Play God of War Games in Order: A Chronological Guide

The God of War series, a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic franchises, has evolved significantly since its inception during the PS2 era. Initially renowned for its intense action gameplay and the compelling story of Kratos, the Spartan demigod driven by divine revenge, the series has matured into a seminal action-adventure saga. Over the past two decades, God of War has refined its action mechanics while deepening its lore and enhancing its narrative, with an older and more empathetic Kratos at its heart. The latest installment, God of War Ragnarok, has solidified its status as one of gaming's all-time greats, prompting this comprehensive guide for fans eager to experience or revisit the entire series.

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• 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 in the series—six for home consoles, two for portable consoles, one for mobile, and one text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Here's a rundown of every God of War release, charting the saga from its inception. See All!

We're excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as this AR game doesn't add to the ongoing narrative but instead provides players with background lore from the world of God of War. We're also excluding PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its comical inclusion in the God of War canon.

There are several God of War stories told through novels and comics as well, though this list only includes games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

While technically the first game in the series chronologically is God of War: Ascension, the ideal starting point for newcomers is God of War (2018). Available on both PS4 and PS5, as well as on PC, it offers an excellent introduction to 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 in the series by release date but the first chronologically, delves into the early days of Kratos's transformation from a Spartan demigod to the God of War. Set months after Kratos is tricked into killing his wife and daughter by Ares, Ascension follows Kratos as he refuses to honor his oath to Ares. The Furies, tasked with punishing betrayal, become his adversaries, and Kratos's journey ends with him leaving his Spartan home, 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 adventure, Kratos is halfway through his ten-year servitude to the gods. Tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld at Athena's behest, Kratos confronts Persephone, who tempts him with a chance to reunite with his daughter. His struggle with the apocalyptic consequences of this choice and his duty to return Helios to the gods drives the narrative.

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 opens with Kratos leaping off a cliff into the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed by grief. The story then flashes back three weeks to reveal his journey. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks Pandora’s Box to achieve his goal. Despite his victory, Kratos remains troubled, and Athena offers him a throne on Olympus, marking his ascension to the God of War.

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 original God of War and God of War II, explores Kratos's pale-white appearance, a result of an oracle's curse binding the ashes of his family to his skin. Kratos's quest leads him to Atlantis, where he encounters his mortal mother and his long-lost brother Deimos. Their battle against the God of Death, Thanatos, concludes with Kratos more embittered against the Olympians.

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, part of the God of War canon, sees Kratos framed for killing Argos, a giant serving Hera. An assassin's deception strains his relationship with Olympus further, culminating in Kratos's defiance against Zeus's messenger. Betrayal sets the stage for God of War II, though it's not available on modern mobile platforms and can be skipped.

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

6. God of War II (2007)

In God of War II, Kratos's rampage leads to his confrontation with Zeus, who kills him. Resurrected with Gaia's help, Kratos manipulates the Loom of Fate to alter his past and recruit the Titans for a war against Olympus. The game ends with Kratos leading the Titans in an assault on Mount Olympus, setting up the next chapter.

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

7. God of War III (2010)

God of War III picks up immediately after its predecessor, concluding Kratos's Greek saga. After battling the Olympians, Kratos descends into the Underworld once more, teams up with an old ally, and faces a final confrontation with Zeus. With the world in ruins, Kratos ends his vengeance and sacrifices 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)

This Facebook Messenger text-adventure introduces Kratos's son, Atreus, and explores his extrasensory abilities and relationships with Kratos and Faye. Set before God of War (2018), it adds flavor to the characters' backstory but is no longer playable.

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

9. God of War (2018)

Set years after God of War III, this game transports Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he and Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish—to spread her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms. Along the way, they encounter Norse mythology figures and confront Kratos's struggles with fatherhood and Atreus's identity. The adventure culminates with the onset of Fimbulwinter, signaling Ragnarök's approach.

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

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Given the recency of Ragnarok's release, this plot synopsis remains vague to avoid spoilers.

God of War Ragnarok, set three years after the 2018 game, navigates the Nine Realms through the end of Fimbulwinter and the impending Ragnarök. With Kratos and Atreus at the forefront, the narrative focuses on Atreus's exploration of his identity and powers, alongside encounters with Norse deities like Odin and Thor. The game's journey leaves room for future stories, with a New Game Plus mode available for those who've completed it.

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

• 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?

A God of War TV series is also in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, set to adapt the story of 2018’s God of War. Production faced a setback in 2024 with the departure of key creatives.

Looking for more chronological guides? Explore these other series:

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