Wondering what order to play the FNAF games? With 9+ main titles, multiple spin-offs, and a timeline that spans decades, it's easy to get confused. This guide breaks down every option: release order, timeline/chronological order, and our recommended order for different types of players.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Order for First-Time Players
Play in release order. This is how the story was designed to unfold:
- Five Nights at Freddy's (2014)
- Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2014)
- Five Nights at Freddy's 3 (2015)
- Five Nights at Freddy's 4 (2015)
- Sister Location (2016)
- Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator (2017)
- Ultimate Custom Night (2018)
- Help Wanted (2019)
- Security Breach (2021)
How Many FNAF Games Are There?
As of 2024, there are 9 main FNAF games plus several spin-offs and DLC:
| Main Games | Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Five Nights at Freddy's | 2014 | PC, Mobile, Console, Browser |
| Five Nights at Freddy's 2 | 2014 | PC, Mobile, Console, Browser |
| Five Nights at Freddy's 3 | 2015 | PC, Mobile, Console, Browser |
| Five Nights at Freddy's 4 | 2015 | PC, Mobile, Console, Browser |
| Sister Location | 2016 | PC, Mobile, Console, Browser |
| Pizzeria Simulator | 2017 | PC (Free on Steam) |
| Ultimate Custom Night | 2018 | PC, Console, Browser |
| Help Wanted | 2019 | PC, Console, VR |
| Security Breach | 2021 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
📦 Spin-offs & DLC (Optional)
- FNAF World (2016) - RPG spin-off, non-canon
- Special Delivery (2019) - AR mobile game
- Help Wanted 2 (2023) - VR sequel
- Security Breach: Ruin (2023) - DLC
- Into the Pit (2024) - Upcoming book adaptation
Option 1: Release Order (Recommended)
This is the best order for most players. Scott Cawthon designed the story to be discovered piece by piece, with each game revealing new information about past events. Playing in release order gives you the authentic experience of uncovering the mystery.
🎮 Complete Release Order
Five Nights at Freddy's
The original. You're a night guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, watching cameras and closing doors to survive. Simple mechanics, perfect introduction. Start here.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2
Actually a prequel set in 1987. More animatronics (11 total!), no doors, introduces the Freddy mask mechanic. Harder and faster-paced.
Five Nights at Freddy's 3
Set 30 years later at a horror attraction. Only one real enemy (Springtrap), but you must manage ventilation, audio, and cameras. More atmospheric.
Five Nights at Freddy's 4
The scariest entry. No cameras - you're a child in a bedroom using only audio cues. Features nightmare animatronics. Reveals crucial backstory.
Sister Location
Different gameplay - you move between rooms. Stars Circus Baby and the Funtime animatronics. Heavy on story, introduces Michael Afton as protagonist.
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Part business sim, part survival horror. Build your pizzeria by day, survive animatronics at night. Provides major story closure. Free on Steam!
Ultimate Custom Night
The ultimate challenge - 50+ animatronics, customize difficulty for each. More of a "greatest hits" than story game. Optional but fun.
Help Wanted
VR collection of mini-games recreating classic FNAF moments. Introduces Glitchtrap/Vanny storyline that continues in Security Breach.
Security Breach
Free-roam survival horror in a massive mall. Play as Gregory with help from Glamrock Freddy. Modern graphics, different gameplay style.
Option 2: Timeline/Chronological Order
Want to experience the story in the order events actually happened? This is the chronological timeline order. Note: This contains mild spoilers and is not recommended for first-time players - the games weren't designed to be played this way.
⚠️ Warning: Minor Spoilers Below
The timeline order reveals story elements that are meant to be discovered gradually. Only use this order if you've already played the games or don't mind spoilers.
⏰ Chronological Timeline Order
FNAF 4 (The Bite of '83)
The earliest events in the timeline. A child's nightmares about Fredbear's Family Diner. Shows the origin of much of the tragedy.
Sister Location
Circus Baby's Entertainment & Rental. Michael Afton's mission to find his sister. Events that shaped the Afton family.
FNAF 2
The "new and improved" Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. Features both old and new animatronics. Ends with "The Bite of '87."
FNAF 1
The original location in its final days. Mike Schmidt's week as night guard before the restaurant closes for good.
FNAF 3
Fazbear's Fright horror attraction. Springtrap is discovered. Minigames show the fate of the original animatronics.
Pizzeria Simulator
The "final" chapter. All the remaining haunted animatronics are lured to one location for a definitive ending.
Help Wanted
Fazbear Entertainment tries to rebrand with a VR game. Glitchtrap (William Afton's digital form) emerges.
Security Breach
The Mega Pizzaplex - a massive entertainment complex. Gregory and Glamrock Freddy face Vanny and remnants of old threats.
Option 3: "Best Experience" Custom Order
If you want a curated experience that balances gameplay variety with story impact, here's our custom recommended order:
🌟 Our Custom Recommendation
- FNAF 1 - Essential starting point
- FNAF 2 - Expands the world
- FNAF 4 - Peak horror, crucial story (skip if too scary)
- FNAF 3 - Provides closure to original trilogy
- Sister Location - Fresh gameplay, deep lore
- Pizzeria Simulator - Story conclusion (FREE!)
- Security Breach - Modern gameplay experience
Skip UCN and Help Wanted on first playthrough unless you're a completionist or have VR.
Which FNAF Game Should I Start With?
Always start with Five Nights at Freddy's 1. Here's why:
- ✅ Simplest mechanics - just cameras, doors, and lights
- ✅ Introduces core concepts that all other games build on
- ✅ Sets up the story without overwhelming you
- ✅ Free to play in browser (you can try it right now!)
- ✅ Shortest game - only 5 nights to beat
Can I Skip Games?
Yes and no. Each game is playable standalone, but you'll miss story connections:
| Game | Skip? | What You'll Miss |
|---|---|---|
| FNAF 1 | ❌ No | Foundation of everything |
| FNAF 2 | ⚠️ Maybe | Toy animatronics, prequel context |
| FNAF 3 | ⚠️ Maybe | Springtrap reveal, minigame lore |
| FNAF 4 | ⚠️ Maybe | Bite of '83, crucial backstory |
| Sister Location | ❌ No | Afton family story, Ennard |
| Pizzeria Sim | ❌ No | Story conclusion |
| UCN | ✅ Yes | Fun challenge, minimal story |
| Help Wanted | ⚠️ Maybe | Glitchtrap origin |
| Security Breach | ⚠️ Maybe | Modern storyline continuation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FNAF 2 a sequel or prequel?
FNAF 2 is a prequel. Despite being the second game released, it takes place in 1987, six years before FNAF 1 (set in 1993). The paycheck at the end confirms this.
Do I need to play every game to understand Security Breach?
Not necessarily. Security Breach works as a standalone experience, but playing at least FNAF 1, Pizzeria Simulator, and Help Wanted helps you understand returning characters and references.
What's the shortest FNAF game?
FNAF 1 and FNAF 3 are the shortest, taking 2-3 hours to complete the main story. FNAF 4 and Sister Location take 3-4 hours. Security Breach is the longest at 8-15 hours.
Are FNAF World and Special Delivery canon?
FNAF World is considered non-canon (though some elements may connect). Special Delivery has some canon elements but isn't essential to the main story.
Should I watch the FNAF movie before or after playing?
The movie is a separate adaptation. You can watch it anytime, but playing FNAF 1 first enhances the experience since the movie is based primarily on the first game.
Start Your Journey
Now you know exactly what order to play the FNAF games. Whether you choose release order, timeline order, or our custom recommendation, you're in for an incredible horror experience with one of gaming's deepest mysteries.
Ready to begin? Start with FNAF 1 - it's free to play right here: