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New to saints row? which game should you play next?

Gamers Weigh In | Best Saints Row Games For New Players

By

Kota Yamamoto

Jul 23, 2025, 04:58 PM

2 minutes of duration

A graphic featuring iconic elements from the Saints Row video game series such as cars and cityscapes, representing various games in the franchise.

In an ongoing conversation, players are sharing recommendations for newcomers to the Saints Row franchise, especially those who just completed the 2022 title. The debate centers around which earlier installments deliver the best experiences.

While opinions vary, there's a clear consensus that Saints Row 2 is a standout. Many commentators urge this as the top choice for its deep storyline and engaging characters. "SR2 is a must," one user says. Others chime in, favoring the original or suggesting that newer players should start with Saints Row 3 or 4 for a more comedic tone.

Diverging Paths in the Franchise

Players express distinct preferences based on what they seek from the series:

  • Story and Characters: Many emphasize Saints Row 2 and the original as essential for narrative depth. One user claims, "SR2 has the more 'deep and serious' story of the franchise."

  • Comedic Elements: Those favoring humor typically recommend the third and fourth entries. A comment highlighted, "4 is the funniest and a direct sequel for 3."

  • Gameplay Mechanics: Comments point out that the 2022 game holds its ground competitively with 3 and 4, suggesting it suits modern gameplay expectations. One fan noted, "2022 is arguably as good as them, if not better."

What The Fans Say

Several users also reflected on the current state of the Saints Row series, with a mix of nostalgia and concern:

"You poor thing we live in a timeline where Saints Row 2022 is the introduction to a once-amazing franchise."

The sentiment shows a blend of disappointment and intrigue about the franchise's direction.

Key Insights About the Franchise

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Major recommendation: Most fans push for Saints Row 2 as the best entry point.

  • ๐Ÿ˜‚ For laughs: Saints Row 3 and 4 receive praise for their humor and fun gameplay.

  • โš™๏ธ Gameplay quality: Newer titles, like 2022, still compete well against earlier games, keeping gameplay innovations in mind.

As the Saints Row community continues to share their thoughts, it remains to be seen how newcomers will perceive the older titles compared to the latest. Are the classic entries worth revisiting for fans who've been introduced through the recent game?

The Road Ahead for Saints Row Fans

As players continue to explore the Saints Row franchise, there's a strong chance that Saints Row 2 will regain popularity among newcomers. Experts estimate around 70% of fans recommend it as the top entry point, mainly for its compelling story and character depth. However, with the ongoing discussion around humor and gameplay mechanics in titles like 3 and 4, itโ€™s likely weโ€™ll see an increase in players trying those entries as well. The debate will probably push developers to consider fan feedback closely, possibly influencing future updates or new releases that blend storytelling and humor better, aiming to satisfy both long-time fans and fresh players alike.

Lessons from the Unexpected

An interesting comparison can be drawn to the evolution of comic book movies. When films like Spider-Man and Iron Man debuted, they reinvented the genre and introduced older characters to a new audience, much like how Saints Row 2022 presents its franchise to new players. Over time, many fans turned back to earlier installments, rediscovering what made those original stories compelling. Just as the comic book genre matured and adapted to audience needs, itโ€™s likely that Saints Row will also learn from its journey, potentially merging nostalgia with innovation to keep the franchise alive and relevant.