"God of War: A Chronological Play Guide"

The God of War series, a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic franchises, began during the PS2 era and has since evolved into one of gaming's most seminal action-adventure series. Initially known for its gripping action and the tale of divine revenge led by the Spartan demigod Kratos, the franchise has matured over two decades. It now offers a refined blend of action, deeper lore, and a compelling narrative, with an older, more empathetic Kratos at its helm. With the latest installment, God of War Ragnarok, earning its place among the all-time greats, we present a comprehensive chronology for fans eager to experience or revisit the series from the beginning.

Jump to:

• How to play chronologically
• How to play by release date
• How Many God of War Games Are There?

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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 AllGod of War [2005]Santa Monica StudioGod of War IISanta Monica StudioGod of War: BetrayalSony Online EntertainmentGod of War: Chains of OlympusReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War CollectionBluepoint GamesGod of War IIISanta Monica StudioGod of War: Ghost of SpartaReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War OriginsReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War SagaSCE Studios Santa MonicaGod of War: AscensionSanta Monica StudioWe’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)

16Upgrade to PS5 version through the PlayStation Store.See it at AmazonGod 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 into the God of War. Set months after Kratos was tricked into killing his wife and daughter by Ares, Ascension follows Kratos as he refuses to honor his oath to Ares. This defiance leads to a confrontation with the Furies, three beings 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)

Kratos's next adventure unfolds in the PSP game, God of War: Chains of Olympus. Set five years before the original God of War, Kratos is midway through his ten-year servitude to the gods. Tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld by Athena, Kratos faces Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. She tempts Kratos with a reunion with his daughter, forcing him to weigh the apocalyptic consequences against his promise to return Helios.

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 first God of War game starts with Kratos, overwhelmed by grief, jumping off a cliff into the Aegean Sea. A flashback reveals his final task: defeat Ares and save Athens, with the promise of forgiveness. Kratos obtains Pandora’s Box and confronts Ares, but even victory does not ease his torment. Athena rescues him and offers a throne on Olympus, marking his ascent to becoming the God of War. The game provides crucial backstory about Kratos's life, including his pact with Ares.

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

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

Set between the original God of War and God of War 2, Ghost of Sparta, the series' second PSP game, explores Kratos's familial ties. Kratos journeys to Atlantis to confront his mortal mother and reunite with his long-lost brother, Deimos. Their battle against Thanatos, the Greek God of Death, ends tragically, further fueling Kratos's fury toward 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, officially part of the God of War canon, sees Kratos framed for the killing of Argos, a giant serving Hera. An assassin's plot further strains Kratos's relationship with Olympus. Zeus's messenger attempts to halt Kratos's rampage, but Kratos responds with violence, setting the stage for God of War 2. Betrayal, though not available on modern mobile platforms, can be played via a Java emulator.

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

6. God of War 2 (2007)

In God of War 2, Kratos's feud escalates to Zeus, the King of Olympus. Rejecting Athena's plea for peace, Kratos continues his rampage, leading Zeus to kill him. Revived by Gaia, Kratos seeks to rewrite the past using the Loom of Fate. His quest to kill Zeus is interrupted, revealing his true parentage. Kratos recruits Titans for a future war against Olympus, setting the scene for 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)

Immediately following the events of God of War 2, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga. Kratos and the Titans wage war against the Olympians, leading to catastrophic consequences. Betrayed once more, Kratos ventures into the Underworld, teams up with an old ally, and embarks on a final showdown with Zeus. Kratos's journey ends with him sacrificing 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)

God of War: A Call from the Wids is a text-adventure released on Facebook Messenger before the 2018 God of War. It introduces Kratos's son, Atreus, and explores his extrasensory abilities and his relationships with Kratos and his mother, Faye. Set before the 2018 game, it's no longer playable but 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 God of War relocates Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard. Kratos and his son, Atreus, set out to fulfill Faye's dying wish: to spread her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms. Their journey takes them through various realms, encountering Norse mythology figures like Baldur and Freya. Kratos grapples with fatherhood and his past secrets, leading to the onset of Fimbulwinter, the precursor to Ragnarök.

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.

God of War: Ragnarok, set three years after 2018’s God of War, marks the end of Fimbulwinter and the beginning of Ragnarök. Kratos and Atreus continue their journey, with Atreus exploring his identity and powers. The game introduces characters like Odin and Thor, as the duo traverses the Nine Realms and the Realm Between Realms, aiming to defeat the Asgards and survive Ragnarok. Ragnarok 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

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?

While Sony has not announced a new God of War game, the critical and commercial success of the recent entries suggests more to come. The latest development includes the PC release of God of War: Ragnarok, and we've provided a detailed guide for the PC port. Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the 2018 game's story, though it faced production challenges in 2024.

For fans interested in other chronological game guides, consider exploring:

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