GameTimeline

Release & story order

inFamous timeline

inFamous from the 2009 Sucker Punch debut through Second Son and First Light (2014)—US release dates, Cole and Delsin story order, Festival of Blood FAQ, and where newcomers should start in 2026.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Sucker Punch and PlayStation shipped each inFamous chapter in the US—inFamous (2009) through First Light (2014). Festival of Blood is optional (standalone Halloween side story).

  • Full path → inFamous → inFamous 2 → Second Son → First Light (ship order)
  • Story-first → Cole games → First Light → Second Son
  • PS4-only → Second Son (+ First Light); Cole era needs PS3 or PS Plus classics where available
  • Festival of Blood → optional side story after inFamous 2
Story order tips

Two eras, one world: Cole MacGrath (inFamous → inFamous 2) → Abigail "Fetch" Walker (First Light) → Delsin Rowe (Second Son). First Light is set before Second Son even though it shipped later.

  • Cole path: inFamous → inFamous 2
  • Delsin era: First Light → Second Son (Fetch before Delsin)
  • Second Son is set years after inFamous 2—Cole path recommended first
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. inFamous

    inFamous

    PS3ActionMainlineCole

    inFamous (2009) makes Cole MacGrath a conduit in Empire City—parkour lightning with karma choices. Release tab year here is 2009.

    Overview
    Open-world superhero traversal and moral binary that shaped Sucker Punch's brand. Sequel debates still measure new games against what inFamous established.
    In-game setting
    Cole saga start. Story matches Release for Cole 1→2 before Second Son.
    Should you play it?
    Start Cole here. Cousins: Spider-Man, Batman Arkham. Pair inFamous with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    Release date
    US November 16, 2009 (PS3). Platforms called out for this beat: PS3.
  2. inFamous 2

    inFamous 2

    PS3ActionMainlineCole

    inFamous 2 moves Cole to New Marais against the Beast—co-op user powers and ending karma finals. Release tab year here is 2011.

    Overview
    Expanded power trees and a heavier narrative close to Cole's arc. Sequel debates still measure new games against what inFamous 2 established.
    In-game setting
    Direct Cole sequel. Required before Second Son's timeline jump. Continuity with inFamous 2 is easiest if you play neighboring required titles first.
    Should you play it?
    Finish Cole's story here; First Light/Second Son are a later generation. Pair inFamous 2 with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    Release date
    US June 7, 2011 (PS3). Platforms called out for this beat: PS3.
  3. inFamous Second Son

    inFamous Second Son

    PS4ActionMainlineDelsin

    inFamous Second Son stars Delsin Rowe in a DUP-controlled Seattle—neon power theft on PS4. Release tab year here is 2014.

    Overview
    Material-absorb powers and denser parkour on then-next-gen hardware. Sequel debates still measure new games against what inFamous Second Son established.
    In-game setting
    New protagonist after Cole. Play First Light around it for Fetch's prequel.
    Should you play it?
    Modern entry if you skip Cole—but Cole 1–2 enrich the conduit world. Pair inFamous Second Son with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    Release date
    US March 21, 2014 (PS4). Platforms called out for this beat: PS4.
  4. inFamous First Light

    inFamous First Light

    PS4ActionStand-aloneFetch

    inFamous First Light is Fetch's standalone prequel campaign before Second Son's Seattle chaos. Release tab year here is 2014.

    Overview
    Neon-focused compact story sold as expandable stand-alone. Sequel debates still measure new games against what inFamous First Light established.
    In-game setting
    Story order before Second Son; Release after it. Continuity with inFamous First Light is easiest if you play neighboring required titles first.
    Should you play it?
    Short, recommended bridge into Delsin's game. Pair inFamous First Light with startHere guidance before optional side titles.
    Release date
    US August 26, 2014 (PS4). Platforms called out for this beat: PS4.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Cole vs Delsin eras, First Light, and Festival of Blood.

Release order

Release order is when each inFamous game launched in the US (2009–2014)—Second Son before First Light. Story order is Cole (inFamous → inFamous 2) → First Light → Second Son. Festival of Blood is optional.

Recommended: inFamous → inFamous 2 → First Light → Second Son. If you only have a PS4/PS5 and want the modern entry, start with Second Son (add First Light for Fetch). Cole's games need PS3 or whatever classic catalog access you have.

Story & eras

First Light (2014) is a standalone expansion about Fetch, set roughly two years before Second Son. It shipped after Second Son. On Story order we place it before Second Son. Safe after Second Son too if you already finished Delsin's campaign.

Second Son is playable alone—new hero, new city. Playing inFamous → inFamous 2 first gives the Conduit world and the aftermath Second Son inherits. For the full franchise path, do Cole first.

DLC & side stories

Festival of Blood (2011) is a standalone Halloween Cole adventure with vampire rules—it is not required for the main path and sits outside strict canon for many players. Play after inFamous 2 if you want more Cole; this page keeps it optional.

Optional & related

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.