Uncharted is undoubtedly a big I.P. for Sony; the games have garnered a vast audience, and there are often debates about the Uncharted Games. Specifically, fans want to know the ranking of Uncharted games from best to worst.
As huge fans of the Uncharted Franchise, we naturally decided to settle the debate about all the Uncharted games released and their ranking. So we will only be considering the major mainline releases of Uncharted—Drake’s Fortune, Among Thieves, Drake’s Deception, and A Thief’s End.
What Makes A Great Uncharted Game?
Before we get to our official ranking list, let’s find out the main appeal of the series.
Likable Main Character
Let’s face it; we won’t play a game about a dull protagonist or a weak lead character. The wise-cracking, adventure-seeking, morally just, and acrobatic parkour master who also happens to have experience with guns and grenades is the guy we all aspire to be, and Nathan Drake is that character.
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He can be a smooth-talking charmer one minute, have the moral high ground in arguments the next and become a complete hothead the other.
The point is that Nathan Drake is a brilliant protagonist who perfectly fits the Uncharted games.
Strong Support Characters
Transitioning from the lead character to the side ones is equally important, if not; more. The entire case of Uncharted games is a brilliant addition; the leading ladies, Elena and Chloe in particular, are standouts. They have their motivations for joining Drake on his fortune-seeking journey. They’re not perfect; they are flawed, which makes them more relatable characters.
Sully is the mentor and dear friend who gives Drake the counsel he needs in his strange ways. The villains are, we’ll admit, not the most memorable, well not in the first two games anyway, but the Uncharted games upped the ante in the latest entries.
Action Sequences
Uncharted games are known for their action sequences. Our ranking also factors those action-packed, high-intensity moments and the nervousness of not slipping up and falling (Hi Uncharted 2 train sequence).
The Chapters in Uncharted games distribute scenes reasonably well. There are calming ones with an ominous feeling of a big threat, a sporadic scrap followed by some environmental collapse, platforming to get out of the (sometimes literal) ditch, and a moment of a breather.
Our Uncharted games ranked list will decide which title in the franchise executes these sequences well.
The Plot
A strong hook of all Uncharted games is the story. Our list of all Uncharted games ranked considers which game had the best narrative and plot twists to keep us engaged. Shock value and drastic moments to whatever the hell those things (Descendants)were in the caves of Uncharted 1.
The story is the foundation for character development, allowing players to connect with these characters; how the conflict impacts the dynamic between our leads. The locals condemn Drake for intruding on their sacred land. The story beats make for fun plot points that heavily factor into our Uncharted games ranked list.
Our List Of All Uncharted Games Ranked
We’ve established the ingredients for a great Uncharted game, so let’s get started!
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Is The Worst Uncharted Mainline Game
Okay! So, before you all go into rage mode and shout at us from your computer screens, let us explain the justification for Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End ranking. Our list of all Uncharted games ranked depends on how everyone enjoyed each game.
The common point between our discussions regarding Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is that the game felt tedious. That’s not the game’s fault; it’s because we, as players, are spoiled.
Yes, how well the franchise had become by Uncharted 4’s release is what downgraded it on our list of all Uncharted games ranked. People expected innovation and a shake-up of the Uncharted formula, but that didn’t happen.
People got more of the same, and the game’s critical and fan reception suffered. What we got wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t enough. The leap from Uncharted 3 to 4 wasn’t as massive as from 3 to 4. The game’s pacing felt like it dragged on at times.
On a positive note, the position of the latest entry worked out well for Uncharted 4, as it is a beautiful game. No other game in our Uncharted games ranked list comes close to matching its graphics. Sadly, a coat of paint can’t do the job alone, nor can Crash Bandicoot easter eggs.
The story is a fantastic way to wrap up Drake’s journey in the Uncharted series. It is heartwarming and endearing, especially for Elena and Nathan’s shippers.
3. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Is A Middling Experience In Our Uncharted Games Ranked List
The next game on our list of Uncharted games ranked is the first one in the series. The one that kicked off the Uncharted franchise and made it the critically acclaimed series as we know it. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune impressed everyone; no other game was like it.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune still holds up today, for the most part, but the graphics and simplistic gameplay elements feel dated. The control scheme and some lag at times will cause frustration.
The game’s story captivates players, and the dynamic between Sully and Nathan is full of witty banter and emotions. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune has an excellent level design, introducing many puzzle-solving sections that have become synonymous with Uncharted.
The transition from cut-scenes to gameplay and vice-versa is immersive and smooth. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is a mixed experience; people ignore its flaws for nostalgia and sentimental reasons.
We’re guilty of this as well, which is why Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is number 3 on our Uncharted games ranked list.
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Is An Awe-Inspiring Entry In Our Uncharted Games Ranked List
Upping the scope of the first Uncharted game, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is considered the best. We will argue that while Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a great game, it’s not the best—no shame in that.
The train sequence is famous in the Uncharted fandom for its thrilling escape section. The mountaintop region cascaded in snow ominously looms around Drake as he climbs each train compartment as it falls.
Uncharted 2 also introduced players to the series fan favorite, Chloe Frazer, into the games. She’s been a mainstay of the series since.
The puzzle sections in Uncharted 2 required a lot of thinking and platforming; fun most of the time, but some (the temple puzzle) got irritating. The action sequences in Uncharted 2 are fast-paced and numerous, and some feel annoying when there’s one enemy left hiding.
Anyway, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is ranked runner-up in our list of Uncharted games.
1. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Is The Winner In Our List of Uncharted Games Ranked
The narrative of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is perfect. The stakes are higher, and the graphics impress each time new environments show up.
Uncharted 3 is the apex of the franchise and our favorite game from the Uncharted series. The plot twists and emotional impact of the story, the addictive gameplay, and improvements in movement work brilliantly. The game’s pacing is perfect, and Nate’s journey is at its high point by the end.
The developers flexed their creative muscles, and it shows in the game. The unique approach to the game is a testament to how Sony’s first party-studios always deliver. Uncharted 3 is the best game in our list of Uncharted games ranked.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our list of Uncharted games ranked. Tell us about your thoughts in the comments below. What’s your favorite and least favorite?
If you want to know about other gaming lists, look at this—35 Action-Packged games like Warframe.
