Updated (5) on July 13, 2023 – Updated various sections to reflect newer Atelier game releases since the prior guide update and added information for Atelier Marie Remake following Atelier Ryza 3.
With Atelier Marie Remake and Atelier Ryza 3 finally here following both the amazing Atelier Sophie 2 and Atelier Ryza 2, more potential fans than ever before have been considering jumping into Koei Tecmo and Gust’s (the developer of Atelier, Nights of Azure, and more) beloved series. There is one pretty big problem though. The sheer number of entries is daunting and puts most JRPG fans off because of potential problems for starting with a specific entry. I’ve been playing the Atelier games ever since I got a PS Vita and have played basically every title in the franchise that’s released on PS Vita, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. If you’ve ever considered getting into the series but are confused where to begin, this is the guide for you. While this guide is meant for newcomers to the series, it will also be useful for fans who have played a few entries and are looking for what to get next as well.
Why should I care about Atelier?
There are a few things to consider before getting into the series. The biggest question most people have is why they should care about Atelier when there are tons of long running JRPG series out there. Gust’s Atelier franchise is more slice of life than traditional JRPG. In fact, the combat isn’t even close to being a focus here.
Atelier games are all about characters, interactions, exploration, and crafting. Crafting is a huge part of these games alongside aesthetics and music. The series has traditionally been focussed on PlayStation systems but Koei Tecmo began taking it multiplatform a few years ago. Depending on what system or systems you play on, your starting point to the series will change. There are also a few games that are amazing for beginners and others that aren’t recommended.
Atelier games’ biggest draw for me is the visual style and how Gust manages to perfectly transition gorgeous character portraits to in game models. This results in the games having a fairy-tale aesthetic. The second aspect that is well worth any JRPG fans time is the music. I can’t stress enough how great the soundtracks are for almost every Gust game. Even the one-off games like Blue Reflection have excellent music.
What Atelier game to start with on PS4 or PS5?
If you own a PS4, there are now four great entry points. The best entry point to the older games in the series with modern conveniences is Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book. This game is great because it is the start of a new series with no prior knowledge required, it removes the time limit that is a turn off for some people, and has both English and Japanese voice acting options. It was the first Atelier game on PS4 and hence has the lowest asking price depending on where you look. It also runs and looks brilliant on base PS4 which some of the later games struggle with.
With so many games and ports, there are multiple new entry points. The best entry points overall and my recommendations for anyone on PS4 or PS5 looking to get into Atelier games are Atelier Ryza, Atelier Ryza 2, Atelier Ryza 3, or Atelier Sophie 2. While Atelier Ryza 2 and Atelier Ryza 3 are sequels set after the prior games, Gust has developed them to be welcoming to newcomers while still perfectly continuing the stories for those who played prior games. You can still start with it and Atelier Ryza 2 and Atelier Ryza 3. The modern Atelier games are some of the best Gust games ever. If you’re considering trying out the Atelier games because of Ryza’s popularity, you can start with either entry but Atelier Ryza 2 is a better game and my pick for the overall best place to get into the Atelier games on PS4 (or PS5) given it also has been discounted a few times.
Atelier Sophie 2 is a brilliant game that doesn’t rely on much from the first game. It has many quality of life improvements and accessibility options alongside superb combat. If you’s rather play a game that feels a bit closer to the older games in the series with modern improvements, Atelier Sophie 2 is worth getting as an entry point.
What Atelier game to start with on Nintendo Switch?
On Nintendo Switch, the first Atelier game to arrive was Atelier Lydie & Suelle which is the third part of the Mysterious trilogy that began with Atelier Sophie. While prior knowledge isn’t essential, the technical shortcomings make it not worth your time as an entry point. Until Atelier Ryza and Atelier Ryza 2 released, Atelier Rorona was the better entry point. Atelier Rorona on Nintendo Switch is a huge upgrade in terms of performance and visuals when it comes to the handheld version compared to the PS Vita release. As it stands, just like PS4, the Atelier Ryza games or Atelier Sophie 2 are the best games to start with on Nintendo Switch because they are both great conversions and fantastic games. If you had to pick just one game, go with Atelier Ryza 2 or Atelier Sophie 2. Those are the most polished games on Nintendo Switch. You could also start with Atelier Ryza 3 if you’d like based on the time I spent with the PC build for preview, but I will update this once we’ve played the Switch version of Ryza 3.
What Atelier game to start with on PC?
If you play on PC, the same suggestions as PS4 and Nintendo Switch apply with Atelier Sophie, Atelier Ryza, and Atelier Ryza 2 being the best options but Atelier Sophie 2 And Atelier Ryza 2 have the best PC ports among all Atelier games with multiple graphics settings for flexibility and gorgeous visuals with high frame rate support. While Atelier Ryza 2 and Sophie 2 are sequels set after the first games, they don’t require prior game experience and can be enjoyed on their own. If you’re considering trying out the Atelier games because of Ryza’s popularity, you can start with either entry but Atelier Ryza 2 has the better port. If you want the newest game, try that or Atelier Sophie 2. If you’re curious about Ryza 3, read my PC impressions here.
Atelier Ryza 2 or Atelier Ryza 3 is the best newer Atelier game for beginners
Until early 2019, Atelier Sophie was the best entry point into the Atelier games across all the systems it was playable on. With Atelier Ryza, that changed and with the release of Atelier Ryza 2, we now have a new fantastic entry point into the Atelier games with one caveat. Atelier Ryza 2 is bigger and better than Atelier Ryza but it has a lot of quality of life enhancements that enhance the gathering, crafting, and combat. It also can be played without experiencing Atelier Ryza. Atelier Ryza 2 is available on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC making it available on all modern platforms that have had Atelier games (natively or through backward compatibility). Atelier Ryza 3 is available on the same platforms as Ryza 2, and Gust tells me it is welcoming to newcomers.
Atelier Sophie 2 is the best turn-based Atelier game for beginners
You might be confused at this because Atelier Sophie 2 is the newest game, but it has turn-based combat. This is because the Ryza games have a more active combat system aimed at broadening the fanbase while Atelier Sophie 2 is an improved take on turn-based combat. Both games are valid options, but Atelier Sophie 2 is a fantastic turn-based RPG in its own right, and a brilliant way to get into the series. It is available on PS4 (and PS5 via backward compatibility), Switch, and PC.
Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book is the best older Atelier game for beginners
This is easily the best entry point into the older Atelier games and is the first game in the Mysterious trilogy. It is available on PS4, PS Vita, Switch, and PC currently and tells the tale of Sophie who finds a book called Plactha that moves and talks on its own. She aims to restore the book’s memories which in turn make her a better Alchemist. Atelier Sophie has both English and Japanese voice acting options. Any of the three platforms is fine for this release.
Should you start with Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey?
Atelier Firis saw Gust get ambitious and try and go for a more open world experience. The end result is a game that runs very poorly on PS Vita, not great on base PS4, and only really good on PS4 Pro and PC after patches. Atelier FIris is my least favourite modern Atelier game because of the new open focus. It is also a very poor entry point to the series and only worth playing if you already loved Atelier Sophie. It suffers from bland map design but has a very nice synthesis (crafting) system. If you want to play this, get it on PS4 Pro or PC. Atelier Firis has both English and Japanese voice options.
Should you start with Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings?
Atelier Lydie & Suelle is the third and final part of the Mysterious trilogy of Atelier games. It is also the first one to release on the Nintendo Switch while the PS Vita version was dropped for English release. Atelier Lydie & Suelle is set nearly a decade after Atelier Sophie and features Lydie and Suelle who are twins working at their father’s atelier. As the name suggests, mysterious paintings are a focus here and the twins get sucked into a painting. This is where their journey begins. On a technical standpoint, Atelier Lydie & Suelle runs and looks pretty poor on Nintendo Switch and base PS4. It is just about fine on PS4 Pro and really only great on a decent PC. It is a massive downgrade in performance compared to earlier games on modern hardware. You definitely shouldn’t start with this one if you have access to a PS4 or PC. The callbacks to earlier games aren’t essential but help so it is an alright way to play if you only have a Nintendo Switch. Atelier Lydie & Suelle is the first Atelier game to only offer Japanese voice acting in the West and this is a disappointing note to end the Mysterious trilogy on.
Should you start with the Atelier Arland Series Deluxe Pack?
This is the first set of remasters from Koei Tecmo and Gust bringing PS3 and PS Vita exclusives to PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC for the first time. The Arland series of games that includes Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland, Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland, and Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is widely considered a great entry point to the series’ peak. The games are available standalone or as a triple pack called the Atelier Arland Series Deluxe Pack available on the same platforms at a discount. In terms of contents, these properly replace the PS3 and PS Vita versions bringing almost all DLC into the package right from the get go and also happen to be very competent ports albeit a bit lacklustre when it comes to performance improvements. Thankfully, these three games all offer both English and Japanese voice acting options. Since a trilogy purchase is a tall ask for many people, individual games that are priced a bit on the higher side given the port quality are options for some people.
Should you start with Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland?
Currently available on PS3, PS Vita, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this entry is the best way to get into older Atelier games. It is the first entry in the Arland series. You play as Rorona who is trying to save her Atelier from closing down thanks to the kingdom in the land. She aims to increase the popularity by synthesizing better quality items and helping more people. The time limit is daunting for many but it definitely helps people get into a routine in game.
Should you start with Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland?
Currently available on PS3, PS Vita, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, Atelier Totori is the second game in the Arland series of Atelier games and not a great entry point at all. Atelier Totori is set half a decade after Atelier Rorona and features Totori who is Rorona’s student looking for her mother. You should only play this after finishing Atelier Rorona. It improves on Rorona in some ways but still isn’t a good entry point.
Should you start with Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland?
Atelier Meruru is the third and what was earlier final game in the Arland series of Atelier games. It features Meruru who is a young princess trying to grow her small town through alchemy. Meruru meets Totori who is a full fledged alchemist now and their story begins. Since this follows two games in the Arland series, you should definitely not start with this one. Atelier Meruru is absolutely worth playing but only after you finish the two earlier games. It is available on PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Should you start with Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland?
Atelier Lulua is a surprising release. Not only is it the fourth entry in what was previously the Arland trilogy, but it is also a game that got many people I know into the franchise. I would only recommend this release after you have played the three Arland games in the Atelier Arland Series Deluxe Pack. One standout feature of this release is that it is the first Atelier game that is actually very good on Nintendo Switch. I ended up playing it a lot more on Nintendo Switch than PS4 Pro because I’ve enjoyed Atelier games handheld and this is the first Switch release that is competent on the technical side of things. Atelier Lulua disappointingly only offers Japanese voice acting which is annoying considering many fans are used to Arland characters speaking English.
Should you start with Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World?
Nelke is a spinoff game to the Atelier series that draws characters and interactions from all earlier games and blends them in with new gameplay and a new story. Nelke is a very interesting release because it has gameplay that is perfect for playing on a portable with its simulation RPG focus but it is also the worst Nintendo Switch port so far. It feels unpolished even on PS4 and PS4 Pro. As a 20th anniversary title for the franchise, this isn’t great technically but longtime fans will love the interactions across different generation alchemists. Despite being technically bad, I’ve put in way more time into this on Nintendo Switch than PS4 Pro. If you have access to PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this will be best on PC when it comes to the technical side. Consider buying and playing Nelke only if you’ve already enjoyed earlier games because this isn’t a good introduction gameplay or story wise to the Atelier franchise.
Should you start with Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout?
Atelier Ryza is a brand new Atelier game for PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC that aims to be a reboot for the series. Every change and addition to the core gameplay has been impressive and was the first game in years to actually feel like a big step ahead for visuals and scope. While this is definitely a great entry point since it is a brand new entry with no baggage, the sequel is even better. If you already own Atelier Ryza, you can safely start with it though because it is well worth your time and a great way to get into this series. It already converted many newcomers into fans since release.
Should you start with the Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack?
As with the Arland games, Gust and Koei Tecmo brought Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk, Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky, and Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea to PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. I vastly prefer the Dusk trilogy in both aesthetic and music to the Arland series and Atelier Ayesha from this trilogy is the best entry point for sure. These releases include most of the paid DLC from the PS3 and PS Vita releases that includes new costumes, bosses, playable characters, and more.
Should you start with Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk Sea?
Currently available on PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk is a great game with a lovely aesthetic that is the first game in the Dusk trilogy of Atelier games. Atelier Ayesha has great characters, excellent crafting, and a fun battle system. For many, Atelier Ayesha has the best Atelier soundtrack as well. If you’re ok trying out an older game, Atelier Ayesha is a great way to get into the series through its DX or Deluxe release on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The three platforms have the least technical issues of all systems the game is available on.
Should you start with Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
Atelier Escha & Logy is one of the more popular entry points despite it being the second game in the Dusk trilogy of Atelier games. This is because it had a physical PS Vita release which was a rarity for a Gust game on the system at the time in the West. Atelier Escha & Logy let you pick between Escha or Logy as a protagonist with some interesting but small changes along the way depending on who you selected including some different endgame story moments. There’s also an anime adaptation of Atelier Escha & Logy. The game is available on PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. If you want to play it, consider getting the PS4, Nintendo Switch, or Steam version for least technical issues and most available content at the asking price including a lot of DLC included.
Should you stat with Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea?
Atelier Shallie is the final entry in the Atelier Dusk Trilogy and it lets you pick one of two main characters with some changes to the story and overall adventure. The flow remains the same but there are changes to abilities. A lot of fans even usually go for new game + in Atelier Shallie to experience everything across both protagonist options that also change when party members are added in. Atelier Shallie also has bigger areas for exploration. It is available on PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. I would recommend playing this after the two earlier Dusk games but if you insist on starting with this, get it on PS4, Nintendo Switch, or Steam. I know a few people who started with this on PS Vita because it was easily available physically but the PS Vita version isn’t worth playing over the Nintendo Switch version even if you want a portable version right now.
Should you start with Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy?
Yes. Atelier Ryza 2 is now the best new entry point into Atelier games for anyone who owns a PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, or plays on PC. It has all the changes from Atelier Ryza with improvements and fixes to just about any problems Ryza had. The exploration and gathering are vastly improved, it has a superb soundtrack, and the combat never gets old with its changes and faster pace. Despite the number in the title, you can very much start with this one if you don’t want to play Atelier Ryza. There’s a very good chance you will enjoy this game enough to go back anyway.
Should you start with Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream?
If you want to get into the Atelier games through an entry that is modern while catering to those who enjoyed combat from prior games, Atelier Sophie 2 is a great way to get into the series. Despite the 2 in the name, Atelier Sophie 2 has a summary for the first game, and it has a lot of quality of life improvements and enhancements like seamless combat during exploration. Atelier Sophie 2 is a fantastic way to get into the series, and one that will make you want to play prior games. Read my review here and Switch port review here.
Should you start with Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key?
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is the newest Atelier game, and it is also the most ambitious one. Despite it being the third game in the Ryza sub-series, Gust tells me it can be enjoyed on its own. The improvements to gathering are massive, and it almost feels like a nest-generation Atelier game just for how snappy everything is. The longer development time definitely seems to have paid off here. Being the newest Atelier game, it is also the most expensive right now so that might be a detriment if you’re on a budget right now with prior games getting discounted often. If you are on a budget, you’re better off waiting for Atelier Ryza, Ryza 2, or Atelier Sophie 2 to get discounted as modern, but cheaper entry points.
Should you start with Atelier Marie Remake?
Yes, this is absolutely a great starting point, but it isn’t representative of the current slate of Atelier games. If Atelier Marie Remake has looked appealing to you in its trailers and screenshots, you can enjoy it, and I’d recommend grabbing the Digital Deluxe Upgrade to try out the port of the original version in the form of Atelier Marie Plus. Atelier Marie Remake is charming and relaxing, and has been a joy to play despite some aspects feeling dated compared to modern Atelier games. Just remember that this is the origin of the series.
The future of the Atelier series
My only hope for localisations of the series is that Koei Tecmo considers an English dub for future entries. With Atelier Ryza breaking records all over the place and Atelier Sophie 2 and Atelier Ryza 3 getting a global simultaneous release, Gust’s Atelier games have never been in a better place globally. I’m still very excited for the future of Atelier games and can’t wait to see what Gust and Koei Tecmo do next after today’s launch of Atelier Marie Remake.
