order of games

[Geno]

Do I play Blades of Aernum before Avernum 1 or does it not matter?

[Edgwyn]

I would play all six Avernum games first then BoA. BoA uses many items that are not introduced in A1, but come later in the series. Also, BoA is essentially outside of the continuity of the Avernum series, especially when you add in all of the scenarios that people have made.

[Randomizer]

BoA was done after Avernum 3 so the Jeff Vogel scenarios refer to some events in the First Avernum Trilogy. Scenarios from other creators may not even take place in the Avernum world but just use the game engine.

[Geno]

thank you both for your quick responses much appreciated.

[Jerakeen]

You can start with BoA if you like - I did. Playing the first trilogy will give you some perspective on the Avernum universe, but is far from necessary. And there's absolutely no reason to play all six first, especially since the second trilogy uses a radically different engine than BoA.

[Kelandon]

I would definitely not do the Second Trilogy before BoA. I think chronological order (A1-3, BoA, A4-6) makes most sense, but you can do BoA before A1-3.

[Slawbug]

Strong agree with the above. BoA has much in common with A1-3 and basically nothing in common with A4-6.

[Vox]

BoA actually comes with a manual (mine came with the digital copy in PDF format) that gives you a good debrief of the history and different races. It helps to clue in with some of the culture and events... I would recommend BoA to start with. But I would definitely not recommend missing A1 - 3. Too good to miss out on in my opinion