God of War: Chronological Playthrough Guide

God of War has firmly established itself as one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises, with its Norse-set masterpieces cementing its place in gaming history. Originating during the PS2 era, the series gained fame through its exceptional action gameplay, a compelling narrative of divine revenge, and the unforgettable character of the Spartan demigod Kratos. Over the past two decades, God of War has evolved into a seminal action-adventure series, refining its action mechanics while deepening its lore and enhancing its storytelling, all centered around a more mature and empathetic Kratos.

With the release of God of War Ragnarok, which has earned its place among the all-time greats, we've compiled this comprehensive chronology for fans eager to experience (or re-experience) the series from the beginning.

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

God of War: The Complete Playlist

Here's a list of every God of War game released since the series 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 StudioWe're excluding the second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as it's an AR game that doesn't contribute to the main narrative but offers background lore. We're also not including PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its humorous inclusion in the God of War canon.

The God of War universe extends beyond video games, with stories told through novels and comics, though our list focuses solely on the games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

While God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended for new players. It's accessible on PS4, PS5, and PC, making it an excellent 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 include mild spoilers about characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension, the seventh God of War game by release date but the first in the chronological timeline, delves into Kratos’s early days as a Spartan demigod, exploring his transformation into the God of War.

Set months after Kratos, manipulated by Ares, kills his family, he refuses to honor his oath to Ares, prompting the Furies—three beings tasked with punishing betrayal—to seek revenge. Kratos's journey to kill the Furies and break free from his oath leads him to abandon his Spartan home, still haunted by grief.

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

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

In this PSP title, Kratos embarks on a quest during his ten-year servitude to the gods, five years before the events of the original God of War.

Tasked by Athena to rescue Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld, 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 the gods.

Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review

3. God of War (2005)

Set roughly a decade after Ascension, the original God of War game opens with Kratos's dramatic cliff jump into the Aegean Sea, followed by a flashback explaining his actions.

Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos's quest for Pandora’s Box and his final battle with Ares are filled with trials and tribulations. Despite his victory, Kratos remains haunted by his past, leading to his cliff dive. Athena rescues him, offering a throne on Olympus, marking his rise to becoming the God of War.

Throughout the game, a narrator provides essential backstory on Kratos’s life, including his service as a Spartan captain and 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 first and second God of War games, Ghost of Sparta continues on the PSP and focuses on Kratos’s quest to find his mortal mother and long-lost brother, Deimos, in Atlantis.

Kratos's reunion with Deimos leads to a battle against Thanatos, the Greek God of Death. Despite their victory, Kratos’s journey deepens his resentment towards 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, follows Kratos as he faces the wrath of the gods for his relentless bloodlust.

Framed for the killing of Argos, a giant serving Hera, Kratos defies Zeus’s messenger and continues his rampage, setting the stage for God of War 2. Betrayal is no longer available on modern mobile devices but 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 challenges Zeus, the King of Olympus, after rejecting Athena’s plea for peace.

Zeus kills Kratos, but Gaia, the mother of Titans, helps him rewrite the past. Kratos confronts the Sisters of Fate, manipulates the Loom of Fate to recruit the Titans, and leads them in an assault on Mount Olympus, setting the stage for the next game.

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 and his war against Zeus and the Olympians.

Kratos and the Titans battle the gods, leading to Kratos's journey through the Underworld and an epic killing spree culminating in a final showdown with Zeus. In the end, 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)

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 his extrasensory abilities, set before the events of God of War (2018) when Faye is still alive.

The story is no longer playable, but complete playthroughs are available on YouTube.

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

9. God of War (2018)

Years after the events of God of War 3, Kratos finds himself in Midgard, the Norse realm, with his son Atreus. They 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 multiple realms, encountering Norse mythology figures like Baldur and Thor's sons. Kratos grapples with fatherhood and the secrets he keeps from Atreus about their past and heritage. The game ends with 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 recent release of Ragnarok, this summary avoids detailed spoilers.

Set three years after the 2018 game, God of War: Ragnarok takes place as Fimbulwinter nears its end and Ragnarök looms. Kratos and Atreus face new challenges and characters, including Odin and Thor, as they traverse the Nine Realms and the Realm Between Realms.

The story focuses on Kratos and Atreus's personal journeys of identity and their quest to survive Ragnarök. Ragnarok concludes with potential for future stories, and a New Game Plus mode is available for those who've completed the game.

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?

Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the story of the 2018 game. The project faced delays in 2024 following the departure of key personnel.

For more chronological guides, explore these series:

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