How to Play the God of War Games in Chronological Order

God of War’s Norse-set masterpieces have solidified its status as one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises. Originating during the PS2 era, the God of War series established itself with exceptional action gameplay, a captivating tale of divine revenge, and the unforgettable lead character, the Spartan demigod Kratos. Two decades on, God of War has evolved into one of gaming's premier action-adventure series, refining its action mechanics while delving deeper into its lore and enhancing its narrative, all centered around a more mature and empathetic Kratos.

With God of War Ragnarok now considered among the greatest games of all time, we’ve crafted this comprehensive chronology for those eager to experience (or revisit) the series from its inception.

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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 for home consoles, two for portable consoles, one for mobile, and a text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Here's a complete list of every God of War game released, from the beginning of the saga. 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 does not 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 humorous inclusion in the God of War canon.

There are also several God of War stories told through novels and comics, though 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 in the series chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended for newcomers. It's available on both PS4 and PS5, as well as PC, making it an accessible entry point 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 summaries contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension, the seventh game in the series 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 killing his wife and daughter by Ares, the Greek God of War, Ascension follows Kratos as he refuses to honor his oath to Ares. This defiance sets off a chain of events where Ares seeks vengeance through the Furies, three beings tasked with punishing betrayal. Kratos must defeat them to break free from his oath. The game concludes with Kratos 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 journey unfolds in the PSP game, God of War: Chains of Olympus. Set halfway through his ten-year servitude to the gods (five years before the original God of War), Kratos is tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld at Athena's request. Here, he confronts Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who offers him a chance to reunite with his daughter. Kratos grapples with the apocalyptic consequences of this reunion and his duty to return Helios to the gods.

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 opens with Kratos, overwhelmed by grief, leaping off a cliff into the Aegean Sea. A flashback reveals the events leading to this moment.

Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks Pandora’s Box to gain the power needed to confront the God of War. His journey takes him through hell and back, culminating in a battle with Ares. Despite his victory, Kratos remains haunted by his past. Athena rescues him from the sea and offers him a throne on Olympus, marking the end of his 10-year servitude and his ascension to the God of War.

Throughout the game, a narrator provides essential backstory about Kratos’s life, including his service as a Spartan captain and his pact with Ares, which led to his arms being fused with the Blades of Chaos.

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 game in the series, is set between the original God of War and God of War 2. The title refers to Kratos’s nickname, derived from his pale-white appearance caused by an oracle’s curse that bound the ashes of his wife and child to his skin.

The game provides closure to two family-related storylines: Kratos journeys to Atlantis, where he encounters his mortal mother and his long-lost brother Deimos, who was abducted by the gods as a child to prevent a prophecy about Olympus’s downfall. The climax sees Kratos and Deimos battling the Greek God of Death, Thanatos. Despite their victory, Kratos’s story ends on a somber note, with his anger towards the Olympians intensifying.

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 is officially part of the God of War canon, as confirmed by Sony Santa Monica animation director Bruno Velazquez. In Betrayal, the gods, frustrated with Kratos’s relentless bloodlust, attempt to halt his latest conquest using Argos, a many-eyed giant serving Hera. Kratos is framed for Argos's murder by an unknown assassin, further straining his relationship with Olympus. When Zeus sends a messenger to stop Kratos’s rampage, Kratos responds with violence, setting the stage for the events of God of War 2.

God of War: Betrayal, released before the smartphone era, is no longer available on modern mobile platforms. It can be skipped without missing key plot points, but those interested can play it using a Java emulator.

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 pitted against Zeus, the King of Olympus. After rejecting Athena’s plea for peace and continuing his rampage across Greece, Kratos faces Zeus’s wrath, who descends to the battlefield and kills him.

Rescued by Gaia, the mother of Titans and Earth, Kratos seeks to rewrite his past and save himself. His journey leads him to the Underworld and the Sisters of Fate, whom he must defeat to control the Loom of Fate. Kratos returns to the moment of his death, but his plan to kill Zeus is thwarted when another Olympian intervenes. Kratos learns of his true parentage and uses the Loom to rally the Titans for a future war against Olympus. The game ends with Kratos leading the Titans in an assault on Mount Olympus, setting the stage 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)

Set immediately after God of War 2, God of War 3 concludes Kratos’s Greek saga and his war against Zeus and the Olympians.

Kratos and the Titans engage in a devastating battle with the Olympians. Betrayed once more, Kratos descends into the Underworld, where he allies with an old friend to confront Zeus. Back on Earth, Kratos embarks on a killing spree, culminating in a final showdown with Zeus. Kratos ends his quest for vengeance and, with the world in ruins, sacrifices himself to release hope to humanity.

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 is a Facebook Messenger text-adventure released before the 2018 God of War. This ~30-minute story introduces Kratos’s son, Atreus, and provides background on his extrasensory abilities, enriching his relationships with Kratos and his mother, Faye. The story is set before the events of God of War 2018, when Faye is still alive.

A Call from the Wilds is no longer playable, but like God of War: Betrayal, it can be skipped without missing crucial plot points. Complete playthroughs are available on YouTube for those interested.

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 transports Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he lives with his son, Atreus. Their mission is to fulfill Faye’s dying wish by spreading her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms.

Their journey is fraught with challenges as they traverse multiple realms, encountering Norse mythological figures like Baldur, Freya, Thor’s sons Magni and Modi, and the last living giant, Jörmungandr. Kratos grapples with fatherhood and the secrets he keeps from Atreus about his past and Atreus’s true identity.

The adventure concludes with the onset of Fimbulwinter, a three-year precursor to Ragnarök, the end of the world.

Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Given the recent release of Ragnarok, this plot summary is intentionally vague to avoid spoilers.

God of War: Ragnarok, the latest and most narrative-driven entry in the series, is set three years after the 2018 God of War, as the Nine Realms approach the end of Fimbulwinter and the onset of Ragnarök.

Many characters from the previous game return, joined by new figures like Odin and Thor. The focus remains on Kratos and Atreus, with a greater emphasis on Atreus’s exploration of his newfound identities and powers. Players will journey through all nine realms and the Realm Between Realms, pursuing personal quests of identity and a larger mission to defeat the Asgards and survive Ragnarök.

Ragnarok leaves room for future stories, and players can continue their journey with the New Game Plus mode.

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 the 2018 game. However, production faced setbacks in 2024 following the departure of showrunner Rafe Judkins and executive producers Hawk Ostby and Mark Fergus.

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