God of War: Chronological Play Guide

The God of War series has firmly established itself as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, evolving from its origins in the PS2 era into a seminal action-adventure series. Initially known for its gripping action gameplay and the compelling story of divine revenge led by the Spartan demigod Kratos, the series has matured over two decades. Today, it offers a refined blend of action, deeper lore, and a narrative centered around an older, more empathetic Kratos. With the monumental success of God of War Ragnarok, we present a comprehensive chronology of the series for fans eager to embark on or revisit this epic saga.

Got questions or want to discuss your gaming journey? Join our Discord community for engaging conversations and support!

Active Redeem Codes for God of War Series

How to Play the God of War Series Chronologically

Sony has enriched the God of War universe with **10 games** across various platforms: six on home consoles, two on portable devices, one mobile title, and a unique text-adventure on Facebook Messenger. Here's a complete guide to every God of War game released:

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Here's the full lineup of God of War releases:

• God of War (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 (2011) - Ready At Dawn Studios
• God of War Saga (2012) - SCE Studios Santa Monica
• God of War: Ascension (2013) - Santa Monica Studio

We've omitted God of War: Mimir’s Vision, an AR mobile game, as it doesn't contribute to the main storyline but offers background lore. Similarly, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, though part of the God of War canon, isn't included in this chronological guide. Note that while the series also extends into novels and comics, this list focuses solely on the games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

Although God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended. It's accessible on PS4, PS5, and PC, making it an ideal entry point for new players.

God of War Games in Chronological Order

Below is a detailed chronological order of the God of War series, with brief synopses that include mild spoilers:

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension delves into Kratos's early transformation from a Spartan demigod to the God of War. Set shortly after Kratos, manipulated by Ares, kills his family, he rebels against his oath to Ares. The story unfolds as Kratos battles the Furies, who seek to enforce his oath, leading him to abandon his Spartan home while still haunted by grief.

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

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

In this PSP title, Kratos serves the gods five years before the original game. His mission is to rescue Helios, the Sun God, from the underworld at Athena's request. Encountering Persephone, Kratos faces a moral dilemma between reuniting with his daughter and fulfilling his duties 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 first game opens with Kratos's attempted suicide, followed by a flashback explaining his journey. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks Pandora’s Box to end his servitude. His victory over Ares marks his rise to the God of War, though his past continues to haunt him.

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

4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)

This PSP game, set between the first two God of War titles, explores Kratos's familial ties. He journeys to Atlantis, meeting his mother and brother Deimos, whom the gods had abducted. Their reunion leads to a battle with Thanatos, further fueling Kratos's fury against the Olympians.

Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review

5. God of War: Betrayal (2007)

A mobile 2D sidescroller, Betrayal sees Kratos framed for the murder of Argos by an assassin, escalating tensions with Olympus. Zeus's attempt to halt Kratos's rampage only adds to his defiance, setting the stage for God of War 2. This game is no longer available on modern platforms but can be emulated.

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

6. God of War 2 (2007)

Kratos's conflict with Zeus unfolds in this sequel. After rejecting Athena's peace offer, Kratos is killed by Zeus but revived by Gaia. He manipulates the Loom of Fate to change his destiny and rally the Titans against 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)

The culmination of Kratos's Greek saga, God of War 3 sees him and the Titans wage war against the Olympians. Betrayed again, Kratos ventures into the Underworld before returning to Earth for a final confrontation with Zeus. His victory ends his vengeance, but at a great cost to the world.

Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review

8. God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)

This text-adventure on Facebook Messenger introduces Atreus and his extrasensory abilities, set before the 2018 game when his mother Faye is still alive. Although 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)

Years after the Greek saga, Kratos and his son Atreus navigate the Norse realm of Midgard to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Their journey through the Nine Realms uncovers Norse mythology's rich tapestry and Kratos's struggles with fatherhood and secrets about Atreus's heritage, culminating in the onset of Fimbulwinter.

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 explores the impending end of the world. Kratos and Atreus face new challenges and characters, including Odin and Thor, as they traverse all nine realms. The narrative focuses on Atreus's growth and their quest to survive Ragnarok, leaving room 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

Here's the series in the order they were released:

• 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 hasn't announced a new God of War game yet, the success of recent entries suggests more adventures await. The latest news includes 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 delays in 2024.

For fans of chronological playthroughs, explore similar guides for other iconic series like Assassin's Creed, Halo, Batman Arkham, Resident Evil, and Pokémon.