"God of War: Chronological Play Guide"

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 gained fame through its exceptional action gameplay, a compelling narrative of divine vengeance, and the unforgettable character of the Spartan demigod Kratos. Two decades on, God of War has evolved into a seminal action-adventure series, refining its action mechanics while deepening its lore and enhancing its narrative, all anchored by an older, more empathetic Kratos.

With God of War Ragnarok earning its spot among the all-time greats, we've crafted this comprehensive chronology for fans eager to play or replay 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?

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 God of War release since the saga began. 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 Studio

We'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?

While God of War: Ascension is the first game in the series chronologically, the ideal starting point for newcomers is God of War (2018). Available on both PS4 and PS5, as well as on PC, it serves as an excellent introduction to the series.

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God 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 game by release date but the first chronologically, delves into the early days of Kratos’s transformation into the God of War. Set months after Kratos, manipulated by Ares, kills his wife and daughter, Ascension follows Kratos as he refuses to honor his oath to Ares. The game pits Kratos against the Furies, tasked with punishing betrayal, leading to Kratos's eventual departure from Sparta, still haunted by his grief.

Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review

2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)

In this PSP game, Kratos embarks on a mission to rescue Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, during his ten-year servitude to the gods. Tasked by Athena, Kratos faces Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who tempts him with the 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 ten years after Ascension, the original God of War starts with Kratos's attempted suicide, followed by a flashback explaining his journey. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks Pandora’s Box to achieve this. His victory over Ares comes at a personal cost, and he ascends to become the God of War, haunted by his past.

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 first God of War and its sequel, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's familial ties. Journeying to Atlantis, Kratos reunites with his mother and long-lost brother Deimos. Despite defeating Thanatos, the God of Death, Kratos's journey leaves him further embittered against 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, part of the official canon, sees Kratos framed for the murder of Argos, a giant serving Hera. His continued defiance against the gods sets the stage for God of War 2. Betrayal is not available on modern mobile platforms and can be skipped, though it's accessible 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 faces Zeus, the King of Olympus, after rejecting peace. Killed by Zeus, Kratos allies with Gaia, the mother of Titans, to rewrite his fate using the Loom of Fate. This leads to his recruitment of the Titans for 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)

Following directly from the previous game, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga. After battling the Olympians and facing betrayal, Kratos descends into the Underworld again, eventually defeating Zeus. With the world in ruins, Kratos sacrifices 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)

This Facebook Messenger text-adventure introduces Kratos's son Atreus and provides background on his abilities. Set before 2018's God of War, it's no longer playable but can be experienced through complete playthroughs on YouTube.

Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)

9. God of War (2018)

Years after God of War 3, Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a journey through the Norse realms to fulfill Faye’s dying wish. Encountering various Norse mythological figures, Kratos struggles with fatherhood and secrets about his past and Atreus’s identity. Their journey triggers Fimbulwinter, the prelude 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 remains vague to avoid spoilers.

Set three years after 2018's God of War, Ragnarok unfolds as Fimbulwinter nears its end. Kratos and Atreus explore all nine realms, facing new characters like Odin and Thor, with a focus on Atreus’s identity and powers. The game concludes with the potential for future stories, and New Game Plus mode is 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?

Sony has yet to announce another God of War game, but given the critical and commercial success of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok, future entries seem likely. The most recent development is God of War: Ragnarok arriving on PC, and we've compiled a guide to everything you need to know about the PC port.

A God of War TV series is also in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the story of 2018’s God of War. However, production faced delays in 2024 following the departure of key personnel.

Looking for more in-order guides like this? Explore these other chronological adventures:

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