- Mirror's Edge Catalyst is a reboot, not a sequel — it restarts Faith's story from scratch.
- Faith's origin is rewritten: she begins fresh out of juvenile detention, meeting Noah and Icarus again for the first time.
- The 2008 game's events did not happen in Catalyst's timeline — treat the two as separate continuities.
- New systems replace old ones: open-world Glass, MAG Rope, skill tree upgrades, and no player guns.
- Newcomers can start with Catalyst without playing the 2008 original.
Why Mirror's Edge Catalyst Is a Reboot, Not a Sequel
When DICE and EA launched Mirror's Edge Catalyst in 2016, they deliberately wiped the slate clean. Rather than continuing the 2008 original's storyline, the game restarts Faith Connors' journey as an origin story. The events of the first game — the Mayoral assassination plot, the "Project Icarus" surveillance program of that era, Faith's established career as a seasoned Runner — are not canon in Catalyst's timeline.
The rewrite is visible from the opening mission. Faith is released from juvenile detention rather than already working jobs, and her relationships with mentor Noah Kekai and fellow Runner Icarus are established anew. The catalyst of the title refers both to Faith herself, a spark for resistance in the city of Glass, and to the corporate "Reflection" project at the heart of the plot.
Video Highlights:
- The E3 2015 official trailer introduces the rebooted Faith and the city of Glass.
- Faith escapes the Kruger Holding Facility in the game's opening.
- The trailer showcases the seamless open-world parkour that separates Catalyst from the linear 2008 game.
Watch for the contrast between the original's level-based structure and Catalyst's continuous city — the reboot's biggest structural change is visible in the trailer's uninterrupted rooftop runs.
Reboot vs. Original: What Actually Changed
The reboot touches nearly every layer of the experience. The table below summarizes the key differences between the 2008 original and Catalyst.
| Aspect | Mirror's Edge (2008) | Mirror's Edge Catalyst (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Faith as established Runner, assassination plot | Origin story, Faith fresh out of juvenile detention |
| World design | Linear, level-based chapters | Open-world Glass with seamless districts |
| Combat | Disarm-focused, player could use guns briefly | No player guns, momentum-based melee only |
| Gadgets | Minimal gear | MAG Rope, Disruptor, Runner Vision upgrades |
| Progression | None, fixed abilities | Skill tree with Upgrade Chips (Traversal/Combat/Gear) |
| Side content | Time trials only | Dashes, deliveries, GridLeaks, security zones |
Open World
- Glass is fully explorable
- Fast-travel between districts
- Side missions and races everywhere
Origin Story
- Faith starts at the bottom
- New takes on Noah and Icarus
- Kruger family as central antagonists
New Gear
- MAG Rope grappling
- Disruptor for electronics
- Upgradeable Runner Vision
Do not mix the two timelines when discussing lore. Characters and events from the 2008 game, such as its version of Project Icarus, are not part of Catalyst's continuity. The two games share themes and the Runner concept, not a shared history.
Rebooted Story Arc: Chapters at a Glance
Faith's rebooted journey across Glass unfolds over eight main chapters. Here is how the origin story is structured.
| Chapter | Focus | Key Reboot Elements |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Prison Break | Escape Kruger custody | Faith's first moves, tutorial traversal |
| 2: Sprint / Anchor | Training and early runs | Meets Icarus, first MAG Rope use |
| 3-4: Beatrice Case | Stolen data, Undermine | Black November, Rebecca Thane intro |
| 5-6: Kruger Data | Infiltrating the tower | Reflection project revealed, Noah's rescue |
| 7-8: Finale | Gabriel Kruger chase | Rooftop helicopter chase, Shard showdown |
Faith Returns to Glass
Released from juvenile detention, Faith rejoins the Runners under Noah's guidance — her first canonical act in this new timeline.
Early Missions in Anchor
Training runs with Icarus and deliveries in the Anchor district rebuild Faith's skills and open free-roam Glass.
The Beatrice Case
The stolen data drive pulls Faith into the conflict between Black November and Kruger Security.
The Reflection Project
Infiltrating the Kruger complex reveals the corporate plan tied to Isabel Kruger and Faith's own family history.
The Kruger Chase and Finale
The signature Gabriel Kruger helicopter chase across the View District leads to the final confrontation atop the Shard.
The November Riots and the death of Faith's parents are core backstory in Catalyst's canon, tying the Kruger family directly to Faith's personal history — a deeper connection than the 2008 game ever established.
Gameplay Consequences of the Reboot
Because Catalyst restarts Faith's abilities as well as her story, the reboot directly shapes progression. Faith begins with basic traversal and grows into a fully equipped Runner through the Upgrade Chip system.
| System | How the Reboot Shapes It |
|---|---|
| Skill tree | Faith starts weak; Unlock Chips bought with Chipsets build Traversal, Combat, Gear |
| MAG Rope | Story-granted gadget, not legacy equipment from 2008 |
| Open world | Districts unlock progressively as the origin story advances |
| Side activities | Dashes, Time Trials, and deliveries introduced as Faith earns trust |
The skill tree's S-tier unlocks reflect this fresh start: Quick Turn, Fast Climb, and MAG Rope enhancements are early priorities precisely because rebooted Faith lacks them at the outset.
Since the reboot strips Faith of advanced moves, prioritize Traversal upgrades first. Fast Climb and Quick Turn keep Flow unbroken and pay off across the entire open world.
Newcomer Checklist: Starting the Reboot
If you never played the 2008 original, the reboot is built for you. Work through this checklist to get the most out of Faith's new origin.
Reboot Starter Goals:
- Complete Chapter 1 Prison Break to learn core movement
- Unlock the MAG Rope in early Anchor missions
- Purchase Quick Turn and Fast Climb upgrade chips
- Open free-roam and fast travel across Glass districts
- Complete first Dashes and Time Trials for Chipsets
Everything you need to understand Catalyst's story is in the game itself — no prior knowledge of the 2008 release required.
Reboot FAQ
Q: Is Mirror's Edge Catalyst a sequel or a reboot?
Mirror's Edge Catalyst is a reboot. It restarts Faith Connors' story as an origin tale in the city of Glass, and the events of the 2008 original are not canon in its timeline.
Q: Do I need to play the 2008 Mirror's Edge first?
No. Because Catalyst is a reboot with a fresh origin story, new players can start with it and understand everything. The 2008 game is only useful for comparing themes and mechanics.
Q: Is Faith the same character in both games?
Faith Connors appears in both, but the two versions are separate continuities. In Catalyst she is younger, fresh out of juvenile detention, and her relationships with Noah, Icarus, and the Kruger family are newly established.
Q: What gameplay changed because of the reboot?
The reboot replaced linear levels with the open-world city of Glass, removed player-usable guns in favor of momentum-based melee, and added the MAG Rope, Disruptor, and a skill tree built on Upgrade Chips.