Should you play Atelier Ryza 1 and 2 before 3?

There are currently 24 games in the long running Atelier series. If you are new to the series, but want to dip your toes in and try, you may be tempted to start with its most recent entry, Atelier Ryza 3. Typically Atelier games have standalone stories, so entering at any point in the series shouldn't be a problem. However, in this case, it is not what we recommend. Here's what we think you should do if you want to try the Atelier series.

Do you need to play Atelier Ryza 1 and 2 before 3?

You really do. While Atelier Ryza 3, in our opinion, is another great installment of the series, particularly technically, it is not a very good starting point due to the fact that it is not a standalone story. The "Secrets" Trilogy, which Atelier Ryza 3 concludes, is the first Trilogy in the Atelier series to follow the same characters throughout all three games. Without playing the first two, you won't experience the emotional payoff of concluding some of their stories. It won't be the same experience at all.

Related: Atelier Ryza 3 Secret Key System breakdown

Luckily, you have several other options available to you if you want to dive into the Atelier series. You could still start with the "Secrets" Trilogy, which begins with the original Atelier Ryza. While it helps to play the original Atelier Sophie, you could also try Atelier Sophie 2. It's a newer game in the series, but features a more traditional turn-based combat system. Only two characters carry over in this installment, and there is no real requirement to experience the prior story to enjoy the second. If you really want to go back in the series history, the "Dusk" Trilogy, starting with Atelier Ayesha, is generally well received. All of these games are available digitally on Switch, PlayStation 4, as well as PC via Steam.

Looking for more of our coverage of the Atelier series? Check out What are the Atelier games about? here at Pro Game Guides.