"Chronological Guide to Playing God of War Games"

The God of War franchise, a cornerstone of PlayStation's legacy, has evolved tremendously since its inception during the PS2 era. Initially renowned for its gripping action gameplay and the saga of Kratos, a Spartan demigod seeking vengeance against the gods, the series has matured into a seminal action-adventure experience. Over two decades, God of War has refined its action mechanics while deepening its narrative and lore, with an older, more empathetic Kratos at its heart. With the latest installment, God of War Ragnarok, joining the ranks of gaming's all-time greats, we present a comprehensive chronology for those eager to embark on or revisit this epic journey.

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How to play chronologicallyHow to play by release dateHow Many God of War Games Are There?

Sony has enriched the gaming world with 10 God of War games across the series, spanning six on home consoles, two on portable consoles, one on mobile, and a unique text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Here's an overview of every God of War release, tracing the saga from its inception. See AllGod of War [2005]Santa Monica StudioGod of War IISanta Monica StudioGod of War: BetrayalSony Online EntertainmentGod of War: Chains of OlympusReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War CollectionBluepoint GamesGod of War IIISanta Monica StudioGod of War: Ghost of SpartaReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War OriginsReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War SagaSCE Studios Santa MonicaGod of War: AscensionSanta Monica StudioOur chronology omits the mobile AR game, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as it focuses on supplementary lore rather than advancing the main narrative. Similarly, we've excluded PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, despite its playful nod to the God of War universe.

The God of War saga also extends into novels and comics, yet our focus here remains solely on the games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

While God of War: Ascension marks the chronological start of the series, the ideal entry point for newcomers is God of War (2018). Available on PS4, PS5, and PC, it offers a fresh narrative arc that's perfect for both new players and those revisiting the series.

### For PlayStation God of War (2018)

Upgrade to the PS5 version through the PlayStation Store. See it at AmazonGod of War Games in Chronological Order

These descriptions include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Set as the first chapter in Kratos's saga, Ascension delves into his early transformation into the God of War, occurring months after he unwittingly kills his family under Ares's manipulation. Kratos's refusal to serve Ares further sets off a chain of events culminating in his battle against the Furies. This game concludes with Kratos leaving his Spartan life behind, still haunted by his grief.

Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review

2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)

Set halfway through Kratos's decade-long servitude to the gods, Chains of Olympus follows his quest to rescue Helios from the underworld at Athena's request. His encounters with Persephone test his resolve as he wrestles with the chance to reunite with his daughter against the backdrop of apocalyptic threats.

Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review

3. God of War (2005)

Set a decade after Ascension, the original God of War begins with Kratos's leap into the Aegean Sea, prompted by overwhelming grief. A flashback reveals his final task for the gods: defeat Ares and save Athens. Kratos's journey to Pandora's Box and his subsequent battle with Ares pave the way for his ascension to the God of War, though his inner turmoil remains unresolved.

Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review

4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)

Set between the first game and God of War 2, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's quest to find his mother and brother, Deimos, in Atlantis. Their reunion and battle against Thanatos further deepens Kratos's resentment towards the Olympians, leaving him more isolated and vengeful.

Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review

5. God of War: Betrayal (2007)

This mobile 2D sidescroller, part of the official God of War canon, sees Kratos framed for the murder of Argos, escalating tensions with the gods. His defiance against Zeus's messenger sets the stage for the events of God of War 2. Although no longer available on modern platforms, it remains a skippable yet intriguing part of the narrative.

Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review

6. God of War 2 (2007)

God of War 2 sees Kratos's conflict escalate to a confrontation with Zeus. After Zeus kills him, Kratos allies with Gaia to manipulate time via the Loom of Fate. His journey back to the moment of his death and the recruitment of the Titans for an assault on Olympus sets the stage for God of War 3.

Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review

7. God of War 3 (2010)

Following directly from God of War 2, the third installment concludes Kratos's Greek saga with a cataclysmic battle against the Olympians. His final confrontation with Zeus and the subsequent release of hope to humanity mark the end of his vengeance.

Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review

8. God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)

This text-adventure, released via Facebook Messenger, introduces Atreus and his extrasensory abilities, providing backstory set before the events of God of War (2018). While no longer playable, its narrative can be experienced through online playthroughs.

Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)

9. God of War (2018)

Years after the events of God of War 3, Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish in the Norse realm of Midgard. Their trek through the Nine Realms introduces them to key figures in Norse mythology and tests Kratos's role as a father, culminating in the onset of Fimbulwinter.

Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

To preserve the surprise of the narrative, this summary remains intentionally vague.

Set three years after the previous game, Ragnarok sees Kratos and Atreus navigating the impending Ragnarök. Their journey across the Nine Realms and the Realm Between Realms focuses on personal growth and the battle against the gods of Asgard. The game concludes with the promise of more stories to come, and a New Game Plus mode for those eager to explore further.

Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War Ragnarok Review

How to Play the God of War Games By Release Date

God of War (2005)God of War 2 (2007)God of War: Betrayal (2007)God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)God of War 3 (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 Ragnarok (2022)What’s Next for God of War?

Sony has not yet announced a new God of War game, but given the acclaim and success of the recent entries, future installments are anticipated. The PC release of God of War: Ragnarok is the latest development, and we've provided a comprehensive guide to the PC port. Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon's Prime Video, though it faced setbacks in 2024.

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