Fable Games in Order: The Complete Playthrough Guide
Discover the best way to experience the Fable series. We break down every Fable game in order, from the original 2004 classic to the upcoming sequels.
Why This Guide Matters
The Fable series has been one of Xbox's most iconic franchises, blending moral choice, humor, and fantasy adventure since 2004. For both newcomers and longtime fans, figuring out Fable games in order can be confusing — especially with remasters, cancelled projects, and the highly anticipated return of the franchise. This guide will walk you through every mainline release, helping you understand the chronology and what each game brings to the table.
The Mainline Fable Games — Released Chronologically
When discussing the primary series, we're focusing on the core single-player RPG titles developed by Lionhead Studios and later by Playground Games. Here's the definitive timeline:
| # | Title | Release Date | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fable | September 14, 2004 | Xbox, PC (GOG), Xbox One/Xbox Series X (via backward compatibility) |
| 2 | Fable: The Lost Chapters | October 17, 2005 | Xbox, PC |
| 3 | Fable II | October 21, 2007 | Xbox 360, PC |
| 4 | Fable III | October 26, 2009 | Xbox 360, PC |
| 5 | Fable Anniversary | March 17, 2014 | Xbox One, Xbox 360 |
| 6 | Fable Legends | Cancelled (development ended March 2016) | Xbox One |
1. Fable (2004)
The original Fable was a genre-defining RPG that introduced players to the peaceful village of Oakfield and the vast, morally gray world of Albion. You created your own hero, made choices that shaped the narrative, and watched as your character physically changed based on whether you leaned toward the light side or the dark side. It was groundbreaking for its time and remains one of the most influential RPGs ever made.
The game's signature feature was its karma system — every decision, big or small, affected not only the story but also your appearance. A pure hero might glow with divine light, while a villainous path could turn your character into a towering figure of shadow and fire.
2. Fable: The Lost Chapters (2005)
The Lost Chapters is an expanded version of the original game, featuring a new storyline, additional areas, and extra quests that take place before the events of the first game. While it reuses much of the original engine and assets, the added content gives fans a deeper look into the world of Albion. It's essentially the definitive version of the first game for those who want more content.
3. Fable II (2007)
Considered by many to be the peak of the series, Fable II refined everything that made the first game great. The story followed a hero tasked with stopping the villainous Jack of Blades from conquering Albion. What set Fable II apart was its emotional depth — you could marry, have children, and your family would play roles in the narrative. The combat was snappier, the world was more vibrant, and the humor hit even harder.
The sequel also introduced a more dynamic economy and a richer skill system, allowing for deeper character customization. It earned critical acclaim and is widely regarded as one of the best Xbox 360 exclusives of its generation.
4. Fable III (2009)
Fable III continued the saga by casting you as a royal sibling fighting to liberate Albion from tyrannical rule. The stakes were higher, the world was larger, and the game introduced naval combat and empire-building mechanics. You could become king or queen, and your decisions as a ruler had lasting consequences on the nation's economy, military, and public opinion.
However, some fans felt that Fable III strayed slightly from what made the series special, focusing more on large-scale warfare than personal moral dilemmas. Still, it delivered a satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy's story arc.
5. Fable Anniversary (2014)
Xbox celebrated the franchise's 10th anniversary with Fable Anniversary, a full remake of the original game. It featured updated graphics, improved UI, rebalanced gameplay, and additional cutscenes. While it didn't add new story content, it served as the most accessible way for newer players to experience the game that started it all.
This remaster brought the classic to a wider audience and reintroduced veteran fans to Albion's beauty and charm with modern polish.
The Cancelled Chapter: Fable Legends
In 2014, Microsoft announced Fable Legends, a cooperative multiplayer title that promised to bring a fresh twist to the franchise. Unfortunately, development was plagued by delays and internal changes. By March 2016, the project was cancelled, and Lionhead Studios was shut down. The announcement left fans heartbroken, but it also set the stage for a future return.
The Long Wait and the Road Back
After Lionhead's closure, the Fable franchise entered a long dormancy. Fans speculated endlessly about whether the series would ever return. Some early rumors pointed toward a console war between Sony and Microsoft for the rights, but it was ultimately revealed that Xbox was working on a new Fable game.
In 2020, Xbox officially confirmed that Playground Games — the studio behind Forza Horizon — was developing the next mainline entry in the series. This marked a significant moment for fans, as Playground brought its expertise in open-world design to the beloved fantasy franchise.
Fable 5 and the New Direction
The upcoming Fable 5, often referred to simply as the next Fable installment, has generated enormous buzz. Early teasers and developer interviews suggest that the game will honor the series' roots while embracing modern RPG design. Playground Games has emphasized that the moral choice system and the signature humor will remain central to the experience.
The game is expected to launch on Xbox consoles and PC, likely leveraging the power of the Xbox Series X and Series S. While an official release date has not been finalized, industry sources suggest that 2026 is a realistic target window. Fans eager for more information should keep an eye on official Xbox channels for announcements.
One particularly exciting aspect of the new Fable is the focus on a fresh narrative while staying true to the series' identity. Reports indicate that the game will explore new corners of Albion, potentially introducing entirely new regions and lore that expand the universe beyond what previous titles covered.
How to Play Fable Games Today
If you're wondering where to start or how to play these games in the current generation, here are some practical tips:
- Xbox consoles: Most Fable titles are available through backward compatibility on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. You can purchase and download them from the Microsoft Store.
- PC: The original trilogy and Fable Anniversary are available on GOG and Steam, often bundled together.
- Best starting point: If you're new to the series, beginning with Fable II is recommended. It offers the best balance of accessibility, depth, and refinement. Alternatively, start with Fable Anniversary for a modernized take on the original.
- For lore enthusiasts: Playing in release order — from the original Fable through Fable III — provides the most coherent narrative experience.
The community has also created numerous mods and enhancements for PC versions, which can improve graphics, fix bugs, and extend replayability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Fable game?
Opinions vary, but Fable II is widely considered the best entry in the series. It perfected the formula established by the original and delivered a deeply engaging story with meaningful choices.
Is there a Fable game for PS5?
No. Fable is an exclusive franchise owned by Xbox and Microsoft. There are no plans for a PlayStation release, and the upcoming titles will remain Xbox and PC exclusives.
What happened to Fable Legends?
Development on Fable Legends was cancelled in 2016 after Lionhead Studios was closed by Microsoft. The cooperative multiplayer concept was never completed, and the project was officially scrapped.
When will the new Fable game release?
The next mainline Fable game is currently in development at Playground Games. While no official release date has been announced, speculation points to a 2026 window based on development timelines and industry patterns.
Should I play the Fable games in order?
Yes, if you want to understand the story continuity, playing the games in release order is the best approach. However, each game can be enjoyed on its own merits, and Fable II serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers.
Are there any Fable games on mobile?
No official Fable titles have been released for Android or iOS. The series has always been focused on console and PC platforms. Any mobile apps claiming to be Fable games are unofficial or fan-made projects.
What is the Fable game rating?
The Fable series is rated M (Mature 17+) by the ESRB due to violence, sexual content, and strong language. The tone balances humor and dark themes, making it suitable for mature audiences.
Who developed the Fable games?
The original trilogy and Fable Anniversary were developed by Lionhead Studios. Fable Legends was also developed by Lionhead before its cancellation. The upcoming Fable title is being developed by Playground Games.
Can I play Fable games on Xbox Series X?
Yes. All mainline Fable titles are backward compatible on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. You can purchase and play them digitally through the Microsoft Store.