In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

This guide explores the optimal order to play the God of War games, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans. The series boasts a rich history spanning Greek and Norse sagas, making the choice of starting point crucial.

Key Games & Considerations:

Ten God of War games exist, but only eight are essential for a complete narrative experience. God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook) can be safely omitted.

Popular Playthrough Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

Release Order: This follows the games' original launch sequence, offering a historical perspective on gameplay evolution. However, note that some earlier titles (like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) may not match the production quality of the main trilogy.

Release order: 1. God of War 1 (2005) 2. God of War 2 (2007) 3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) 4. God of War 3 (2010) 5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) 6. God of War: Ascension (2013) 7. God of War (2018) 8. God of War Ragnarök (2022) 9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but be prepared for variations in gameplay and graphical fidelity across different titles. The starting game (Ascension) is generally considered the weakest.

Chronological order: 1. God of War: Ascension 2. God of War: Chains of Olympus 3. God of War 1 4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta 5. God of War 2 6. God of War 3 7. God of War (2018) 8. God of War Ragnarök 9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (DLC)

Recommended Play Order:

This order balances narrative coherence and gameplay enjoyment, preventing early burnout.

1. God of War 1
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
4. God of War 2
5. God of War 3
6. God of War: Ascension (Consider skipping if the gameplay feels dated; a YouTube summary suffices.)
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

This approach strategically places prequels before their respective main entries, ensuring a smooth narrative progression. God of War 2 and 3 are played consecutively due to their interconnected storylines.

Alternate Play Order (Norse Saga First):

This unconventional approach prioritizes modern gameplay and visual quality. Starting with the Norse Saga can enhance the mystery surrounding Kratos' past.

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
4. God of War: Ascension
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
6. God of War 1
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
8. God of War 2
9. God of War 3

Ultimately, the "best" order depends on individual preferences. This guide offers diverse options to ensure a fulfilling God of War journey.