God of War: A Chronological Gameplay Guide

God of War’s Norse-set masterpieces have solidified its status as one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises. Originating during the PS2 era, the God of War series has distinguished itself through its exceptional action gameplay, a compelling narrative of divine vengeance, and a striking protagonist in the Spartan demigod Kratos. Two decades on, God of War has evolved into a benchmark action-adventure series, seamlessly blending refined action with richer lore and a more compelling narrative, all anchored by a more mature and empathetic Kratos.

With God of War Ragnarok earning its spot among the all-time greats, we've crafted this chronology for fans looking to experience (or re-experience) the series 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 comprehensive list of every God of War release since the series began. 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 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 from the world of God of War. We’re also not including PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its playful 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 God of War: Ascension is technically the first game chronologically, most newcomers will find God of War (2018) to be the best starting point. It's available on both PS4 and PS5, and you can also play it on PC, making it an excellent entry point into 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 summaries contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension, the seventh game in the series by release date but the first chronologically, delves into Kratos’s early transformation from a Spartan demigod to the God of War.

Set months after Kratos was tricked into killing his family by Ares, Ascension follows Kratos as he rejects his oath to Ares, sparking a vengeful pursuit by the Furies. Kratos must battle these three enforcers of betrayal to break free from his oath. The game ends with Kratos abandoning his Spartan home, still haunted by his grief.

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

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

In this PSP title, Kratos embarks on another adventure during his ten-year servitude to the gods, specifically five years before the original God of War.

Tasked by Athena to rescue Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld, Kratos confronts Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. She tempts Kratos with a chance to reunite with his daughter, forcing him to weigh the apocalyptic consequences against 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 ten years after Ascension, the original God of War starts with Kratos’s attempt to end his life by jumping off a cliff. A flashback reveals his journey leading to this moment.

Near the end of his servitude, Athena assigns Kratos one last task: defeat Ares and save Athens. Promised forgiveness, Kratos retrieves Pandora’s Box and confronts Ares. After his victory, Kratos's torment persists, leading him to leap from the cliff, only to be saved by Athena, who offers him a place among the gods.

The game's narrative is enriched with flashbacks that detail Kratos’s past, including his pact with Ares that led to his family's tragic fate.

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 original God of War and its sequel, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos’s familial ties. His pale appearance, a result of his family’s ashes cursed onto his skin, earns him his nickname.

Kratos journeys to Atlantis, where he reconnects with his mortal mother and discovers his long-lost brother Deimos, abducted by the gods to avert a prophecy. Their battle against Thanatos concludes with another bittersweet victory, deepening Kratos’s resentment toward 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 is part of the God of War canon, as confirmed by Sony Santa Monica's animation director Bruno Velazquez. In Betrayal, the gods attempt to curb Kratos’s rampage using Argos, a giant serving Hera. Kratos is framed for Argos’s death, further straining his ties with Olympus. Zeus's subsequent intervention is met with Kratos's defiance, setting the stage for God of War 2.

Betrayal is no longer available on modern mobile platforms and 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 warpath leads to a confrontation with Zeus. After rejecting peace, Kratos faces Zeus’s wrath and is killed.

Revived by Gaia, the mother of Titans, Kratos seeks to alter his fate. His journey leads him to the Sisters of Fate, where he gains control of the Loom of Fate. Kratos’s attempt to kill Zeus is interrupted, revealing his true lineage. He then recruits the Titans for an assault on 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)

Following directly from its predecessor, God of War 3 concludes Kratos’s Greek saga and his conflict with the Olympians.

Kratos and the Titans clash with the gods, leading to devastating consequences. Betrayed once more, Kratos ventures into the Underworld, reuniting with an ally to confront Zeus. His rampage culminates in a final battle with Zeus, after which Kratos ends his quest for vengeance and sacrifices himself to restore hope to humanity.

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 released on Facebook Messenger, introduces Kratos’s son Atreus and explores his unique abilities and relationships with his family. Set before the 2018 God of War, it provides additional context but is no longer playable. Complete playthroughs 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, the 2018 installment shifts Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he lives with his son Atreus. Their mission to fulfill Faye’s dying wish takes them across the Nine Realms, encountering Norse myths like Baldur and Thor’s sons.

Kratos grapples with fatherhood and his secrets, culminating in the onset of Fimbulwinter, signaling the approach of Ragnarök.

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

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Due to the recent release of Ragnarok, this summary avoids specific spoilers.

Set three years after the 2018 game, God of War: Ragnarok approaches the end of Fimbulwinter and the onset of Ragnarök. Kratos and Atreus’s journey through the Nine Realms and the Realm Between Realms focuses on Atreus’s evolving identity and powers. They confront new and returning characters, including Odin and Thor, on a quest to survive Ragnarök.

Ragnarok leaves room for future stories, with a New Game Plus mode available for those who've completed the game.

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 has not announced a new God of War game, the critical and commercial success of the recent titles suggests more entries are likely. The latest development includes God of War: Ragnarok's PC release, and we've provided a guide for the PC port.

Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the story from the 2018 game. However, production faced challenges in 2024 with the departure of key personnel.

For more chronological gaming guides, consider these series:

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