Chronological Guide to the 'God of War' Epic

This guide explores the optimal order to play the God of War games, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans. The series boasts a rich history spanning Greek and Norse sagas, making the choice of starting point crucial.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles):

While ten games exist, only eight are essential for a complete Kratos experience. We'll omit God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook). The core eight are:

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War II (2007)
3. God of War III (2010)
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)

Popular Play Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: Release Order and Chronological Order.

• Release Order: This follows the games' original release dates, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, note that some prequels (like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) may not match the main trilogy's polish.

  1. God of War (2005)
  2. God of War II (2007)
  3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  4. God of War III (2010)
  5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
  6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
  9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but be prepared for inconsistencies in graphical quality and gameplay across titles. The initial game in this order is often considered the weakest.

  1. God of War: Ascension (2013)
  2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  3. God of War (2005)
  4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
  5. God of War II (2007)
  6. God of War III (2010)
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
  9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

Recommended Play Order:

This order balances narrative coherence and gameplay experience, minimizing potential frustration for newcomers.

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
4. God of War II (2007)
5. God of War III (2010)
6. God of War: Ascension (2013) (Consider skipping if struggling, and watching a recap)
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

Alternate Play Order (Norse Saga First):

This order prioritizes the modern, polished experience of the Norse Saga before tackling the older Greek Saga. While controversial among fans, it offers a smoother transition into the series' improved gameplay and visuals. The mystery surrounding Kratos' past is also heightened.

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)
4. God of War: Ascension (2013)
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
6. God of War (2005)
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
8. God of War II (2007)
9. God of War III (2010)