"God of War: Chronological Play Order Guide"

The God of War franchise, a cornerstone of PlayStation's legacy, has captivated gamers since its inception on the PS2. Renowned for its dynamic action gameplay and the compelling story of Kratos, the Spartan demigod, the series has evolved significantly over two decades. From its roots in Greek mythology to its exploration of Norse realms, God of War has become a seminal action-adventure series, offering a blend of refined action, deeper lore, and a more introspective narrative centered around an aging, more empathetic Kratos. With the latest entry, God of War Ragnarok, cementing its place among the greatest games of all time, this comprehensive chronology serves as a guide for those looking to embark on or revisit this epic journey from the beginning.

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 — 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!

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?

Although technically the first game in the series chronologically was God of War: Ascension, realistically you'll probably want to start with God of War (2018). Not only is it available on both PS4 and PS5, you can also play it on PC. It's a great starting point for anyone just getting into the series.

For PlayStation God of War (2018)

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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 God of War game 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 was tricked into slaying his wife and daughter by Ares, the Greek God of War, Ascension follows Kratos's refusal to uphold his oath to Ares. This defiance leads to a confrontation with the Furies, tasked with punishing betrayal. 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)

In the PSP title God of War: Chains of Olympus, Kratos embarks on a quest during the midpoint of his ten-year servitude to the gods. Tasked by Athena to rescue Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld, Kratos confronts Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. The narrative explores Kratos's internal struggle between reuniting with his daughter and fulfilling 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)

The original God of War game, set roughly ten years after Ascension, opens with Kratos's suicide attempt, flashing back three weeks to uncover the events leading to his despair. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos's journey culminates in obtaining Pandora’s Box and slaying Ares, only to find himself offered a throne on Olympus. Throughout, flashbacks reveal Kratos's pact with Ares, leading to his transformation into 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)

Ghost of Sparta, the second PSP entry, bridges the gap between God of War and God of War 2. Kratos seeks answers about his past, encountering his mortal mother and long-lost brother Deimos in Atlantis. Their battle against Thanatos, the God of Death, results in tragedy, deepening 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)

This 2D mobile sidescroller is canon, with Kratos framed for the murder of Argos, a giant serving Hera. Kratos's defiance against Zeus's messenger sets the stage for the events of God of War 2. Although not available on modern devices, Betrayal can be experienced via Java emulators.

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

6. God of War 2 (2007)

God of War 2 sees Kratos's feud escalate with Zeus, leading to Kratos's death and subsequent resurrection by Gaia. With the power of the Loom of Fate, Kratos aims to alter the past, only to learn his true parentage. The game sets the stage for Kratos's assault on Mount Olympus with the Titans.

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

7. God of War 3 (2010)

Following directly from God of War 2, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga. Kratos, with the Titans, wages war against the Olympians, facing betrayals and epic battles. His final confrontation with Zeus ends with Kratos releasing hope to mankind, amidst a world in ruins.

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

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

God of War: A Call from the Wilds, a text-adventure on Facebook Messenger, introduces Kratos's son, Atreus, and explores his extrasensory abilities and family dynamics before the 2018 game. Though no longer playable, its story can be experienced through YouTube playthroughs.

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

9. God of War (2018)

Set years after God of War 3, the 2018 installment relocates Kratos to Midgard, the Norse realm, where he and Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Their quest through the Nine Realms uncovers Norse mythology and Kratos's struggles with fatherhood and secrets.

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 is especially vague to avoid spoilers.

Set three years after 2018’s God of War, Ragnarok sees Kratos and Atreus navigating the end of Fimbulwinter and the onset of Ragnarök. The game introduces new characters like Odin and Thor, focusing on Atreus's exploration of his identity and powers. Their journey spans all nine realms, leading to a climactic confrontation with the Asgards.

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, adapting the story of 2018’s God of War. However, production faced delays in 2024 following the departure of key creative personnel.

Looking for more in order guides like this? Take a look at these other chronological adventures:

• Assassin's Creed Games in Order
• Halo Games in Order
• Batman Arkham Games in Order
• Resident Evil Games in Order
• Pokemon Games in Order