The God of War series has established itself as a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic franchises, beginning with its debut on the PS2. The saga, led by the iconic Spartan demigod Kratos, has evolved over two decades from a tale of divine revenge to a profound narrative adventure. With each installment, the series has refined its action gameplay while deepening its lore and emotional resonance, culminating in the critically acclaimed God of War Ragnarok. For fans looking to embark on or revisit this epic journey, we present a comprehensive guide to the series' chronology.
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How to Play the God of War Series
Jump to:
- How to play chronologically
- How to play by release date
- How Many God of War Games Are There?
Sony has released a total of **10 God of War games** across various platforms, including 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 every God of War release, showcasing the evolution of this legendary series. See All!
We're excluding God of War: Mimir’s Vision, a mobile AR game that adds background lore but not to the main narrative, and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, despite its inclusion in the God of War canon.
The series also includes stories told through novels and comics, but this list focuses solely on the games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
While God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended for newcomers. Available on PS4, PS5, and PC, it serves as an excellent entry point 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.*
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension, the seventh game by release date but first chronologically, explores Kratos's early days as a Spartan demigod and his transformation into the God of War. The story unfolds months after Kratos, manipulated by Ares, kills his family. Refusing to honor his oath to Ares, Kratos faces the Furies, leading to his departure from Sparta, still tormented by grief.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Set five years before the original God of War, Chains of Olympus follows Kratos during his servitude to the gods. Tasked with rescuing Helios, Kratos faces Persephone, who offers a chance to reunite with his daughter, forcing him to weigh the consequences of his actions against his duty.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
- God of War (2005)
Set roughly ten years after Ascension, the first game begins with Kratos attempting suicide, leading to a flashback of his final task: defeating Ares to save Athens and gain forgiveness. Kratos obtains Pandora’s Box and kills Ares, but remains haunted by his past. Athena offers him a throne on Olympus, completing his ascent to becoming the God of War.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Set between the first two games, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's familial ties. He journeys to Atlantis, encountering his mother and long-lost brother Deimos. Their battle against Thanatos ends in tragedy, leaving Kratos even more embittered toward the gods.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
- God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D sidescroller, officially part of the canon, sees Kratos framed for killing Argos, further straining his relationship with Olympus. Zeus's attempts to stop Kratos's rampage set the stage for God of War 2. While no longer available on modern devices, it can be emulated.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
- God of War 2 (2007)
Kratos's conflict with Zeus escalates in God of War 2. After rejecting peace and continuing his destruction, Zeus kills him. Revived by Gaia, Kratos manipulates time to save himself and recruits the Titans for an assault on 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
- God of War 3 (2010)
Following directly after God of War 2, Kratos concludes his Greek saga by battling the Olympians. His journey through betrayal and epic battles leads to a final confrontation with Zeus, ending his vengeance and releasing hope to mankind.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
- God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
This text-adventure on Facebook Messenger introduces Kratos's son Atreus and his extrasensory abilities, set before the 2018 game. While no longer playable, it provides background that can be found in complete playthroughs online.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
- God of War (2018)
Years after God of War 3, Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish in the Norse realm of Midgard. Their adventure through the Nine Realms uncovers truths about Kratos's past and Atreus's identity, leading to Fimbulwinter and the prelude to Ragnarök.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Set three years after the 2018 game, Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as Fimbulwinter ends and Ragnarök looms. Their journey across the Nine Realms explores Atreus's identity and powers, culminating in a battle against the Asgards. The game leaves room for future stories and offers a New Game Plus mode.
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 series' success suggests future entries are likely. The recent PC release of God of War: Ragnarok marks a significant development, and a TV series adaptation of the 2018 game is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, though it faced delays in 2024.
For more chronological guides, explore these series:
- Assassin's Creed Games in Order
- Halo Games in Order
- Batman Arkham Games in Order
- Resident Evil Games in Order
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