The Gravity Rush series, developed by SCE Japan Studio's Team Gravity, stands as one of the most distinctive franchises in PlayStation's catalog. Combining gravity-shifting traversal, a vibrant French comic-inspired art style, and a fascinating vertical world, the narrative weaves a mystery spanning floating cities, forgotten ruins, and cosmic forces. However, understanding the complete narrative can be tricky due to anime bridges, downloadable content, and deep backstory lore that unfolds out of order.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the entire Gravity Rush timeline in chronological order, guiding you from Kat's origins at the top of the World Pillar to the grand conclusion of her story.
Gravity Rush Timeline at a Glance
To experience the story in strict chronological order, follow this sequence:
- Kat's Backstory: The Eto Era (Pre-Game Lore)
- Game 1: Gravity Rush / Gravity Rush Remastered
- Anime Special: Gravity Rush: The Animation - Overture
- DLC Expansion: Gravity Rush 2: Another Story - Raven's Choice
- Game 2: Gravity Rush 2
1. Kat’s Origin and the Fall from Eto (Pre-Game Lore)
Long before the events of the original game, the story begins at the very top of the World Pillar in the royal city of Eto. Kat was originally Queen Alua, the ruler of Eto. Her advisor, Xii, transformed into a royal Guardian—the gravity kitten known as Dusty—granting her power over gravity.
During her reign, Queen Alua discovered that a massive gravity storm was approaching from the bottom of the World Pillar, threatening to destroy the entire world. She sought to save the people living in the lower levels, but her regent, Brahman, opposed her vision, wanting instead to freeze time to preserve Eto. A betrayal led to Queen Alua being pushed off the edge of Eto, falling down the length of the World Pillar. During her long fall, her memory was erased, and she lost her royal identity.
2. Gravity Rush / Gravity Rush Remastered
The story proper begins when the young girl wakes up with amnesia in the floating city of Hekseville, situated midway down the World Pillar. Paired with Dusty, she adopts the name Kat and discovers her ability to manipulate gravity. Hekseville is plagued by dark monsters called Nevi and severe gravity storms that have torn away entire districts of the city.
Kat embraces her newfound abilities to become a local protector, earning the title 'Gravity Queen.' Throughout her adventure, she encounters Raven, another Gravity Shifter paired with an owl Guardian named Kurow. Initially rivals due to Raven being manipulated by city politicians, the two eventually become steadfast allies.
Kat works alongside police officer Syd to restore Hekseville's missing districts, defeat the corruption within the military, and drive back the Nevi threat, ultimately stabilizing the city.
3. Gravity Rush: The Animation - Overture
Positioned as a direct bridge between the first and second main titles, this official short anime special details the events immediately following the restoration of Hekseville. Kat, Raven, and Syd investigate strange energy readings and localized gravity anomalies stirring beneath the city.
During their investigation, a massive gravity storm suddenly opens above Hekseville. Kat and Syd are pulled into the anomaly alongside their floating house, separating Kat from Raven and flinging them into unknown territory across the world.
4. Gravity Rush 2: Another Story - Raven's Choice
Although released as post-launch downloadable content for the sequel, this story DLC takes place chronologically around the events surrounding the anime and the start of the second game. The narrative focuses on Raven as she seeks to save the children of Boutoume who were left behind in the rift during the events of Gravity Rush.
Raven confronts strange timeline anomalies and faces bus-driver turned villain Zaza, ultimately resolving her past traumas and ensuring the safety of the lost children before setting off to reunite with Kat.
5. Gravity Rush 2
The main narrative of Gravity Rush 2 opens in Jirga Para Lhao, a bustling, vibrant floating settlement divided strictly by social class. Kat and Syd, separated from Dusty and stripped of their gravity powers, work as miners in a labor camp to survive. After regaining Dusty, Kat fights against the oppressive upper class and oppressive military regime of Jirga Para Lhao, utilizing two new shifting styles: Jupiter and Lunar.
After resolving the crisis in Jirga Para Lhao and reuniting with Raven, Kat returns to Hekseville only to find it controlled by Dr. Brahman, who plans to use the city's defense system to stop time permanently. Kat destroys Brahman's scheme, but the larger threat of the destructive gravity storm at the base of the world remains.
In the final chapter, Kat ascends to Eto, uncovers her past as Queen Alua, and confronts the dark entity known as the Black Eagle. To save the entire world from total destruction, Kat uses the full extent of her power to seal the gravity singularity at the core of the World Pillar, sacrificing herself to preserve humanity.
The game closes on a bittersweet note: years later, Raven hears a familiar bell sound and turns to see a figure resembling Kat, leaving her fate delightfully ambiguous.
How to Experience the Story in Order
If you are jumping into the franchise for the first time, the recommended order for playing and watching is simple:
- Play Gravity Rush Remastered (PlayStation 4) or the original Gravity Rush (PlayStation Vita).
- Watch Gravity Rush: The Animation - Overture (available on official streaming channels).
- Play Gravity Rush 2 (PlayStation 4).
- Play Gravity Rush 2: Another Story - Raven's Choice (can be played during or immediately after the main game).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch the anime before playing Gravity Rush 2?
It is highly recommended. Gravity Rush: The Animation - Overture explains how Kat and Syd end up in Jirga Para Lhao and bridges the gap between the ending of Gravity Rush and the start of Gravity Rush 2.
Is Kat really gone at the end of Gravity Rush 2?
The ending strongly hints that Kat survives her sacrifice. The final scene shows Raven turning around with a bright smile after hearing Dusty's charm bell, implying Kat's return to Hekseville.
Are Gravity Rush and Gravity Rush Remastered the same story?
Yes. Gravity Rush Remastered is a high-definition remaster of the original PlayStation Vita title for the PlayStation 4, containing the exact same story alongside all original DLC packs.
Final Thoughts
The narrative of Gravity Rush is a captivating journey about identity, sacrifice, and companionship set within one of gaming's most inventive worlds. By following the timeline in chronological order, you get to fully appreciate Kat's transformation from an amnesiac hero in Hekseville into the true savior of the World Pillar.
