Do I Need to Play Unravel 1 Before 2? Let’s Untangle This!
So, you’re interested in Unravel 2. That adorable yarn creature caught your eye. Maybe the co-op gameplay looks fun. But a question arises: “Do I need to play Unravel 1 first?” Let’s cut through the confusion and find out.
Unraveling the Connection: Sequel, Not Prequel
Unravel 2 is a sequel to Unravel, which charmed gamers in 2016. It adds another thread to the cozy, sometimes tough, Unravel world. It launched on PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in June 2018, with Nintendo Switch owners joining in March 2019. Don’t worry; you won’t miss any vital backstory.
Standalone Stitches: Playing Unravel 2 First
Good news! Unravel 2 is made to be enjoyed alone. You can dive into it without playing the first game. Think of it like starting a new comic book series—each issue has enough info to enjoy the current plot without past knowledge.
Story Time: Emotional Threads vs. Gameplay Knots
Unravel 1 had an emotional story that touched many. Players and critics at IGN praised its story and atmosphere. It featured Yarny helping an elderly woman remember lost memories.
Unravel 2 tells a different tale through two friends, reflecting its co-op gameplay. Some may feel it lacks the emotional weight of its predecessor. However, it focuses on streamlining gameplay and introducing co-op features. The story connects closely with game mechanics.
Gameplay Evolution: From Solo to Co-op
The biggest change between Unravel and Unravel 2 is gameplay style. Unravel 1 was strictly single-player. It was Yarny solving physics puzzles in stunning landscapes from Northern Sweden, specifically Umeå, Sweden.
Unravel 2 adds another Yarny, Tangle, a blue friend. The sequel shines with local co-op, letting you team up with a friend. But if you prefer solo play, you can control both Yarnys to navigate puzzles alone. This allows for clever solo puzzle-solving.
Unravel 2 improves platforming mechanics over the first game. It offers more polished and sometimes challenging platforming with appropriately designed puzzles. While Unravel 1 had great physics puzzles, Unravel 2 leans more into being a solid platformer.
Game Length and Challenge: Hours of Yarn-Based Fun
Playtime in both games is quite similar. Completing Unravel 1’s main story takes around 6 hours. Completionists may spend about 13.5 hours to see everything. Unravel 2 is comparable, taking roughly 6-7 hours for the main story, with completionist runs ranging from 14 to 26 hours, as noted by
Both games are kid-friendly, but the Yarnys can be surprisingly challenging. Unravel 2 may need some familiarity with game mechanics. It’s suitable for kids but not specifically for very young or completely new gamers.
Yarny and Friends: The Woolen Stars
Let’s focus on the stars—Yarnys! Yarny, the red main character from Unravel 1, returns in Unravel 2. The blue Yarny, Tangle, joins the woolen family. Yarny’s gender is neutral, often using they/them pronouns, adding an inclusive charm.
In Unravel 2, players can create their own Yarny, adding a personal touch to adventures.
Co-op Unraveled: Playing Together
Unravel 2 offers local co-op, meaning friends need to play on the same couch. There is no online co-op available. This may disappoint some players but enhances puzzle-solving in the same room. On PlayStation, remember you may require a PS Plus account for the main player, while Player 2 can join without one.
While designed with co-op in mind, Unravel 2 plays well solo too. You can switch between Yarnys and manage both roles yourself. Whether you have a friend or prefer solo play, Unravel 2 suits both styles.
Unravel 3? Don’t Hold Your Breath
If you think about Unravel 3, keep your hopes in check. Developers have indicated that Unravel 3 isn’t coming “anytime soon.” So, enjoy Unravel and Unravel 2.
The Verdict: Unravel 1 or 2 First?
Back to the question: Do you need to play Unravel 1 before 2? No. Unravel 2 stands strong on its own two (or four) yarn feet. If you like co-op gameplay and improved platforming, Unravel 2 is a great starting point.
However, if you cherish stories and emotional narratives, starting with Unravel 1 will enhance your appreciation of the series. Some say the first game has a better story while Unravel 2 is praised for gameplay and co-op features. You can’t go wrong either way—choose what interests you most and prepare to get wonderfully tangled up in Yarny’s world.
Technical Threads: Specs and Sizes
For the tech-savvy, Unravel Two requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. For PS4 downloads, the file size is about 3.3 GB, while Steam requires around 8 GB of storage space. Just a yarn-sized detail to remember!
Level Count: Chapters and Challenges
If you want content volume, Unravel 1 has twelve chapters to guide you through Yarny’s adventure. Unravel 2 features seven main story chapters, plus twenty challenge levels and extra puzzles in its Lighthouse hub world. So the sequel’s main chapters are fewer, but plenty keeps you occupied.
Go forth and unravel fun! Whether you start with Unravel 1 or jump into Unravel 2, an enjoyable and creatively crafted puzzle-platforming experience awaits.
