Those interested in Tales of Arise may be wondering if they need to play the other games in the Tales series first. This is an intimidating proposition since there are 17 main games, spin-offs, anime, and manga that have been released in the franchise over the last 26 years. We’ll cover whether Tales of Arise is a sequel or a standalone game below.
Do I need to play any other Tales games before Tales of Arise?
Fortunately, players don’t need to play any other games before starting Tales of Arise. The game is a standalone adventure and isn’t a sequel or prequel to any other titles in the Tales series.
The Tales series is similar to Final Fantasy in that each game is self-contained. Only three titles in the franchise, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Destiny, and Tales of Xillia, have received sequels. All other games are only connected by gameplay similarities and some themes.
However, just because one doesn’t need to play any Tales titles before enjoying Tales of Arise, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t check out the rest of the series. Most Tales games are available in English, and most of them are critically acclaimed. In particular, Tales of the Abyss has been touted as one of the best JRPGs of all time.
Tales of Arise, like most of the Tales games that came before it, is about classism and racism. It’s set on twin worlds, Dahna and Rena. Three hundred years before the start of the game, the technologically advanced Renans invaded and subjugated the medieval level Dahnans. The Renans have enslaved the Dahnans and treat them barbarically, but there’s still hope, and the player must find where and how this hope exists.
Tales of Arise is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
