How to Play the God of War Games in Chronological Order

The God of War series has solidified its status as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, beginning with its debut on the PS2. The saga, featuring the Spartan demigod Kratos, has evolved over the years from a thrilling action game into a seminal action-adventure series, renowned for its finely-tuned combat, rich lore, and compelling narrative. As Kratos matures into a more empathetic character, the series delves deeper into its storytelling, captivating fans worldwide. With the latest entry, God of War Ragnarok, achieving legendary status, we present a comprehensive chronology for those eager to experience or revisit the series from its inception.

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

Sony has released 10 God of War games in the series—six on home consoles, two on portable consoles, one on mobile, and one text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Below is a detailed list of every God of War release, showcasing the evolution of the series. See All

Santa Monica StudioSanta Monica StudioSony Online EntertainmentReady At Dawn StudiosBluepoint GamesSanta Monica StudioReady At Dawn StudiosReady At Dawn StudiosSCE Studios Santa MonicaSanta Monica StudioWe're excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as this AR game doesn’t contribute to the ongoing narrative but instead offers background lore. We’re also excluding PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale from this chronology, despite its comical inclusion in the God of War canon.

The series also spans novels and comics, though this list focuses solely on games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

While God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, the best starting point for new players is God of War (2018). Available on PS4, PS5, and PC, it serves as an excellent introduction to the series.

### For PlayStation God of War (2018)

16Upgrade to PS5 version through the PlayStation Store.See it at AmazonGod of War Games in Chronological Order

These summaries include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and story beats.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension, the seventh game by release but first chronologically, delves into Kratos's early transformation from a Spartan demigod to the God of War. Set months after Kratos's tragic manipulation by Ares, Ascension follows Kratos's refusal to honor his oath to Ares, leading to a confrontation with the Furies. The story concludes with Kratos abandoning his Spartan home, tormented by grief.

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

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

Set halfway through Kratos's ten-year servitude to the gods, Chains of Olympus follows Kratos's mission to rescue Helios from the underworld at Athena's behest. Encountering Persephone, Kratos faces a choice between reuniting with his daughter and fulfilling his duty to the gods, highlighting the emotional stakes of his journey.

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

3. God of War (2005)

Set roughly 10 years after Ascension, the original God of War game begins with Kratos's suicide attempt, flashing back to his final task from Athena: defeating Ares to save Athens. Kratos's journey to obtain Pandora’s Box and confront Ares is fraught with trials, culminating in his ascension to the God of War throne, yet his past continues to haunt him.

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

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

Taking place between the first two main entries, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's familial ties, encountering his mother and long-lost brother Deimos. Their battle against Thanatos ends in tragedy, further fueling Kratos's fury towards the Olympians.

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 God of War canon, sees Kratos framed for the killing of Argos, escalating his conflict with the gods. Despite its unavailability on modern platforms, Betrayal sets the stage for the events of God of War 2.

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

6. God of War 2 (2007)

In God of War 2, Kratos battles Zeus after rejecting peace with Olympus. After being killed by Zeus, Kratos is revived by Gaia and uses the Loom of Fate to alter his fate, setting the stage for a war against the Olympians.

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

7. God of War 3 (2010)

Following directly from the previous game, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga with his final confrontation against Zeus and the Olympians. After a devastating battle, Kratos ends his quest for vengeance, sacrificing himself to release hope to mankind.

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

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

This Facebook Messenger text-adventure introduces Kratos's son Atreus and his extrasensory abilities, setting the scene for 2018’s God of War. Though no longer playable, its story can be experienced through YouTube playthroughs.

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

9. God of War (2018)

Set years after God of War 3, this entry relocates Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he and his son Atreus undertake a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Their adventure through multiple realms, meeting Norse mythology figures, challenges Kratos's role as a father and keeper of secrets.

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

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Due to Ragnarok's recent release, this summary avoids major spoilers.

Set three years after 2018's God of War, Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as Fimbulwinter ends and Ragnarök looms. The duo navigate the Nine Realms and the Realm Between Realms, confronting new and returning characters, including Odin and Thor. The narrative focuses on Atreus's growth and their quest to survive Ragnarök, leaving room for future stories.

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?

While Sony hasn't announced the next God of War game, the success of recent entries suggests more adventures are likely. The latest development includes God of War: Ragnarok's PC release. Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the story of 2018’s game, though production faced challenges in 2024.

For fans of chronological adventures, explore our guides to other series:

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