Is Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy a Prequel?
Evidence note: launch-dependent details remain marked Retail verification required.
Short answer: yes. *Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy* is an original prequel set before *A Plague Tale: Requiem*. It follows Sophia during an earlier part of her life and is designed to work as a standalone story, so you do not need to finish *A Plague Tale: Innocence* or *A Plague Tale: Requiem* before playing it.
Where does Resonance fit in the A Plague Tale timeline?
According to the official game information, *Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy* takes place roughly 15 years before the events of *A Plague Tale: Requiem*. The game moves away from the previous stories’ focus on Amicia and Hugo and puts Sophia at the centre of a new adventure.
Sophia travels to the mysterious Minotaur’s Island while searching for answers about her past. The story also connects her journey with ancient Minoan history, Theseus, the Minotaur myth, and the wider legacy of the Macula.
The setting is therefore earlier in the series timeline, but the game is not simply a retelling of either previous title. It is a new story built inside the same universe.
Is it a sequel to A Plague Tale: Requiem?
No. It is not a direct sequel to *Requiem*. A sequel would normally continue the events of the previous game, while *Resonance* goes back in time to explore Sophia’s earlier experiences and the origins of the mystery surrounding the island.
That said, returning players may recognise connections to *Requiem*. Sophia appeared in the earlier game, and this prequel gives players more context for her character. The story also expands the series’ mythology rather than abandoning it.
Do you need to play the previous A Plague Tale games first?
No. Focus Entertainment has stated that players do not need to have played *A Plague Tale: Innocence* or *A Plague Tale: Requiem* to enjoy *Resonance* and understand its main story.
Playing the previous games may still add background context. Returning players are more likely to recognise Sophia and appreciate references to the Macula and the broader history of the series. New players, however, can approach *Resonance* as a separate entry point.
Why do some players call it A Plague Tale 3?
Some searches refer to *Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy* as “A Plague Tale 3” because it is the next major game in the franchise. That phrase is useful when searching for information, but it is not the game’s official title.
The official name is *Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy*. It is best described as a standalone prequel or a new entry in the *A Plague Tale* universe, rather than as a numbered third game.
What is confirmed before release?
Before the retail launch, the following points are supported by official materials:
- The game is a prequel to the earlier *A Plague Tale* games.
- It takes place roughly 15 years before *A Plague Tale: Requiem*.
- Sophia is the playable central character.
- The story takes her to the Minotaur’s Island.
- The game includes ancient Minoan history and a new interpretation of the Theseus and Minotaur myth.
- It is intended to be accessible to newcomers who have not played the previous games.
- The game combines action, melee combat, exploration, puzzles, and a story connected to the Macula’s legacy.
What still needs retail verification?
Retail verification required for the following details until the full game has been checked:
- The exact order in which story events are revealed.
- How much prior knowledge of *Requiem* is actually useful during the campaign.
- The full list of returning characters and references.
- The precise relationship between Sophia, Theseus, the Minotaur, and the Macula.
- Whether any endings, collectibles, or optional scenes depend on knowledge of the earlier games.
- The final chapter structure and complete gameplay length in a normal playthrough.
A Plague Tale play order
For release-order context, the recommended order is:
1. *A Plague Tale: Innocence*
2. *A Plague Tale: Requiem*
3. *Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy*
For chronological story order, *Resonance* comes first, followed by *Innocence* and then *Requiem*. New players can start with *Resonance*, while returning players may prefer release order to preserve the way the series originally introduced its characters and mysteries.
FAQ
Is Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy a prequel?
Yes. It is a prequel set roughly 15 years before *A Plague Tale: Requiem*.
Is Resonance A Plague Tale 3?
It is the next major game in the franchise, but “A Plague Tale 3” is not its official title. The official title is *Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy*.
Should I play Requiem before Resonance?
No. The developer and publisher describe *Resonance* as a standalone experience. Playing *Requiem* first may provide extra context about Sophia, but it is not required.
Is Resonance a direct sequel?
No. It is set earlier in the timeline and focuses on Sophia’s earlier journey.
Will Resonance explain Sophia’s backstory?
The game is built around Sophia’s earlier life and her search for answers about her past. The exact extent of the answers and the final story revelations are Retail verification required until the full release has been checked.
Final verdict
*Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy* is best understood as a standalone prequel, not a direct sequel to *A Plague Tale: Requiem*. It expands the world through Sophia’s earlier story and the mythology of the Minotaur’s Island. You can start with it without playing the previous games, although existing fans may get more value from the connections to Sophia and the Macula lore.
Sources: Official Steam store page, Focus Entertainment FAQ, Focus Entertainment “Into the Myth” devblog.