God of War games in order: have become With intensely visceral combat, dazzling visual splendor, and operatic narratives across multiple PlayStation eras, God of War reigns as one of gaming’s landmark series. Launched on PS2 in 2005. Across nine games and various PlayStation consoles, The series has grabbed the attention of millions of players with its intense action, jaw-dropping visuals, and heartfelt storytelling.
Join us as we dive deep into the complete God of War canon from beginning to end. Discover how the gameplay evolves across each title while learning more about the legendary Kratos’ path from vengeance-fueled Spartan warrior to a wiser, more nuanced father figure.
Here is the definitive guide to playing the God of War games in Order of chronological order:
God of War: Ascension – The Prequel Chapter
First Released: March 12, 2013
Platforms: PS3
As a prequel to the entire franchise, God of War: Ascension takes players back to the early days of Kratos’ service to Ares, the original God of War. Set 6 months after Kratos murdered his wife and child due to Ares’ trickery, the game finds our antihero imprisoned and tortured by the three Furies.
After breaking free, Kratos begins a quest to cut all ties with Ares by slaying the Furies. Ascension introduces fluid combat chaining mechanics and more robust weapon and magic systems. The game also came packed with a multiplayer mode – a series first – allowing online battles in arenas inspired by locations from the single-player campaign.
God of War: Chains of Olympus – Kratos vs Persephone
First Released: March 4, 2008
Originally On PSP / PS3 Remaster
This chapter whisks players away to a time when Kratos is still in service to the gods of Mount Olympus. Here, the Spartan general finds himself summoned by Helios to halt an attack from the goddess Persephone and the Titan Atlas, who together seek to destroy the pillar holding up the world.
With its PSP origins, Chains of Olympus condenses the epic scope of its console counterparts into a tighter action-adventure experience. While lowering the number of combat abilities available to players, this entry retains the familiar feel of combo-chaining and puzzle-solving that defines the franchise.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta – Kratos’ Quest for Family
First Released: November 2, 2010
Originally On PSP / PS3 Remaster
Set after the events of the original God of War, Ghost of Sparta, Kratos explores his origins more in-depth. After visions of his lost brother, Deimos, the Spartan goes against the gods on a perilous journey to rescue his last living relative from the clutches of Thanatos, the God of Death.
Built using the same engine as its PSP predecessor, Ghost of Sparta expands on the attack variety and weapons of Chains while introducing magical abilities that Kratos can use to stun enemies and solve puzzles. The result is a fascinating portable adventure that enriches his backstory.
God of War – Kratos’ Brutal Beginning
First Released: March 22, 2005
Platforms: PS2 / PS3 Remaster
The game that started it all. Here, we are introduced to our brooding protagonist, Kratos, on his very violent and condensed path to avenging the death of his family by slaying Ares and claiming the mantle of God of War.
Set within a fictionalized version of Ancient Greece, God of War originally stood out from its peers thanks to incredible graphics paired with gory combat and risqué sex mini-games. Kratos’ deadly chain blades and combo-based attacks set a high benchmark for other action games. And the epic boss encounters and dark storytelling remain compelling over 15 years later.
God of War II – The Wrath of the Titans
First Released: March 13, 2007
Platforms: PS2 / PS3 Remaster
Fresh off conquering Ares, Kratos is betrayed by Zeus and stripped of his godhood. Thus begins our ex-deity’s new bloody campaign to travel back in time, rebuild his powers, and exact revenge on Zeus. God of War 2 expands on everything fans loved from the first game while dialing combat and set pieces to the next level.
Exclusive to PS2 initially, this second chapter adds more weapons to Kratos’ arsenal along with new magic and attacks. Combined with enhanced graphics and sound, new Titan-sized foes to battle, and heaps of gory quick-time kills – this next chapter cranks the series epic scope into overdrive on its way to a jaw-dropping conclusion.
God of War III – Final Vengeance on Mount Olympus
First Released: March 16, 2010
Platforms: PS3 / PS4 Remaster
Carrying over directly from his attack on Rhodes, Kratos is now finally ready for his long-awaited assault on Zeus upon Mount Olympus’s peak. Indeed, the entire premise of God of War 3 revolves around our antihero brutally ripping his way through gods and monsters en route to the King of the Greek Pantheon.
Sony Santa Monica pulls out all the stops to end Kratos’ Greek era saga with explosive flare. Everything has been amplified for maximum impact – combat mixes weapons and magic attacks frenetically while stage set pieces bombard players with eye candy. Jaw-dropping level design and graphical marvels made this a showpiece title for PS3.
God of War (2018) – Starting Anew in Norse Realm Midgard
First Released: April 20, 2018
Platforms: PS4
In a dramatic shift for the franchise, God of War (2018) leaves behind Greek mythology and the revenge tale motif to focus on Kratos’ efforts to move beyond his bloodthirsty past while surviving in the realm of Norse gods and monsters. Now a father to Atreus, our mature protagonist takes his son on a quest to spread his second wife’s ashes, hiding his divine weapons and troubled legacy.
Yet this more somber, grounded version of Kratos retains his combat fury. Armed with the Leviathan Axe, he bashes, slashes, and stomps trolls and drugs. Atreus accompanies him in battle with his trusty bow. Exploring the realm of Midgard and beyond, God of War balances the god-slaying thrills fans expect with impactful narratives about parenthood and living in the shadow of one’s darker deeds.
God of War: Ragnarok – The Coming End of Days
First Released: November 9, 2022
Platforms: PS4 / PS5
Picking up a few years after concluding his wife’s journey, Kratos finds himself and Atreus swept up in the onset of Ragnarök – the prophesied war that will destroy their Nordic world. They again must take up arms and join allies in an epic confrontation against the scheming Aesir clan of gods led by the All-Father Odin.
Expanding the revitalized formula introduced in the previous entry, God of War: Ragnarok promises over 30 hours of story-driven action and exploration. The Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos return alongside a host of new mystical abilities for both father and son. The journeys span across numerous realms teeming with Norse mythos—all building towards a moving conclusion about family and destiny.
Experience the Complete God of War Story Played in Order
As one of gaming entertainment’s most compelling sagas, the God of War franchise has enthralled millions over nearly 20 years. Across nine titles, the epic yet intimate tale of Kratos and his son serves up best-in-class visual splendor and white-knuckle action alongside poignant themes on regret, responsibility, and what defines a hero.
From humble beginnings in Ancient Greece to a moving second chance amid Norse myths, play the God of War catalog for the whole adventure. Discover how innovative combat, grand world exploration, and emotional resonance propels this flagship PlayStation exclusive into rarefied air inhabited by gaming’s greatest franchises.
