The God of War series has become a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic franchises, evolving from its origins on the PS2 into a seminal action-adventure saga. With its roots in the gripping tale of Kratos, the Spartan demigod, the series has captivated gamers with its thrilling action, deep narrative, and evolving character development. Now, two decades later, God of War stands as a testament to how a franchise can mature, blending refined action with rich lore and compelling storytelling, centered around a more empathetic Kratos. With God of War Ragnarok earning its place among the greatest, this guide offers a comprehensive chronology for fans eager to explore or revisit the entire saga from the beginning.
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How to play chronologicallyHow to play by release dateHow Many God of War Games Are There?
Sony has released 10 God of War games in the series — 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 every single God of War release since the dawn of the gods. See All
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?
Although technically the first game in the series chronologically was God of War: Ascension, if you're new to the series, starting with God of War (2018) might be more engaging. It's available on PS4, PS5, and PC, offering a fresh entry point into Kratos's saga with its refined gameplay and compelling narrative.
### For PlayStation God of War (2018)
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These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension delves into the early days of Kratos's journey from a Spartan demigod to the God of War. Set months after Kratos's tragic manipulation by Ares into killing his family, Ascension follows Kratos as he breaks his oath to Ares, facing the wrath of the Furies. The narrative concludes with Kratos leaving his Spartan life behind, still haunted by his past.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Chains of Olympus explores Kratos's servitude to the gods, set halfway through his ten-year tenure. Tasked by Athena to rescue Helios from the underworld, Kratos faces the Queen of the Underworld, Persephone. The game challenges Kratos with a moral dilemma involving his daughter and the apocalyptic consequences of his choices.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
God of War (2005)
Set ten years after Ascension, the original God of War begins with Kratos's suicide attempt, flashing back to his final task: defeating Ares to save Athens. Kratos's journey to obtain Pandora’s Box and confront Ares is fraught with challenges, culminating in his ascension to the God of War throne, offered by Athena.
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 God of War games, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's quest for familial closure. Journeying to Atlantis, Kratos reconnects with his mother and confronts his brother Deimos, battling the God of Death, Thanatos. The game deepens Kratos's narrative of loss and growing fury against the Olympians.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D sidescroller, part of the God of War canon, sees Kratos framed for the killing of Argos by an assassin, further straining his relationship with Olympus. Kratos's defiance against Zeus sets the stage for God of War 2. Although not available on modern mobile platforms, it can be experienced through a Java emulator.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
God of War 2 (2007)
In God of War 2, Kratos's battle against Zeus unfolds after rejecting peace, leading to his death and subsequent revival by Gaia. Kratos's journey to the Sisters of Fate and his manipulation of the Loom of Fate sets the stage for a war against Olympus, culminating in an assault led by the Titans.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review
God of War 3 (2010)
Following directly from the previous game, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga with a climactic battle against Zeus and the Olympians. Kratos's epic journey through betrayal and destruction leads to a final confrontation, ending with a sacrifice to release 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 Facebook Messenger text-adventure introduces Kratos's son Atreus and his extrasensory abilities, set before the events of God of War (2018). While no longer playable, its story adds depth to Atreus's character and his relationship with Kratos and Faye.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
God of War (2018)
Years after the events of God of War 3, Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey through the Norse realm of Midgard to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Encountering Norse mythology's inhabitants, Kratos navigates fatherhood and hidden truths, leading to the onset of Fimbulwinter and the impending Ragnarök.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Set three years after the previous game, Ragnarok unfolds as Fimbulwinter ends and Ragnarök looms. Kratos and Atreus's adventure delves deeper into Norse mythology, facing new challenges and exploring Atreus's identity and powers. The story leaves room for future narratives, with a New Game Plus mode available for those who've completed the game.
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 yet to announce a new God of War game, but the success of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok suggests more entries are likely. The recent PC release of God of War: Ragnarok is a testament to the franchise's expanding reach. Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, set to adapt the story of the 2018 game, though production faced challenges with the departure of key creatives in 2024.Looking for more in order guides like this? Take a look at these other chronological adventures:
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