setting contrasts with Ys VIII’s tropical island vibe, offering vertical exploration and urban mystery.

Why choose this one?

• You prefer darker aesthetics.
• You like urban fantasy settings.
• You value movement mechanics in combat and exploration.

Although excellent, some fans feel its pacing is slower than Ys VIII, which is why it typically ranks slightly lower as an entry point.

Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)

If you care about story chronology rather than release order, here’s the simplified in-world timeline:

1. Ys Origin
2. Ys I & II
3. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
4. Ys: Memories of Celceta
5. Ys V (rarely localized)
6. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
7. Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
8. Ys Seven
9. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

However, this order is not recommended for beginners. The games were not designed to be played this way mechanically, and jumping between modern and older systems can feel jarring.

Game Rankings (Beginner-Focused)

Here is a ranking based on accessibility, overall quality, and newcomer friendliness:

Recommended Beginner Paths

Here are three easy routes depending on your taste:

Path 1: Modern First Approach

1. Ys VIII
2. Ys IX
3. Ys: Memories of Celceta
4. Ys Seven

This keeps controls and mechanics consistent.

Path 2: Classic Evolution Approach

1. Ys I & II
2. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
3. Ys Origin
4. Ys VIII

This lets you experience the gameplay evolution gradually.

Path 3: Action Purist Route

1. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
2. Ys Origin
3. Ys VIII
4. Ys IX

Perfect for players who prioritize boss fights and high-speed gameplay.

What Makes Ys Unique?

The Ys series stands apart from other RPG franchises for several reasons:

• Fast combat: Battles emphasize reflexes instead of menus.
• Memorable music: Falcom’s rock-inspired soundtracks are legendary.
• Concise storytelling: Most entries range from 20–40 hours, avoiding RPG bloat.
• Iconic protagonist: Adol’s silent determination creates a mythic “adventurer’s journal” vibe.

Unlike sprawling epics like Trails (by the same developer), Ys focuses on momentum and immediacy.

Common Beginner Questions

Do I need to play them in order?
No. Nearly every entry stands alone.

Is there a continuous story?
There are connections and recurring characters, but each adventure resolves its core conflict.

Is the series difficult?
Boss fights can be challenging, but modern entries offer multiple difficulty settings.

Which is the hardest game?
Older titles like Ys I and Ys: The Oath in Felghana are typically considered more punishing.

Final Recommendation

If you’re staring at the franchise for the first time and wondering where to begin, the easiest answer remains:

Start with Ys VIII.

It captures everything that makes the series beloved: high-energy combat, emotional storytelling, colorful locales, and unforgettable music. From there, you can explore backward to appreciate the roots or forward into Ys IX and beyond.

The beauty of Ys lies in its accessibility. Unlike many long-running series, it doesn’t demand a massive commitment to decades of lore. Instead, it invites you to join Adol on whichever adventure sounds most exciting — and simply start exploring.

And once you finish your first journey, chances are you’ll understand why fans have been following this red-haired adventurer for nearly 40 years.