The God of War series has carved its place as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, evolving from its inception on the PS2 to a legendary action-adventure saga that spans over two decades. From the outset, the series introduced players to the vengeful Spartan demigod Kratos, whose journey through divine revenge and intense action gameplay has captivated audiences worldwide. As the series progressed, it refined its action mechanics while deepening its narrative, with a more mature and empathetic portrayal of Kratos in its Norse-set masterpieces.
With the monumental success of God of War Ragnarok, now firmly positioned among the greatest games ever made, we've crafted this comprehensive guide for those eager to embark on or revisit the saga 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 a detailed look at every God of War release, from the dawn of the gods to the present day. See All!
We're excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir's Vision, as this AR game doesn't contribute to the ongoing narrative but instead offers background lore from the God of War universe. We're also omitting PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale from this chronology, despite its playful inclusion in the God of War canon.
There are also several God of War stories told through novels and comics, but this list focuses solely on the games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
While God of War: Ascension is technically the first game chronologically, God of War (2018) serves as an excellent entry point for new players. It's available on both PS4 and PS5, and even on PC, making it highly accessible. It's a fantastic starting point for anyone diving into the series for the first time.
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God of War Games in Chronological Order
These summaries contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension is the seventh game in the series by release date but the first chronologically. It 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 killing his family by Ares, the story follows Kratos as he defies his oath to Ares, sparking a conflict with the Furies. The narrative concludes with Kratos leaving Sparta, still haunted by his grief.
Available on: PS3 | IGN's God of War: Ascension Review
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Chains of Olympus follows Kratos during his ten-year servitude to the gods, five years before the first God of War. Tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld, Kratos faces Persephone, who offers him a chance to reunite with his daughter. The game explores Kratos's internal struggle between his promise to the gods 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 roughly ten years after Ascension, the original God of War begins with Kratos's attempted suicide, followed by a flashback detailing his final task from Athena: defeat Ares and save Athens. Kratos's journey to obtain Pandora's Box and his ultimate confrontation with Ares lead to his ascension to the God of War. The game also reveals Kratos's backstory, from his days as a Spartan captain to his pact with Ares.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN's God of War Review
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Ghost of Sparta occurs between the first God of War and God of War II. It explores Kratos's familial ties, leading him to Atlantis to confront his mother and long-lost brother Deimos. The climax sees Kratos battling the God of Death, Thanatos, and further deepening his animosity toward 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 is part of the God of War canon. Kratos, framed for killing Argos by an assassin, further alienates himself from Olympus. The game sets the stage for God of War II with Zeus's impending wrath against Kratos. Although Betrayal is no longer available on modern mobile platforms, it can be experienced via a Java emulator.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN's God of War: Betrayal Review
- God of War II (2007)
God of War II sees Kratos challenging Zeus, the King of Olympus. After rejecting peace and continuing his rampage, Kratos is killed by Zeus but revived by Gaia to alter his fate. Kratos's journey leads him to the Sisters of Fate, where he learns his true parentage and recruits the Titans for a war against Olympus, setting up God of War III.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN's God of War II Review
- God of War III (2010)
God of War III directly follows God of War II, concluding Kratos's Greek saga with his final confrontation against Zeus and the Olympians. After a cataclysmic battle involving Titans and gods, Kratos ends his quest for vengeance and sacrifices himself to release hope to humanity.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN's God of War III Review
- God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
This Facebook Messenger text-adventure, released before God of War (2018), introduces Kratos's son Atreus and his extrasensory abilities. Set before the events of God of War (2018) when Faye is still alive, it adds depth to Atreus's relationships. Although no longer playable, complete playthroughs can be found on YouTube.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
- God of War (2018)
Set years after God of War III, this game transports Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he and his son Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Their adventure takes them through multiple realms, encountering Norse mythological figures, and explores Kratos's struggles with fatherhood and his past.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN's God of War 2018 Review
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Set three years after God of War (2018), Ragnarok takes place as Fimbulwinter ends and Ragnarök looms. Kratos and Atreus navigate personal quests of identity while facing the Asgards and the impending end of the world. The game leaves room for future stories and offers a New Game Plus mode for continued exploration.
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 II (2007)
- God of War: Betrayal (2007)
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
- God of War III (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 following the critical and commercial success of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok, future entries are anticipated. The latest development is God of War: Ragnarok arriving on PC, and we've provided a comprehensive guide to the PC port.
A God of War TV series is also in development for Amazon's Prime Video, adapting the story of God of War (2018). However, production faced delays in 2024 due to the departure of key personnel.
For fans interested in similar chronological 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
