13 recommended rankings for the Atelier series. Introducing masterpieces that are easy to play even for beginners

The Atelier series is an RPG released by Koei Tecmo Games' game brand Gust. The first work was “Atelier Marie” released in 1997. At the time, classic fantasy was the mainstream, but it attracted a lot of attention for incorporating the maniac subject of alchemy.

The biggest feature of the series is the “synthesis” system. You can create new items by combining various items obtained on your adventures. This series is recommended not only for those who like fantasy RPGs but also for those who like management simulations.

How to choose Atelier series

Select by series

The Atelier series is characterized by the fact that the main character changes each time. The worldview is also updated every 2 to 4 titles, so the Atelier series is further divided into series. There are basically no clear connections with other series, so even beginners can easily play the game.

“Saalburg” series

The “Saarburg” series is a compilation of the first three works of the Atelier series, “Marie,” “Ellie,” and “Lily.” The flow of the “synthesis” system was already complete in the first game, and with the second and third games, the number of synthesis methods increased, and the elements of play increased as well. Although there are some rough edges in terms of game balance, etc., it is recommended for those who want to experience the early works of the series.

“Gram Nato” series

The “Gramnath'' series is a compilation of the fourth work “Eudy'' and the fifth work “Violato''. The concept of “quality” such as freshness and characteristics of items appears for the first time. You can now enjoy more advanced formulations. Although the setting has changed to the Gramnath region, the world view is the same, and characters from the Saarburg series will make guest appearances.

“Iris” series

The 6th to 8th works, “Eternal Mana'', “Eternal Mana 2'', and “Grand Phantasm'', are called the “Iris'' series. This series is characterized by strong RPG elements. Rather than managing an atelier like in the past, the game design is a pure fantasy RPG that retains the synthesis elements. It's unique for the main series, but if you like adventure, check it out.

“Mana Kemia” series

The 9th work “Manakhemia'' and the 10th work “Manakhemia 2'' are called the “Manakhemia'' series. Although “Atelier” is missing from the title, it is one of the main series. This series is set in an alchemy school. The key point is that it returns to its roots and uses alchemy as its theme, while also incorporating RPG elements cultivated in the “Iris” series. Both works have a high degree of perfection and are considered masterpieces among fans.

“Arland” series

The 4 titles, including the 11th to 13th titles “Rorona,” “Totori,” and “Meruru,” and the 20th title “Lulua,” are called the “Arland” series. It is characterized by returning to its roots, such as the management of the atelier, the fun of mixing, and the adventure of collecting materials. The transparent character illustrations drawn by popular illustrator Mel Kishida are also popular. It is packed with the charm of the Atelier series, so it is a series recommended for first-time players.

“Twilight” series

The “Twilight'' series consists of three films, “Asha'', “Escha & Logy'', and “Shari'', which are the 14th to 16th works. This work is themed around the era of twilight, when a civilization that flourished through alchemy ended and quietly fell into ruin. It has a more serious worldview than the Atelier series, but it's not a gloomy story. You can enjoy stories about positive protagonists even in harsh situations.

“Mystery” series

This is Atelier's first work, the “Mystery” series, in which two illustrators were employed simultaneously. This applies to a total of four works: 17th to 19th works, “Sophie'', “Phyllis'', “Lydie & Suelle'', and 23rd work, “Sophie 2''. This series is attractive for its puzzle-like and deep composition elements. Also, the fact that the time limit is relaxed so you can explore at your leisure is also appreciated. Like the “Arland” series, it is recommended for first-time players.

“Secret” series

This is the latest series that started with the 21st work, “Liza”. The characters designed by illustrator Toridamono became a hot topic on social media and became a huge hit. The 22nd work also attracted attention as it was the first time in the Atelier series that the main character continued to play the role. The blending system is easy to use, but it is also worth the effort. The appeal is that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from beginners to those with experience in the series.

Choose from hardware

If you have a PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, or PC, we recommend titles from the Arland series onwards. In addition to improved graphics, the ported “DX version” has luxurious specifications, including DLC and added scenarios. Check it out if you're playing for the first time.

Also, if you have a PSP, you can play older titles. We recommend the “Plus version” which adds new elements to the original version. However, be careful if you want to download and play. Due to the end of the service, it is no longer possible to purchase directly from the PSP, so you must purchase it from the PS Vita or purchase it from the PS3 and then copy it to the PSP.

Select by release order

Each game in the Atelier series has an independent world view, and the main character changes each time, so you can enjoy it no matter where you start. However, some of them may contain spoilers from previous games, so be careful if you want to play through the series from now on. If you want to enjoy the story as well, we recommend playing the series you are interested in starting with the earliest release date.

Recommended ranking of Atelier series

1st place Crimson Alchemist and White Guardian ~Atelier Wrestleliana~[PS5, PS4, Switch, Steam]

The latest work in the series where you can enjoy the atmosphere of an atelier

This is the latest work in the Atelier series, released on September 26, 2025. Set in the same world as the smartphone app game “Atelier Wrestleliana'', the story unfolds to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of residents in Halfen, a town that once prospered through mining and trade.

The main characters of this work are Rias and Sorey, whose hometown is Halfen, which has become a forbidden place. In addition to the alchemy system that is the tradition of the series, you can enjoy various elements such as “Subspace Path'' where the map and monsters that appear change depending on the journey you take, and “Shop Management'' where you can sell the items you have obtained.

Another great feature is that many characters that appeared in previous works appear. This is a recommended game software that pursues the essence of the classic “Atelier” series.

・Package version

2nd place Atelier Yumia ~The Alchemist of Memories and the Land of Illusion~[PS5, PS4, Switch, Steam, Xbox]

Let's go on a journey to pursue the truth of alchemy.

This is the latest work in the Atelier series, released on March 21, 2025. This is a series that incorporates alchemy into its works, but this work is characterized by the fact that alchemy is considered “taboo.” The Alladis Empire, which had once achieved remarkable development through alchemy, was destroyed by a sudden natural disaster, and alchemy was considered a “dangerous art that could lead to destruction.''

When the main character, Yumia, loses her mother in an accident three years ago, she learns that she comes from a family of alchemists. She wonders why alchemy was tabooed and whether alchemy is really “evil,” and decides to go on a journey to discover history, believing that the truth lies on the destroyed continent.

In “Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Land of Illusions”, the story unfolds in a vast open field. You can enjoy item synthesis using the “mana'' that resides in materials, and housing that allows you to create your favorite base. If you are curious about the “truth” that awaits you at the end of your journey, please check it out.

See Amazon reviews/See Rakuten review

・Package version

・Download version

3rd place Atelier Totori ~Alchemist of Arland 2~[PS4,PS3,Vita,Switch,Steam]

One of the best works in the Atelier series

“Atelier Totori: The Alchemist of Arland 2” is an RPG released on PS3 in 2010. The main character of this work is Totori, a girl who is an alchemist. The story is about a man who aims to become a first-class adventurer in order to find his missing mother.

The biggest feature of this work is the “adventurer's license”. This is a new system that allows you to go to unexplored areas by accumulating points and raising your adventurer rank. There are various ways to earn points by exploring, or by spending all your time in battle, which greatly increases the degree of freedom for players.

Another reason for its popularity is that it has many attractive characters, including Totori, the main character. Rorona, the main character of the previous game, also appears, but she is not deeply involved in the story, so there is no problem even if you have not played the game. This is a work recommended for those playing the Atelier series for the first time.

・Atelier Totori ~Alchemist of Arland 2~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Totori ~Alchemist of Arland 2~ DX (Switch version)

4th place Atelier Sophie ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book~[PS4,PS3,Vita,Switch,Steam]

The fun of mixing is top level

“Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book” is the first work in the “Mysterious” series, released in 2015. The main character is Sophie, who lives in a town called Kirchen Bell. Learn alchemy with the mysterious book “Plachta” that speaks.

This work is characterized by the revival of the concept of time. As time passes, events may occur, the materials that can be collected in the field may change, and the monsters that appear may change. However, don't worry, there is no time limit. Players can enjoy the adventure at their own pace.

Another point is that the compounding system is interesting. It has a strong puzzle-like element, and you have to use your brain to create good items. The simple yet profound system is highly praised among fans. Like “Totori,'' this game is also recommended for those who have no experience with the series.

・Atelier Sophie ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Sophie ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book~ DX (Switch version)

No. 5 Atelier Ryza ~Eternal Darkness and the Secret Hideout~[PS4, Switch, Steam]

See Rakuten review

The biggest hit of the Atelier series

The RPG “Atelier Ryza: Ever Dark Queen and the Secret Hideout” was released in 2019. It is one of the best-selling titles in the Atelier series, with cumulative worldwide shipments exceeding 500,000 copies. The main character is Liza, an ordinary girl who lives in a boring village. The story depicts a great summer adventure between young boys and girls.

The synthesis system uses “linkage synthesis,” which allows even beginners to easily create items by simply adding the ingredients according to the recipe. In addition, “Item Rebuild'' has been added to further synthesize and strengthen the items you have created, allowing you to enjoy synthesis with even greater freedom.

Another feature of this work is that there is no time limit. Although the number of days has passed, there is no limit on when you have to clear the scenario, so you can feel free to play. Recommended for those playing the Atelier series for the first time.

・Atelier Ryza ~Eternal Darkness and the Secret Hideout~ (PS4 version)

・Atelier Ryza ~Eternal Darkness and the Secret Hideout~ (Switch version)

No. 6 Atelier Rorona ~Alchemist of Arland~[PS4,PS3,Vita,Switch,3DS,Steam]

The first installment of the popular “Arland” series

“Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland” was released as a PS3 game in 2009. The setting of this work is the small kingdom of Arland. The story is about Rorona, a novice alchemist, who struggles to rebuild her atelier, which is on the verge of closure.

The key point is that it returns to the game design of Atelier's early works, including the management of the atelier, simple battles, and exploration of the gathering area. As it is the first game in the Arland series, it has some rough edges, but it is popular because it has many attractive characters.

If you are planning to play from now on, we recommend the DX version, which includes DLC and is based on the remake of Atelier New Rorona ~Alchemist of Arland~. If you are interested in Rorona's story after playing Totori, please give it a try.

・Atelier Rorona ~Alchemist of Arland~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Rorona ~Alchemist of Arland~ DX (Switch version)

No. 7 Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemists of the Dusk Sky~[PS4,PS3,Vita,Switch,Steam]

Adopts a double protagonist system

“Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Twilight Sky” was released on PS3 in 2013. This is the second work in the “Twilight” series, set in a world on the brink of extinction. The story of two alchemists unfolds in the remote town of Colseit.

This work uses a protagonist selection system. You can choose between Eska, a girl who deals with old alchemy, and Rosie, a young man dispatched from a research city, as the main character. The events that occur when you are alone will change, and the same event will have a different perspective, so your motivation for the second round will increase.

In the previous series, items disappear when you use them, but in this game you don't lose them, just the number of times you use them decreases. The consumption count will be fully recovered when you return from exploration, so you can use the item easily. This game software is recommended for those who want to enjoy intense battles.

・Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Dusk Sky~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Dusk Sky~ DX (Switch version)

No. 8 Atelier Meruru ~Alchemist of Arland 3~[PS4,PS3,Vita,Switch,Steam]

The culmination of the “Arland” series

“Atelier Meruru ~Alchemist of Arland 3~” is an RPG released as a PS3 game software in 2011. The main character is Merle, the princess of the Kingdom of Earls. The story is about developing a kingdom through alchemy.

This is the third game in the Arland series, and the game system is truly the culmination of the game. It's a title with a high level of perfection overall, with a high degree of freedom in exploration, complex combinations, and battles with an increased level of strategy.

The story of the previous work “Rorona” and the previous work “Totori” will be introduced in a digest, so you can also play from this work. However, there are bits and pieces from previous games scattered throughout, so if you want to enjoy character interactions, we recommend playing the series in order of release date.

・Atelier Meruru ~Alchemist of Arland 3~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Meruru ~Alchemist of Arland 3~ DX (Switch version)

No. 9 Atelier Lulua ~Alchemist of Arland 4~[PS4, Switch, Steam]

The main character is Rorona's daughter.

“Atelier Lulua ~Alchemist of Arland 4~” is an RPG released in 2019. This is a legitimate sequel that has been restarted eight years after the third installment of the “Arland” series was released. Although the worldview of the Atelier series is regularly reset, this is the first time a fourth work has been released.

The main character is Lulua, a girl who lives in the frontier town of Arcuris. He embarks on a great adventure in an attempt to surpass his mother, Rorona, who is a great alchemist. The story progresses and you can acquire recipes and skills by deciphering the mysterious ancient document “Alchemiriddle”. There is no time limit, so you can enjoy detours as well.

Another point of this work is that it depicts the growth of the characters from the first to third works of the Arland series. If you have played the previous games, there are some developments that will come in handy. This is a recommended game software that you want to play after “Rorona'', “Totori'', and “Meruru''.

・Atelier Lulua ~Alchemist of Arland 4~ (PS4 version)

・Atelier Lulua ~Alchemist of Arland 4~ (Switch version)

No. 10 Atelier Lydie & Suelle ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Painting~[PS4, Vita, Switch, Steam]

Perfect for those who like to get involved!

The RPG “Atelier Lydie & Suelle ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Painting~” was released in 2017. The main characters of this work are twin alchemists Lydie and Suelle. The story begins when they find a “mysterious painting'' that allows them to enter the world inside.

This is the final work in the “Mystery” series, and the synthesis system is a further evolution of the well-received “Sophie” system. This is a puzzle-like mini-game that uses an alchemy cauldron as a board, and with the addition of a new element, “activation items,'' you can now enjoy even more advanced synthesis.

This game is based on the first and second games, and is carefully crafted to make it easy to play even for beginners. There are a lot of elements to play, so it is recommended not only for fans of the Atelier series but also for those who want to play the game thoroughly.

・Atelier Lydie & Suelle ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Painting~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Lydie & Suelle ~The Alchemist of the Mysterious Painting~ DX (Switch version)

No. 11 Atelier Firis ~The Alchemist's Mysterious Journey~[PS4, Vita, Switch, Steam]

By: gust.co.jp

Travel through an open world style world

“Atelier Firis ~The Alchemist's Mysterious Journey~” was released in 2016. This is the second work in the “Mystery” series, which depicts heart-warming everyday life. The main character is Firis, a girl who lives in Eltona, a town deep underground. The story is about someone aiming to become a full-fledged alchemist in order to go out into the outside world.

As the title suggests, the theme is “travel”. The game uses a game system in which gathering, synthesis, and battle take place in an open world-like field that connects vast maps. Perfect for those who love exploring.

There is a one-year deadline for taking the official alchemist exam, but if you pass, the restriction will be lifted. You can move forward with the event freely and leisurely towards your new goal. Although it is a challenging work in the Atelier series, it is a well-made RPG and is recommended.

See Amazon reviews/See Rakuten review

・Atelier Firis ~The Alchemist's Mysterious Journey~ DX (PS4 version)

・Atelier Firis ~The Alchemist's Mysterious Journey~ DX (Switch version)

No. 12 Atelier Marie Remake ~The Alchemist of Salburg~[PS5, PS4, Switch, Steam]

The origin of the series is finally fully remade!

The first game, “Atelier Marie: The Alchemist of Salburg,” was released in 1997 for the original PS. At that time, there were many classic RPGs with heroes as the main characters, but this one appeared as an RPG that did not save the world. It was loved by many fans and later developed into a hugely popular series with more than 20 works.

The main character is Marie, a failed alchemist. In order to graduate from the academy, I aim to create an item that will satisfy my teacher within 5 years. Players are free to choose how they proceed, such as diligently synthesizing, collecting items in the suburbs, or spending time on adventures.

This software is a full remake of the first game, with graphics upgraded to modern specifications. The UI has also been improved, and battles and synthesis can be performed more comfortably, making the game much easier to play. If you want to get a feel for the origins of Atelier's works, please give it a try.

・Atelier Marie Remake ~Alchemist of Saarburg~ (PS5 version)

・Atelier Marie Remake ~The Alchemist of Saarburg~ (PS4 version)

・Atelier Marie Remake ~The Alchemist of Saarburg~ (Switch version)

13th place Manakemia ~School Alchemists~[PS2,PSP]