How to Play the God of War Games in Chronological Order

The Norse saga of God of War has solidified its place as a PlayStation icon. Beginning its journey on the PS2, the series quickly gained recognition for its thrilling action, captivating tale of revenge, and the unforgettable Spartan demigod, Kratos. Two decades later, God of War has evolved into a seminal action-adventure series, seamlessly blending refined combat with richer lore and a compelling narrative, all anchored by a more complex and empathetic Kratos.

With God of War Ragnarök achieving legendary status, we've crafted this chronological guide for those eager to experience (or revisit) the series from its beginnings.

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Chronological Order | Release Order | How Many God of War Games Are There?

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Sony has released ten God of War games – six on home consoles, two on portable consoles, one mobile title, and a text adventure on Facebook Messenger.

The Complete God of War Playlist

Here's every God of War release since the dawn of the gods. See All!

Santa Monica Studio Santa Monica Studio Sony Online Entertainment Ready At Dawn Studios Bluepoint Games Santa Monica Studio Ready At Dawn Studios Ready At Dawn Studios SCE Studios Santa Monica Santa Monica Studio

We're excluding God of War: Mimir's Vision (a mobile AR game) and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, as they don't significantly contribute to the main narrative. This list focuses solely on the core games.

Numerous God of War stories exist in novels and comics, but this chronology only includes video games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

While God of War: Ascension is chronologically first, God of War (2018) is the recommended starting point. Its availability on PS4, PS5, and PC makes it the most accessible entry for newcomers.

God of War Games in Chronological Order

(Note: The following descriptions contain minor spoilers.)

1. God of War: Ascension (2013): A prequel depicting Kratos' early transformation, exploring the events leading to his infamous acts and his oath to Ares. Available on PS3. [IGN's God of War: Ascension Review]

2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008): Kratos's servitude to the gods, involving a quest to rescue Helios and a confrontation with Persephone. Available on PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP. [IGN's God of War: Chains of Olympus Review]

3. God of War (2005): Kratos's quest to defeat Ares, culminating in his ascension to the God of War. Reveals his tragic past and his service to Ares. Available on PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2. [IGN's God of War Review]

4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010): Kratos's journey to Atlantis, where he encounters his mother and brother, Deimos. Available on PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP. [IGN's God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review]

5. God of War: Betrayal (2007): A mobile game depicting Kratos's defiance of the gods. (May require emulation to play). [IGN's God of War: Betrayal Review]

6. God of War II (2007): Kratos's conflict with Zeus, leading to his alliance with Gaia and a battle against the Olympians. Available on PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2. [IGN's God of War 2 Review]

7. God of War III (2010): The climactic battle against Zeus and the Olympians, concluding Kratos' Greek saga. Available on PS4 (Remastered), PS3. [IGN's God of War 3 Review]

8. God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018): A Facebook Messenger text adventure introducing Atreus. (May not be currently playable).

9. God of War (2018): Kratos and Atreus's journey through the Norse realms, setting the stage for Ragnarök. Available on PS5, PS4, PC. [IGN's God of War 2018 Review]

10. God of War Ragnarök (2022): The continuation of Kratos and Atreus's saga, leading to the events of Ragnarök. Available on PS5, PS4, PC. [IGN's God of War Ragnarök Review]

How to Play the God of War Games By Release Date

God of War (2005) | God of War II (2007) | God of War: Betrayal (2007) | God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | God of War III (2010) | God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | God of War: Ascension (2013) | God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018) | God of War (2018) | God of War Ragnarök (2022)

What's Next for God of War?

While a new God of War game hasn't been officially announced, the success of 2018's God of War and Ragnarök strongly suggests future installments. The recent PC release of Ragnarök is a significant development. A God of War TV series is also in the works for Amazon Prime Video, though production faced setbacks in 2024.

Interested in other chronological game guides? Check out these series:

Assassin's Creed | Halo | Batman Arkham | Resident Evil | Pokémon