God of War: Chronological Play Order Guide

The God of War series has firmly established itself as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, captivating gamers since its inception during the PS2 era. The saga of Kratos, the Spartan demigod, has evolved from a tale of divine revenge to a profound exploration of fatherhood and redemption, all while maintaining its signature action-packed gameplay. Over the past two decades, God of War has grown into a seminal action-adventure series, weaving increasingly sophisticated action with deeper lore and compelling narratives, especially through the character development of an older, more empathetic Kratos. With the release of God of War Ragnarok, which has earned its place among the all-time greats, we present this comprehensive chronology for those eager to experience or revisit the series from the beginning.

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How Many God of War Games Are There?

Sony has released a total of 10 God of War games in the series. These include six titles for home consoles, two for portable consoles, one for mobile, and a unique text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Here's a chronological list of all God of War releases since the series' inception. Dive into the epic saga of Kratos with these entries:

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We've omitted the second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as it doesn't contribute to the main storyline but rather offers background lore. Similarly, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is not included, despite its humorous inclusion in the God of War canon.

The series also extends into novels and comics, but this guide focuses solely on the games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

While God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, for newcomers, starting with God of War (2018) is highly recommended. Available on both PS4 and PS5, and playable on 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.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

   Ascension, the seventh game by release but the first in the timeline, delves into Kratos's early days as he transforms from a Spartan demigod into the God of War. Set months after Kratos unknowingly kills his family, manipulated by Ares, he refuses to honor his oath to the god, sparking a vengeful pursuit by the Furies. Kratos's journey ends with him leaving 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)

   Kratos's next adventure unfolds in the PSP game, God of War: Chains of Olympus. Set midway through his 10-year servitude to the gods, Kratos is tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld. Facing Persephone, he wrestles with the apocalyptic consequences of his actions and his promise 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 despair-driven leap off a cliff. Flashbacks reveal his final task from Athena: to defeat Ares and save Athens. Kratos's journey to obtain Pandora’s Box and confront Ares is filled with trials, culminating in his ascension to the God of War throne.

   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, bridges the gap between the first God of War and its sequel. Kratos seeks closure on his familial past, encountering his mother and long-lost brother Deimos. Despite their reunion and battle against Thanatos, Kratos's fury against the Olympians intensifies.

   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 official canon. Kratos, framed for killing Argos, continues his destructive path, defying the gods and setting the stage for God of War 2. Due to its age, it's no longer available on modern platforms but can be experienced via emulators.

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

6. God of War 2 (2007)

   Kratos's conflict escalates against Zeus, who kills him on the battlefield. Revived by Gaia, Kratos seeks to rewrite his fate with the help of the Sisters of Fate. His journey leads to a confrontation with Zeus, setting the stage for a war against Olympus.

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

7. God of War 3 (2010)

   Directly following the previous game, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga. Amidst the cataclysmic battle between Titans and Olympians, Kratos seeks to end his vengeance, ultimately 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)

   A text-adventure on Facebook Messenger, this story introduces Kratos's son Atreus and explores his abilities and relationships before the events of God of War (2018). Though no longer playable, its story can be experienced through online playthroughs.

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

9. God of War (2018)

   Set years after God of War 3, this installment transitions Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he and Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Their adventure spans multiple realms, confronting Norse mythology figures and exploring themes of fatherhood and identity.

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

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

    Set three years after the 2018 game, Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the impending Ragnarök. With a focus on Atreus's identity and powers, the duo explores all nine realms on a quest to defeat the Asgards. The game concludes with an open door 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?

Sony has not yet announced a new God of War game, but given the critical and commercial success of recent entries, future installments are anticipated. The latest development is the PC release of God of War: Ragnarok, and a TV series based on the 2018 game is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, though it faced production challenges in 2024.

For more chronological gaming guides, explore our lists on Assassin's Creed, Halo, Batman Arkham, Resident Evil, and Pokémon games.