GameTimeline

Release & story order

Mirror's Edge games in order

Use this page for Mirror's Edge games in order—DICE’s first-person parkour from the 2008 original through Mirror's Edge Catalyst (2016). Release lists US ship dates so you can follow the franchise’s long gap. Story treats Catalyst as a soft reboot / prequel-flavored reintroduction of Faith—continuity is debated, so FAQ covers how literally to connect the two. Essentials covers original-first, Catalyst-only, or both. Urban-action neighbors: Watch Dogs, Cyberpunk, and Batman: Arkham.

Updated September 2026

Pick your path:

Original first Catalyst only Both Full release list Story order

Where to start

Pick Original first for the 2008 classic then Catalyst, Catalyst only if you want the open-city reboot without the older linear campaign, or Both when you want the full shipped Mirror's Edge game set. Essentials keeps the checklist to the path you chose.

  • Purists → original-first for the lean linear runner
  • Open-world preference → catalyst-only on modern hardware
  • Completionists → both, accepting soft continuity
  • Short session test → try 2008’s early chapters before buying Catalyst

Release order

When DICE shipped each Mirror's Edge game in the US—Mirror's Edge (November 11, 2008) and Mirror's Edge Catalyst (June 7, 2016). The eight-year gap matters: Catalyst rebuilds systems and city fantasy for a new console generation rather than shipping as a numbered sequel with imported saves.

  • Classic first → 2008 Mirror's Edge, then Catalyst
  • Modern parkour only → Catalyst-only on current platforms
  • Both → expect different combat and city designs, not a seamless save transfer
  • Skip cost → skipping 2008 loses the leaner linear runner fantasy many fans still prefer
Story order tips

Continuity is soft and debated. Many players treat Catalyst as a reboot or loose prequel reintroducing Faith’s runner life, not a strict chronological Part 2. Story tab still lists original first, then Catalyst, because that is how the brand entered culture—then use FAQ when you care whether rooftops “count” as the same canon.

  • Brand order: 2008 original → Catalyst (soft reboot / prequel vibes)
  • Do not expect Catalyst to continue every 2008 plot beat literally
  • Faith returns; exact city politics and supporting cast continuity are debated
  • On Story order, Catalyst may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

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

Release order

  1. Mirror's Edge

    Mirror's Edge

    PCPS3Xbox 360ParkourMainline

    Mirror's Edge (2008) is DICE’s first-person runner—Faith Connors delivers messages across a blinding white city with wall-runs, precision jumps, and a soundtrack that still defines parkour fantasy. Leaner and more linear than Catalyst’s open city.

    Overview
    First-person freerunning without a floating gun crosshair as the star—movement readability, color-coded runner vision, and anti-corporate delivery fantasy created a genre niche few shooters matched.
    In-game setting
    Linear city-of-glass campaign focused on Faith’s runner deliveries and family fallout. Continuity into Catalyst is soft: treat characters as reintroduced rather than a strict Part 2 save import.
    Should you play it?
    Start here for brand history and the classic linear feel. Optional if you only want Catalyst’s open city. Neighbor urban grit: Watch Dogs and Cyberpunk.
    Release date
    US November 11, 2008 on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Legacy hardware; PC is the practical modern way to revisit.
  2. Mirror's Edge Catalyst

    Mirror's Edge Catalyst

    PCPS4Xbox OneParkourMainlineReboot

    Mirror's Edge Catalyst (2016) rebuilds Faith’s city as an open parkour sandbox with grid missions, freerflow combat tweaks, and soft-reboot storytelling. It is the modern-platform Mirror's Edge most players can still buy easily.

    Overview
    Open-city traversal, side activities, and a systems pass aimed at making runner movement the entire loop. Divisive combat and online remnants dated some features, but rooftop flow remains the draw.
    In-game setting
    Soft reboot / prequel-flavored Faith origin vibes rather than a hard sequel checklist. Play after 2008 for brand contrast, or alone if you only want the open city. Continuity debate lives in FAQ.
    Should you play it?
    Best “can I run this on a 2016–2020 console/PC?” Mirror's Edge. Required on Catalyst-only and both Essentials paths. Skip-safe for purists who only love the 2008 linearity.
    Release date
    US June 7, 2016 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

FAQ

Original vs Catalyst order, continuity reboot debate, which to play in 2026, and platform notes.

Play order

Brand history: Mirror's Edge (2008) → Catalyst (2016).

Modern only: Catalyst alone on PC/PS4/Xbox One-class hardware.

Urban neighbors: Watch Dogs and Cyberpunk.

Yes. Catalyst is designed as a reintroduction. You miss the leaner linear classic and some brand nostalgia, but you do not soft-lock a required plot import. Choose Catalyst-only on Essentials if open-city traversal is your priority.

Continuity & story

Fans and marketing have used all three framings. Practically, treat Catalyst as a soft reboot with prequel-ish Faith origin vibes—not a strict chronological Part 2 that continues every 2008 beat. Play both for contrast; do not expect save-import canon.

Optional & related

More timelines

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