Is there anything I need to know before I start?

[MindfulOcean]

In terms of Lore, I played the first two on PSP. That's about all I know. Thanks!

[Fluff Fact⚙ry]

Nope, you will only miss references from previous games (I-II, VIII, Celceta, etc.), but they are not crucial to the story or game progress.

[avenueplus]

There are many questions of "what do I need to know?" or "in what order?

However, all "Ys" games are basically one story, and the links to past games are just enough to make you "grin" if you know them.

However, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to play the first generation Ys 1 and 2 beforehand.
This is because they are the base of everything and contain the foundation of the "story of Ys".
It may be difficult to enjoy those "retro games" now, but...

[MindfulOcean]

Originally posted by avenueplus:

There are many questions of "what do I need to know?" or "in what order?

However, all "Ys" games are basically one story, and the links to past games are just enough to make you "grin" if you know them.

However, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to play the first generation Ys 1 and 2 beforehand.
This is because they are the base of everything and contain the foundation of the "story of Ys".
It may be difficult to enjoy those "retro games" now, but...

Ys I and II are actually the only two I've played before.

[Takato2]

Despite each installments have self-contain story (except Ys I and II, ofc), I recommend play ys 4 (either original or remake is ok), 7, and 8, so that the ending is much more meaningful.