"Guide: Play God of War Games in Order"

If you're a fan of the God of War series, you've likely been captivated by its rich storytelling and legendary battles. Spanning over two decades, this iconic franchise has evolved from its Greek roots to the Norse realm, with each entry weaving a compelling narrative and offering thrilling gameplay experiences.

Born during the PS2 era, God of War made its mark with its intense combat mechanics, a gripping tale of vengeance, and the unforgettable Spartan demigod, Kratos. Fast forward to today, and the series has grown into a cornerstone of action-adventure gaming, blending its signature combat with deep lore and emotional storytelling.

With God of War Ragnarok securing its place among gaming's greatest, we’ve crafted this comprehensive chronology to help you dive into the series from the very beginning—or revisit it with a fresh perspective.

Jump to:

• How to Play Chronologically
• How to Play by Release Date
• How Many God of War Games Are There?

Sony Has Released 10 God of War Games in the Series

These span across home consoles, portable consoles, mobile platforms, and even Facebook Messenger. Here’s the full lineup:

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Game Title	Release Year	Developer	Image
God of War (2005)	2005	Santa Monica Studio
God of War II	2007	Santa Monica Studio
God of War: Betrayal	2007	Sony Online Entertainment
God of War: Chains of Olympus	2008	Ready At Dawn Studios
God of War Collection	2009	Bluepoint Games
God of War III	2010	Santa Monica Studio
God of War: Ghost of Sparta	2010	Ready At Dawn Studios
God of War: Origins	2010	Ready At Dawn Studios
God of War: Ascension	2013	Santa Monica Studio
God of War (2018)	2018	Santa Monica Studio
God of War Ragnarok	2022	Santa Monica Studio

We’re excluding God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as it doesn’t contribute to the ongoing narrative but rather provides additional lore. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is also excluded.

Additionally, there are novels and comics that expand the God of War universe, though this list focuses solely on games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

Technically, God of War: Ascension is the first game in the series chronologically. However, for a modern entry point, we recommend starting with God of War (2018). It’s available on both PS4 and PS5, with a PC version also available. This makes it the perfect starting point for newcomers.

For PlayStation Users:

God of War (2018)
Upgrade to the PS5 version through the PlayStation Store.
See it at Amazon.

How to Play Chronologically

These summaries contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and key plot points.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)
   Set months after the events of the original God of War, Ascension explores Kratos’s early days as a Spartan demigod. Framed as a tale of vengeance, it details Kratos’s transformation into the God of War. Players learn about the Furies and Ares’s manipulation of Kratos.

   Available on: PS3
   IGN’s Review

2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
   Taking place five years before the original God of War, this PSP title sees Kratos tasked with rescuing Helios from the underworld. He encounters Persephone, who tempts him with the possibility of reuniting with his daughter.

   Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP
   IGN’s Review

3. God of War (2005)
   The first game follows Kratos’s journey to defeat Ares and save Athens. His quest takes him to the underworld, where he learns about his past and becomes the God of War.

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

4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
   Set between God of War and God of War II, this PSP game delves into Kratos’s familial past, uncovering his mother and brother, Deimos. The story concludes with a battle against Thanatos.

   Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP
   IGN’s Review

5. God of War: Betrayal (2007)
   A mobile 2D sidescroller, this game reveals Kratos’s strained relationship with the gods. It’s officially part of the canon but can be skipped without consequence.

   Available on: N/A (previously on mobile)
   IGN’s Review

6. God of War II (2007)
   Kratos seeks revenge against Zeus, culminating in a climactic battle atop Mount Olympus. The game introduces Gaia and the Sisters of Fate.

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

7. God of War III (2010)
   The final chapter of Kratos’s Greek saga, this game sees him wage war against the Olympians, culminating in a deadly confrontation with Zeus.

   Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3
   IGN’s Review

8. God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
   A Facebook Messenger text-adventure, this short story introduces Atreus and Faye. It can be skipped but adds context to Kratos’s family dynamics.

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

9. God of War (2018)
   Years after God of War III, Kratos moves to Midgard with his son, Atreus. Together, they embark on a journey to scatter Faye’s ashes, uncovering Norse mythology along the way.

   Available on: PS5, PS4
   IGN’s Review

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)
    Three years after God of War (2018), Kratos and Atreus navigate the Nine Realms to confront the Asgardians and prepare for Ragnarök. The game expands on Atreus’s character arc.

    Available on: PS5, PS4
    IGN’s Review

How to Play by Release Date