Ranking all Life is Strange games from worst to best based on story, emotional impact, and player reception. Discover which entry stands out and which ones fall short.
The Life is Strange franchise is something very few games manage to be. Unlike most other games, it not known for exciting gameplay or stunning graphics. The game became known for its emotions, choices and their consequences that stay with you long after you finish playing. Unlike typical story-focused games, life is strange thrives on quiet moments, moral dilemmas, and deeply human characters that you relate with.
That is what makes the Life is Strange games so unique. Whether it is time manipulation, empathy-based powers, or the power of telekinesis, the series consistently delivers experiences that feel personal. In this list, we are ranking all Life is Strange games from worst to best, based on player reception, emotional impact, and overall storytelling quality.
6. Life is Strange: Double Exposure
- Release Date: October 29, 2024
- Developer: Deck Nine
Despite the return of Max Caulfield after nearly a decade, Life is Strange: Double Exposure unfortunately lands at the bottom. The story follows Max Caulfield once again, now older and dealing with a murder mystery while unlocking the ability to travel to a parralel timeline where her victim is still alive. While the concept sounds strong, the execution felt weird and the story didn’t connect with players.
The emotional depth that defined earlier entries felt diluted. The game was marketeted as a murder mystery, but the twist didn’t really hit people the way they had expected it to hit them. The supporting cast and characters also fails to leave a lasting impression. So while ranking all Life is Strange games, most fans would agree that this game feels the most “designed” rather than felt.
5. Life is Strange: Before the Storm
- Release Date: August 31, 2017
- Developer: Deck Nine
Life is Strange: Before the Storm serves as a prequel focusing on the backstory of Chloe Price before meeting Max again. When we are ranking all Life is Strange games, it sits comfortably in the middle.
The game explores Chloe’s relationship with Rachel Amber, one of the most mysterious characters in the series. While it lacks supernatural powers, it compensates with raw emotional storytelling. Among all Life is Strange games, this one feels more grounded and personal. If you want to know the backstory of Chloe, then this game is a must for you!
4. Life is Strange: Reunion (2026)
- Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Developer: Deck Nine
Next in our list of ranking all Life is Strange games is the latest game Life is Strange: Reunion. This game brings back Max and Chloe together, something fans had been waiting for years. The story revolves around a disaster at Caledon University, which Max must once again prevent after having unlocked her rewind powers once more.
Chloe Price returns as a playable character, and the emotional dynamic between her and Max is the biggest strength here. However, once again the whole mystery is not strong enough to leave a lasting impact. But still, the game manages to keep you hooked till the end.
It was criticized heavilyi as it relies heavily on nostalgia. Still, compared to other Life is Strange games, the emotional payoff saves it from being the worst.
Read our full review of Life is Strange Reunion here.
3. Life is Strange: True Colors
- Release Date: September 10, 2021
- Developer: Deck Nine
Coming in at number three in our list is Life is Strange: True Colors introduces Alex Chen, a powerful empath who could read, absorb, and influence the intense emotional states of others, which appear as colored auras. The story is set in a small town and revolves around uncovering the truth behind her brother’s death. The characters are charming, relatable, and the world feels alive. However, compared to earlier Life is Strange games, the game tries to play it too safe, and lacks a proper emotional punch. Plus, the game feels quite overpriced even five years later, as everything mostly takes place in a single map which consists mainly of the main street and its adjacent areas- the record shop, the flower shop, the dispensary, and the bar.
This is why while ranking life is strange games, it can be put at third place as it plays things a bit too safe and lacks the same emotional punch like the earlier two games.
2. Life is Strange 2
- Release Date: 2018
- Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
Life is Strange 2 tells the story of two brothers, Sean and Daniel Diaz, on the run after a tragic incident, which leads them to become murder suspects.
Daniel develops telekinetic powers, and as Sean, you can either encourage him to use his powers, or suppress them. The choices you make directly shape the future. As the brothers set out on a road trip in search of their mother who had left them long back, you meet several interesting characters, and not all of them have the best motivations. This game is without a doubt the second most emotionally intense entries among all Life is Strange games. It is bold, risky, and not afraid to challenge the player.
1. Life is Strange
- Release Date: January 30, 2015
- Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
At the top of our list ranking all Life is Strange games is the original Life is Strange. And honestly, nothing else would come close to the top.
Max Caulfield, a photography student, discovers she can rewind time. After she uses it to save the life of her friend Chloe Price, she uncovers dark secrets in Arcadia Bay. The game is not just emotional but also philosophical, showing us the consequences of actions and how they effect reality.
The emotional weight, the soundtrack, the choices, everything just works. Even today, Life is Strange remains the gold standard for narrative-driven games.
Check our list of seven games like Life is Strange with female protagonists.
If you are into narrative-based games, you can also check our list of 10 best FMV games to play in 2026!
