The God of War series has solidified its status as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, beginning with its debut on the PS2. The saga, known for its gripping action gameplay and the compelling narrative of divine revenge led by the unforgettable Spartan demigod Kratos, has evolved over 20 years into a seminal action-adventure series. With its latest installment, God of War Ragnarok, earning acclaim, this guide is crafted for those eager to explore or revisit the series from the beginning.
For those keen on immersing themselves in the world of God of War, here's a comprehensive guide on how to play the games chronologically, by release date, and a rundown of the entire series.
Jump to:
- How to play chronologically
- How to play by release date
- How Many God of War Games Are There?
Sony has enriched the God of War franchise with **10 distinct games**—spanning six on home consoles, two on portable consoles, one on mobile, and a unique text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.
God of War: The Complete Playlist
Here's a glimpse into every God of War release, tracing back to the series' inception. See All!
Note that we're excluding the mobile release God of War: Mimir's Vision, as it's an AR game that adds background lore but not to the main narrative. We're also not including PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, despite its comedic inclusion in the God of War canon.
Additionally, there are God of War stories told through novels and comics, but our focus here remains on the games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
While God of War: Ascension is the first game in the series chronologically, newcomers might find it more engaging to start with God of War (2018). It's accessible on PS4, PS5, and PC, making it an ideal entry point into the saga.
For PlayStation God of War (2018)
You can upgrade to the PS5 version through the PlayStation Store or purchase it from Amazon.
God of War Games in Chronological Order
*These summaries include mild spoilers on characters, settings, and plot points.*
God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension, the seventh game by release date but the first chronologically, delves into Kratos's early days as a Spartan demigod turning into the God of War. Set shortly after Kratos, manipulated by Ares, kills his family, Ascension follows his refusal to honor his oath to Ares. This defiance leads to a confrontation with the Furies, Ares's enforcers, culminating in Kratos's departure from Sparta, haunted by his grief.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
In this PSP title, Kratos is five years into his ten-year servitude to the gods. His mission is to rescue Helios, the Sun God, from the underworld at Athena's request. Facing Persephone, Kratos is tempted to reunite with his daughter, wrestling with the consequences of his choice between personal redemption and fulfilling his divine duty.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
God of War (2005)
Set a decade after Ascension, the original God of War starts with Kratos's suicide attempt, flashing back to explain his journey. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos's quest for Pandora's Box leads to a confrontation with Ares. Despite victory, Kratos remains haunted, ascending to become the God of War after Athena's intervention.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
This PSP game fills in the gaps between God of War and God of War 2. Kratos, known as the Ghost of Sparta due to his cursed pale skin, seeks closure with his family. His journey leads to a confrontation with Thanatos, the God of Death, after reuniting with his mother and brother Deimos, further fueling his rage against the Olympians.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
God of War: Betrayal (2007)
A 2D sidescroller for mobile devices, Betrayal is canon to the series. Kratos, framed for Argos's murder, continues his defiance against the gods, setting the stage for God of War 2. This game is not available on modern mobile platforms but can be played through a Java emulator.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
God of War 2 (2007)
Kratos's conflict escalates with Zeus in God of War 2. After rejecting peace and continuing his rampage, Zeus kills Kratos, who is then revived by Gaia to alter his fate. Kratos manipulates time to rally the Titans against Olympus, setting the scene for the next game.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review
God of War 3 (2010)
Continuing directly from God of War 2, Kratos's quest to defeat Zeus and the Olympians reaches its climax. After epic battles and betrayals, Kratos ends his vengeance by sacrificing himself to release hope to mankind.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
This Facebook Messenger text-adventure introduces Kratos's son, Atreus, and explores his extrasensory abilities. Set before the 2018 game, it's no longer playable but can be experienced through YouTube playthroughs.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
God of War (2018)
Years after God of War 3, Kratos is in Midgard with Atreus, fulfilling Faye's dying wish to spread her ashes. Their journey through Norse realms introduces them to iconic figures, with Kratos grappling with fatherhood and secrets.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Set three years after the 2018 game, Ragnarok explores Kratos and Atreus's journey through the Nine Realms as Fimbulwinter ends and Ragnarök begins. The narrative deepens with Atreus's exploration of his identity, leaving the door open for future stories.
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?
While Sony has not announced a new God of War game, the success of the 2018 title and Ragnarok suggests more is on the horizon. The recent PC port of Ragnarok has been a notable development. Additionally, a God of War TV series is in the works for Amazon's Prime Video, though it faced setbacks in 2024.
For those interested in similar chronological guides, explore:
- Assassin's Creed Games in Order
- Halo Games in Order
- Batman Arkham Games in Order
- Resident Evil Games in Order
- Pokemon Games in Order
