Is True Colors a Sequel? Where Life Is Strange Fits

Life is Strange: True Colors is a standalone sequel in the same universe, rather than a direct continuation of the earlier games’ main stories. You can start with True Colors without playing Life is Strange, Before the Storm or Life is Strange 2.

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That is the developer’s intended entry point, not just a fan recommendation. In an Xbox interview, Deck Nine producer Rebeccah Bassell explained that newcomers can jump straight in, while returning players will recognise references to previous games. Xbox’s interview with Rebeccah Bassell

The important exception is Wavelengths, the optional bonus story about Steph. It has stronger connections to the earlier games and discusses consequences of the original Life is Strange ending. If you want to discover that ending yourself, save Wavelengths for later.

You can start with Alex’s story

True Colors introduces Alex Chen and the Colorado town of Haven Springs. Alex’s supernatural ability is Empathy: she can absorb and manipulate other people’s strong emotions. Her story centres on her family, the people she meets and a mystery within the town. Square Enix’s official description establishes those characters and circumstances as the foundation of this game. Square Enix’s True Colors overview

You do not need a recap of Max and Chloe’s adventures to understand Alex’s goals. Nor do you need to finish Sean and Daniel’s story in Life is Strange 2. Those games provide familiarity with the series, but they are not required chapters of Alex’s investigation.

For someone deciding whether to buy True Colors, that distinction matters more than its position in a release list. You are choosing a complete story you can begin now. You do not have to buy several older games before finding out whether you enjoy this style of adventure.

The main game also arrived as a complete release, despite retaining chapter breaks. Bassell explained that players could choose whether to continue immediately or pause between chapters. You are not buying the opening instalment of an unfinished release schedule. Xbox’s developer interview

For a rough sense of that commitment, Push Square reported 10–11 hours, while GameGrin reported approximately 14–15 hours for a single playthrough. These are reviewers’ reported play times, not a fixed duration or measurements made by this site. They help establish the practical point: starting True Colors does not require a series marathon first. Push Square’s PS5 review, GameGrin’s review

What connects True Colors to the earlier games?

The connections are easier to understand when you separate a shared universe from a continuing plot.

GameGrin identifies True Colors as the third main entry and singles out Steph, previously seen in Before the Storm, as its returning character. Its review also confirms that newcomers can follow the game without previous experience. GameGrin’s account of the connections

That explains why you may encounter True Colors described as “Life is Strange 3.” The shorthand refers to its place among the main entries. It does not mean Alex takes over an unresolved mission from Life is Strange 2.

Steph is the reason saying the games are “completely unrelated” would also be misleading. Players who know her earlier appearance bring extra context to meeting her in Haven Springs. New players can get to know her through Alex’s story instead.

If you are specifically looking for the next chapter of Max and Chloe’s story, True Colors will not fulfil that expectation: its lead character and central mystery are different. If you want another Life is Strange adventure without committing to the earlier cast, that same separation makes it an accessible starting point.

Save Wavelengths until after the earlier stories

Wavelengths is a prequel to True Colors, but it looks back at events from the original Life is Strange. Square Enix places it in the year before Alex arrives in Haven Springs, with Steph working at the record shop and radio station. Square Enix’s Wavelengths description

The detail that changes the play-order advice is the DLC’s opening question about the ending of the first game. GameGrin’s reviewer describes how that choice affects Steph’s story and how the episode explores its consequences. The linked review contains spoilers; you do not need to read it to follow this recommendation. GameGrin’s Wavelengths review

For newcomers interested mainly in Alex, start with True Colors. If you then want Steph’s background while preserving the earlier surprises, play Life is Strange, then Before the Storm, before moving to Wavelengths. This is a suggested discovery order, not the fictional chronology. Life is Strange 2 is not necessary for that route.

For a physical purchase, the Life is Strange: True Colors Standard Edition is sufficient for Alex’s main story. On PS5, choose the PS5 disc edition only if your console has a disc drive. Its relevant omission is Wavelengths: Square Enix explains that owners of the standard boxed game can access that story through the separate Deluxe Upgrade. Square Enix’s boxed-edition guidance

There is no game here that deserves a blanket “do not buy” verdict because of its sequel status. The useful warning concerns play order: True Colors can be your first Life is Strange game; Wavelengths is better saved until you know the earlier stories.