How to Read the Uncharted Books in Order
Nathan Drake’s legendary adventures aren't confined to your PlayStation. Over the years, the Uncharted universe has expanded into print media, offering fans new puzzles to solve and ancient mysteries to uncover. Whether you are looking for prequel comic runs, a deep-dive standalone novel, or an alternate-universe origin story, the Uncharted print bibliography has something for every adventure seeker.
Since the franchise spans different media and timelines, figuring out where to start can be tricky. This guide breaks down the recommended reading paths, publication details, and where these written adventures fit within the broader franchise timeline.
The Recommended Reading Paths
There are two distinct ways to approach the Uncharted books depending on whether you want to stick strictly to the video game canon or explore the alternate film universe:
- The Video Game Canon Path: This is the ideal route for fans of the Naughty Dog games. Start with the 6-issue Uncharted comic miniseries (which acts as a prequel to the games) and then read the standalone novel Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth.
- The Alternate Movie Path: If you enjoyed the 2022 live-action movie starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, you should read Uncharted: The Official Movie Novelization. This book offers an expanded look at the film's events but exists in its own separate timeline.
Uncharted Books in Publication Order
If you want to read or collect the Uncharted print works in the exact order they were released, follow this list:
- Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth (October 4, 2011) – The first official novel, written by Christopher Golden and published by Del Rey.
- Uncharted (Comic Series #1–6) (November 2, 2011 – April 25, 2012) – A six-issue comic book miniseries written by Joshua Williamson and published by DC Comics. The individual issues were later compiled into a single Trade Paperback on July 17, 2012.
- Uncharted: The Official Movie Novelization (February 22, 2022) – A film tie-in novel written by S.D. Perry and published by Titan Books.
Chronological Order Within the Game Universe
For readers who want to line up the print stories chronologically with the events of the PlayStation video games, here is how the narrative flow looks:
- Uncharted (DC Comics Miniseries #1–6): Set before the events of the second game. In this story, Nathan Drake and Victor "Sully" Sullivan seek the legendary Amber Room, leading them to a subterranean world beneath the North and South Poles.
- Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Video Game, 2007): The first game in the series, introducing Nate, Sully, and Elena Fisher as they search for El Dorado.
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Video Game, 2009): Nate searches for the Cintamani Stone and the lost city of Shambhala.
- Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth (Novel): Set approximately in 2010 or 2011. While the publisher initially noted it as a standalone side-adventure, internal clues (like a reference to a discovery made "ten years ago" in 2001) place it between the second and third games. In this story, Nate and Sully seek the mythical Daedalus Labyrinths. Notably, Elena and Chloe are absent, aligning with Nate's solo treasure-hunting phases.
- Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game, 2011): Nate searches for the lost "Atlantis of the Sands."
- Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Video Game, 2016): Nate's final retirement adventure alongside his long-lost brother, Sam.
Deep Dive: The Printed Adventures
Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth (2011)
Written by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden, this is the only traditional, full-length prose novel set in the original game continuity. The plot kicks off when Victor "Sully" Sullivan's archaeologist friend is brutally murdered. Seeking answers and retribution, Nate and Sully team up with the archaeologist's brilliant daughter, Jada Hzujak. The search takes them on a globetrotting journey from New York to the dusty excavation sites of Egypt and the ancient ruins of Greece.
The core mystery revolves around the legendary Labyrinths of Daedalus, weaving historical alchemical lore, King Midas, and a dangerous secret society called the Sentinels. Golden successfully captures the signature Uncharted flavor: fast-paced action, ancient architecture, and the warm, father-son dynamic between Nate and Sully. However, fans often note that the book's violence is slightly grittier and more graphic than the games' typical lighthearted PG-13 action tone.
Uncharted: The DC Comics Miniseries (2011–2012)
Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Francesco Francavilla and others, this six-issue run is a must-read for completionists. The narrative follows Nathan Drake and Sully on a high-stakes search for the legendary Amber Room. The trail takes them to the frozen peaks of the Himalayas, where they uncover a warm, tropical sanctuary hidden under the ice, and eventually to the South Pole.
The comic series does a fantastic job of establishing Drake's roguish charm and Sully's protective but grumbling mentorship. Because Williamson worked closely with the Naughty Dog development team, the comic feels like a seamless extension of the games, introducing secondary characters and rival treasure hunters that feel right at home in the franchise.
Uncharted: The Official Movie Novelization (2022)
Written by S.D. Perry (widely known for her acclaimed Resident Evil novelizations), this book adapts the 2022 Uncharted feature film. Because the movie acts as an alternate-universe origin story, this novel is not canon to the video games. Instead, it offers a fresh take on how a younger Nathan Drake (working as a bartender in New York) is first recruited by Victor Sullivan to find Ferdinand Magellan's lost gold.
Perry's novelization is highly regarded by fans of the movie because it adds internal monologues and extra scenes that flesh out the characters' motivations. It provides a deeper look into the trust issues between young Nate and Sully, making it a satisfying read even if you have already watched the movie.
Practical Reader Advice
Can you read the Uncharted books without playing the games?
Yes, you absolutely can. Both The Fourth Labyrinth and the DC Comics miniseries are designed as self-contained story arcs. Christopher Golden wrote the novel with newcomers in mind, meaning you do not need to understand complex video game lore or character backstories to enjoy the archaeological thriller plot. That said, having a basic familiarity with Nathan Drake's sarcastic personality and Sully's classic mentor role will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the dialogue.
Are the books canon?
Yes, the comic miniseries and The Fourth Labyrinth are widely accepted as canon by the fan community. Del Rey originally marketed the novel as a standalone adventure that wouldn't interfere with the main game storylines, which allowed them to tell a complete story without worrying about game development changes. There are no major continuity errors, allowing them to fit perfectly into the timeline. The 2022 movie novelization, however, is strictly canon to the movie's cinematic universe and exists in a separate timeline.
Where is the best place to start?
If you are a fan of the games, the best starting point is Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth. It offers the most substantial narrative experience and captures the true pulp-adventure spirit of the franchise. If you prefer visual storytelling or want to see the chronological beginning of Nate and Sully's print adventures, start with the DC Comics trade paperback collection.