Every Uncharted Game, Ranked

Uncharted is undeniably among the largest PlayStation franchises of all time. For a significant period over the last decade, it’s taken something of a break, but during the PS3 era, it truly shone as PlayStation’s leading series. Uncharted played a crucial role in elevating developer Naughty Dog to global recognition. The franchise saw new releases on the PS Vita, PS4, and even made its way onto the big screen, with Tom Holland portraying protagonist Nathan Drake.

All together, there are now eight games in the Uncharted series that have been released on various platforms since its debut in 2007. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Uncharted 5, let’s take a look at each game in the series ranked from least favorite to favorite.

8. Uncharted: Fortune Hunter

Fortune Hunter, a mobile game that came out around the same time as Uncharted 4, deviated from the high-octane action typical of the main series and instead focused on solving puzzles. Although it comes last in our Uncharted ranking, the straightforward puzzle mechanics were surprisingly enjoyable.

Regrettably, the game “Uncharted: Fortune Hunter” has been removed from mobile app stores, so it is no longer available for download or play on these devices.

7. Uncharted: Fight for Fortune

The Uncharted: Fight for Fortune, launched in 2012, stands out as the most unusual entry in the Uncharted series. This is a digital card game where iconic characters from the primary series are represented as collectible cards that engage in combat. Interestingly, this game was exclusive to PlayStation Vita, making it less known among gamers, which might be why you haven’t come across it before.

Although the concept of Fight for Fortune was quite unusual, it offered an enjoyable gaming experience. Unfortunately, its exclusivity to PlayStation Vita limited its popularity, causing it to struggle to find a significant player base. This lack of success ultimately resulted in quick decline of support.

6. Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Let’s delve into the authentic Uncharted series, where the game “Golden Abyss” stands out as the first Uncharted title designed for the Vita console and its most significant launch game. Released before the original Uncharted, “Golden Abyss” chronicles Nathan Drake’s early escapades with new companions who aren’t present in other games of the series.

The game titled “Uncharted: Golden Abyss” is remarkably well-crafted, effectively translating the console version’s experience onto a handheld device. However, what prevents it from reaching higher ranks is its tendency to resemble “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune”, particularly in its visual aesthetics. Additionally, some slightly clumsy gameplay mechanics and controls designed specifically for the Vita system hold it back from matching the quality of home console games.

5. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

The initial game, “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune,” sets significant foundations. It not only introduces key characters such as Nathan Drake, Victor Sullivan, and Elena Fisher for the series but also lays out the structure and style that would be further developed based on the elements presented in “Uncharted 1.

Drake’s Fortune is a good game overall and serves as a great starting point for the Uncharted series. However, it’s challenging to place it higher on this list because many of its elements were subsequently enhanced in various ways in subsequent releases.

4. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

In the absence of Nathan Drake, the character who usually takes center stage in the Uncharted series, The Lost Legacy shows that the franchise can stand on its own without him. This game focuses primarily on side characters Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, and it could be said that it bears a resemblance to Uncharted 4, being a shorter adaptation of the original DLC for the PS4 game.

Although The Lost Legacy is considered a smaller entry in the Uncharted series by Naughty Dog, it showcased a more experimental approach, adding significantly to the game’s appeal. Its expansive environments and optional additional content set it apart and laid the groundwork for the open-design concepts that were later refined in The Last of Us Part II. However, despite its numerous strengths, The Lost Legacy lacks the iconic, high-impact action scenes that are characteristic of other Uncharted games.

3. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

The third installment of Uncharted truly strives to assert that ‘larger’ is indeed ‘greater’. It amplifies the action and spectacle to unprecedented levels, placing Nathan Drake in precarious situations such as hanging off cargo planes and battling time within capsized cruise ships. Furthermore, it delves deeper into the mystical aspects of the franchise than previously, making it stand out for more reasons than just its grandeur.

In simpler terms, what stands out in Uncharted 3 is its blend of action-packed scenes with moments that are incredibly emotional, unlike any previous installments. However, it sometimes stumbles with pacing, particularly towards the end. Nonetheless, Uncharted 3 undeniably ranks among the best entries in the series.

2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End could arguably be the top title in the series, yet it falls short by a hair’s breadth. In terms of raw gameplay, this is Naughty Dog at their finest. Innovations such as the grappling hook seamlessly complement the enlarged gaming environments, enabling players to engage in combat scenarios that were beyond the reach of previous games.

In essence, while ‘Uncharted 4’ delivers a powerful emotional farewell to Nathan Drake, it does have some notable drawbacks. For one, the game takes longer to play compared to others, which can be noticeable, particularly during repeat plays. Secondly, although Sam Drake is an engaging new character, the idea of Nathan Drake having an unknown brother, never mentioned in earlier games, remains a bit hard to swallow. Despite these points, ‘Uncharted 4’ offers an impactful conclusion to Nate’s story.

1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

The standout among all Uncharted series games is undoubtedly “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.” Although later installments enhanced gameplay elements and visuals, this particular game offers an exceptional balance of action and narrative, maintaining its momentum consistently across its 12-hour playtime. This harmony between gameplay and storytelling within the Uncharted universe, as well as in the broader video game landscape, is unparalleled.

The release of Uncharted 2 significantly shaped the overall reputation of the Uncharted series, establishing it as a celebrated cornerstone of PlayStation. Its influence within the action-adventure genre is significant, and even after nearly 20 years, it remains remarkably compelling.

2025-08-17 17:13