How to Play the God of War Games in Chronological Order

The God of War franchise, a cornerstone of PlayStation's lineup, has evolved from its origins on the PS2 into one of gaming's premier action-adventure series. With a blend of exhilarating action, rich storytelling, and the iconic journey of Kratos, the series has captivated players for over two decades. From the fiery vengeance of the Greek gods to the mystical realms of Norse mythology, God of War has grown to deliver deeper lore and a more nuanced narrative, anchored by a mature and empathetic Kratos. With the acclaimed God of War Ragnarok solidifying its place among the greats, let's dive into a comprehensive chronology for fans looking to experience (or revisit) the saga from the beginning.

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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

Here's a complete list of all God of War releases, from the dawn of the gods to the present. See All!

We’re excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as this AR game doesn’t add to the ongoing narrative but instead provides players with background lore from the world of God of War. We’re also excluding PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its comical inclusion in the God of War canon.

There are several God of War stories told through novels and comics as well, though this list only includes games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

Although technically the first game in the series chronologically was God of War: Ascension, realistically, you'll probably want to start with God of War (2018). Not only is it available on both PS4 and PS5, you can also play it on PC. It's a great starting point for anyone just getting into the series.

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God of War Games in Chronological Order

These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension, the seventh game by release date but the first chronologically, is a gripping tale of vengeance and transformation, exploring Kratos's early days as he transitions from a Spartan demigod to the God of War.

Set shortly after Kratos is tricked into killing his family by Ares, the Greek God of War, Ascension follows Kratos as he breaks his oath to Ares. The Furies, tasked with punishing betrayal, become his adversaries. Kratos's journey in Ascension ends with him abandoning his Spartan home, haunted by his grief.

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

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

Kratos's journey continues in the PSP game, Chains of Olympus, set halfway through his ten-year servitude to the gods. Here, Kratos is tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld, at the behest of Athena.

The game's antagonist, Persephone, presents Kratos with a heart-wrenching choice between reuniting with his daughter and saving the world, highlighting the emotional turmoil Kratos faces amidst his duty to the gods.

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 begins with Kratos's dramatic leap into the Aegean Sea, driven by despair. Flashbacks reveal his final task from Athena: to defeat Ares and save Athens.

Armed with the promise of forgiveness, Kratos retrieves Pandora’s Box and confronts Ares. Despite his victory, Kratos's internal struggle persists, leading to his ascension to the God of War after Athena rescues him from his watery fate.

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

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

Ghost of Sparta, the second PSP game, fills in gaps between the first two main entries. Kratos, marked by the ashes of his family, ventures to Atlantis to confront his past, meeting his mortal mother and long-lost brother Deimos.

Their battle against Thanatos, the God of Death, ends in tragedy, further fueling Kratos's fury against the gods.

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, officially part of the canon, follows Kratos as he's framed for killing Argos, Hera's giant, escalating his conflict with Olympus. Zeus's attempt to stop Kratos's rampage sets the stage for God of War 2.

Betrayal is no longer available on modern mobile platforms but can be experienced through a Java emulator.

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's defiance reaches its peak as he battles Zeus after rejecting peace. Killed by Zeus, Kratos is revived by Gaia and embarks on a quest to alter his fate using the Loom of Fate.

His journey culminates in an alliance with the Titans to assault Mount Olympus, setting up the events of 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)

God of War 3 directly follows the previous game, concluding Kratos's Greek saga with a cataclysmic war against Zeus and the Olympians.

After betrayals and battles across realms, Kratos faces Zeus in a final showdown, ending his quest for vengeance and 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)

God of War: A Call from the Wilds, a text-adventure on Facebook Messenger, introduces Kratos's son, Atreus, and explores his extrasensory abilities and relationships before the events of God of War 2018.

Though no longer playable, its story can be found on YouTube.

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

9. God of War (2018)

Set years after God of War 3, this installment transports Kratos to Midgard, where he and Atreus embark on a quest to fulfill Faye's dying wish: to spread her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms.

Their journey through Norse mythology challenges Kratos's role as a father and reveals truths about Atreus's identity, culminating in the onset of Fimbulwinter, heralding Ragnarök.

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

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Given the recency of Ragnarok's release, this plot synopsis is especially vague to avoid spoilers.

Set three years after 2018’s God of War, Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the nearing end of Fimbulwinter and the looming Ragnarök. With a focus on Atreus's journey of self-discovery and their quest to defeat the Asgards, Ragnarok leaves room for future stories while offering a New Game Plus mode for continued play.

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

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?

For fans of chronological guides, explore these other series in order:

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