In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

This guide explores the optimal order to play the God of War games, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans. The series spans two sagas – Greek and Norse – offering diverse gameplay and narrative experiences.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles Only):

The series boasts ten games, but only eight are crucial to the overarching narrative:

God of War I
God of War II
God of War III
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Ghost of Sparta
God of War: Ascension
God of War (2018)
God of War Ragnarök

Popular Play Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

Release Order: This follows the games' original release dates, offering a historical perspective on gameplay evolution. However, the quality varies between titles. The order is: God of War I, God of War II, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War III, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War: Ascension, God of War (2018), God of War Ragnarök, God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode.

Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, beginning with the earliest events in Kratos' life. However, it starts with a generally weaker title and involves stylistic jumps between games. The order is: God of War: Ascension, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War I, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War II, God of War III, God of War (2018), God of War Ragnarök, God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode.

Recommended Play Order:

This balanced approach considers both narrative coherence and gameplay enjoyment. It avoids overwhelming new players with dated mechanics while maintaining a compelling storyline.

God of War I
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Ghost of Sparta
God of War II
God of War III
God of War: Ascension
God of War (2018)
God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

This order strategically places prequels before their respective main entries, ensuring a smoother transition. God of War: Ascension, while weaker, is included for narrative completeness; however, skipping it and watching a summary is acceptable.

Alternative Play Order (Norse Saga First):

This order prioritizes the modern, improved gameplay of the Norse Saga before tackling the older Greek Saga titles. This might appeal to players who prioritize modern game mechanics and visuals. The trade-off is a disrupted chronological narrative.