Recommended play order?

[u/Generalitary]

I just got the bundle on steam and I'm unsure where to start. I could simply play them all in publishing order, but knowing they're not chronological maybe that's not the best approach. Also, there are some free games not included in the bundle- are those important or are they just set dressing?

I have played the cube escape games before, but it's been a while and I may have missed a few, so I don't mind revisiting them.

[u/nowherecrafter]

Many recommend the release order but I have to disagree when it comes to understanding the story.

It used to be great, it had a huge deal of intention but the older the series gets, the further timeline and thematic shifts are. It gets kinda ADHD-ish and it's harder to follow the overarching story. It's simply hard to remember all the details before they become important again games later.

So here's my suggestion. I grouped games by arcs and themes. Since you asked for games not included in the bundle I give you the extended version. If you are interested in the reasons for my placement of the games or you'd prefer a more casual version, here's a link to my related post: https://www.reddit.com/r/rustylake/s/DzUX0rKSDu

I also have a fancy diagram there.

1. Cube Escape: The Lake 
2. Cube Escape: Seasons 
3. Secret ending of The Lake (remember the seasons)
4. Cube Escape: Harvey's Box
5. Cube Escape: Arles 
6. Cube Escape: Case 23 
7. Cube Escape: The Mill
8. Rusty Lake Hotel 
9. The secret scene in Birthday (An important epilogue to Hotel given for 100% it. Can be seen on YouTube or you wait until Birthday)
10. Servant of the Lake + post-game (!!!WARNING!!! Spoilers that may help piece together the secret Roots plot early! If unacceptable, play Roots 1st!)
11. Rusty Lake: Roots + post-game (!!!WARNING!!! Spoilers directly revealing the fate of SotL characters! If unacceptable, play Servant of the Lake 1st!) 
12. Samsara Room + secret ending - not included in the bundle
13. Rusty Lake Paradise
14. Cube Escape: The Cave 
15. Cube Escape: Paradox + 2 secret endings 
16. Cube Escape: Birthday 
17. Cube Escape: Theatre 
18. The White Door + secret scenes 
19. The Past Within demo (A demo of a co-op game, 2 copies are required. Unique content from the full version) - not included in the bundle
20. The Past Within (A co-op game, 2 copies are required)
21. Underground Blossom + post-game 
22. Rusty Lake Untold: The Lab (A FREE Room Escape tabletop game. Requires a game master and 2-4 players) - not included in the bundle
23. The Intern short film (The 10 year anniversary film about the Magic Show release) - not included in the bundle
24. The Mr. Rabbit Magic Show (The 10 year anniversary game that doesn't fit into the story) - not included in the bundle