From Fog to Fear: The Full Silent Hill Chronological & Story-Based Breakdown

When it comes to AAA horror games, arguably, no games come close to the horror surprises of Silent Hill. Contrary to what the title suggests, the game gives the players a spine-chilling journey into fear and psychology.

Through the series that the game has given over the years, the franchise has shaped the survival-horror genre. Whether you are a seasoned survivor or you are simply looking to begin your journey into fear, the best way to enjoy the game is by playing the Silent Hill Games in order.

Silent Hill Games in Chronological Order

Whether you look at all Silent Hill games in order of story or by release, each of the series gives the player an unforgettable experience. Before we take a deep dive into the timeline, let us take a look at the franchise by their release time.

If you are looking to play Silent Hill games in chronological order, this is the correct approach. If you enjoy exploration games, check out some top games like Civilization.

Silent Hill Games in Story Order

While the list of Silent Hill Games in order of launch date is the way most people have played the series, for those trying this franchise for the first time, they are fortunate, as they get to experience the franchise for the first time, as per the story.

Therefore, every series will fall in place. Here, the story begins with Origins and ends with Downpour. Let us take a look at what the list looks like when you are trying to play the Silent Hill game to the story:

Silent Hill: Origins (2007)

When it comes to Silent Hill Games in order of story, the Origins come first, even though the series was launched back in 2007. The series essentially acts as the prologue to all the versions that have been released. As per the story, the scene is set before the events of the first game. The game follows Travis Grady, a truck driver, as he gets trapped in the town of Silent Hill while searching for the girl he saved from a fire.

In this journey, Travis explores himself and his memories, eventually confronting his inner demons. Looking at the plot, it is understandable why the series comes first in terms of the Silent Hill Games in order.

Silent Hill (1999)

Following the Origins, the first series of Silent Hill comes. Launched in 1999, the game gained rapid popularity due to its compelling story and the in-game settings. When the series was launched, it was titled as a survival horror video game. In the story, Harry Mason searches for his adopted daughter, Cheryl. Harry went on to look for Cheryl in the cold and harsh town of Silent Hill.

Harry has to be courageous to navigate the town, which is filled with unforgettable monsters. Along his journey, Harry discovers the secrets of a local cult that has the details of Cheryl's origin. Based on the player's actions, there are five possible outcomes.

Silent Hill 2 (2001)

If you thought that Silent Hill is a rich horror plot that promises an exciting adventure, wait till you hear about Silent Hill 2. When it comes to Silent Hill games in order, this series comes right after the first part, that is released in 1999.

In the psychological horror game, we follow the story of James Sunderland. After finding the letter from his wife, James travels to the mysterious town of Silent Hill. However, James is unknown to the monsters and the town's coldness, alongside the fact that his wife has been dead for three years. This game is a journey to James' own psyche. We see the themes of grief, loss, and one's courage and bravery to confront their inner demons.

Silent Hill 3 (2003)

Many players opt to play Silent Hill 3 before Silent Hill 2 when playing all Silent Hill games in order of story. In this series, we see Heather Mason, a teenage girl, having a nightmare of an encounter in a shopping mall. Following the incident, she finds herself in a conflict with a cult.

To uncover her past and the cult's intentions, Heather must carefully navigate the real world and the Otherworld. Since many believe that Silent Hill 3 is a direct prequel to Silent Hill, they choose to play this before Silent Hill 2. Unlike the previous two, this title is a TPP mode that comprises combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements.

Silent Hill 4: The Room (2004)

Following Silent Hill 3, the Room is the one that should come next when it comes to playing the Silent Hill Games in order of story. In the psychological horror game, we see Henry Townshend trapped in his apartment for five days, unable to leave the place due to a curse.

Soon, a mysterious hole appears in his bathroom. As he follows it, he is taken to another world. Here, the character must navigate himself and fight grotesque monsters to know the reasons for his imprisonment. Please note that your apartment is the only place where you can save your progress.

Silent Hill: Homecoming (2008)

The Silent Hill Homecoming series comes right after Silent Hill 4: The Room. The series revolves around a soldier known as Alex Shepherd. After returning to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen from war, Alex finds that the whole town his empty and his younger brother is also missing.

In his quest to find his brother, Alex uncovers the town's dark secrets and the reasons for the disappearances. Moreover, Alex discovers details of a cult known as the Order. Throughout this journey, Alex unfolds the details of his own past.

Silent Hill: Downpour (2012)

Last but not least, we have Silent Hill Downpour. This is the final game if you are looking to play Silent Hill games in order of story. The survival horror series is about prisoner Murphy Pendleton. Murphy ends up in the mysterious town of Silent Hill after a bus crash during his transfer.

Throughout his journey to the town, Murphy finds himself in the otherworld, where he must face his demons, that is manifested through the game's monsters and puzzles.

Silent Hill Non-Canon/Side Content

These Silent Hill games are not directly linked to the main story, but they were enjoyable to play when released. Check out the ones you missed in the following list:

Alternate-Continuity Titles

• Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Spin-Off Titles

• Silent Hill: Book of Memories
• P.T.
• Silent Hill: The Arcade

Mobile/Portable Side Games

• Silent Hill: Mobile (2006)
• Silent Hill: Orphan
• Silent Hill: Orphan 2
• Silent Hill: Orphan 3
• Silent Hill: The Escape

Ambiguous Canon Status Titles

• Silent Hill 2 Remake
• Silent Hill Remake
• Silent Hill f
• Silent Hill: Townhall

Experimental Projects

• Silent Hill: Ascension
• Silent Hill: The Short Message

These are all the Silent Hill games in order of story. Please be aware that other series of the game are available, such as Book of Memories and The Short Message. However, these series are not connected to the main story of the game.

If you have enjoyed our list, check out our guide on how to play Elder Scrolls games in order.