Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is the seventh installment in the Kingdom Hearts series, taking place between Kingdom Hearts Re:coded and Kingdom Hearts III. Although it is not a numbered title, the story is set up in a way that leads into the third installment, and the characters go through major changes as well. For the basics of gameplay, see the Gameplay and Controls pages. For collectibles and other information, see the Appendices.
The walkthrough is set up in a specific order, but this order does not always have to be followed. La Cité des Cloches, The Grid, and Prankster's Paradise become available together, as do Country of the Musketeers and Symphony of Sorcery. This order is simply recommended based on default levels of enemies in these worlds, so experienced players are free to challenge themselves and skip to a higher-leveled world.
Upon starting the game, you are given an option between varying difficulty modes: Beginner, Standard, and Proud. Additionally, clearing the game once unlocks Critical Mode. For the benefits to each difficulty, see Secret Ending.
Following the opening scenes, Sora ends up on Destiny Islands for a gameplay refresher.