The God of War franchise, a cornerstone of PlayStation's legacy, has evolved significantly since its inception during the PS2 era. From its origins as a gripping tale of divine revenge, the series has matured into a seminal action-adventure saga. The journey of Kratos, the Spartan demigod, has been marked by increasingly refined action mechanics and a deepening narrative, culminating in the critically acclaimed God of War Ragnarok. This guide serves as a comprehensive chronology for fans wishing to experience or revisit the series from its beginnings.
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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, spanning across six home console titles, two portable console games, one mobile game, and one text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.
God of War: The Complete Playlist
Here's every God of War release, from the earliest to the latest. See All!
God of War [2005]Santa Monica Studio
God of War IISanta Monica Studio
God of War: BetrayalSony Online Entertainment
God of War: Chains of OlympusReady At Dawn Studios
God of War CollectionBluepoint Games
God of War IIISanta Monica Studio
God of War: Ghost of SpartaReady At Dawn Studios
God of War OriginsReady At Dawn Studios
God of War SagaSCE Studios Santa Monica
God of War: AscensionSanta Monica Studio
We exclude God of War: Mimir’s Vision, an AR game for mobile that enriches the lore but doesn't advance the narrative. Additionally, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is omitted, despite its humorous nod to the God of War canon.
There are also several God of War stories told through novels and comics, but this list focuses solely on the games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
While God of War: Ascension is the first chronologically, God of War (2018) is the recommended starting point for newcomers. It's available on PS4, PS5, and PC, offering a fresh entry into the series.
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God of War Games in Chronological Order
These summaries contain mild spoilers, covering characters, settings, and story beats.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension, the seventh game by release but first chronologically, delves into Kratos’s early days as he transitions from a Spartan demigod to the God of War. Set months after Kratos is tricked into killing his family by Ares, he refuses to honor his oath to the god. This defiance sets the stage for Ascension, where Kratos battles the Furies, who seek to punish his betrayal. The game concludes with Kratos leaving Sparta, still 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 embarks on a quest during the midpoint of his ten-year servitude to the gods. Tasked by Athena to rescue Helios from the underworld, he confronts Persephone, who offers him a chance to reunite with his daughter. Kratos must weigh the consequences of his actions against his duty to the gods.
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 begins with Kratos's attempted suicide, flashing back to the events leading to this moment. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks Pandora’s Box to end the god's siege. His journey culminates in a confrontation with Ares, leading to his ascension as the God of War.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Set between the first and second games, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's familial ties. He travels to Atlantis to confront his mortal mother and reunite with his brother Deimos, kidnapped by the gods to prevent a prophecy. The game ends with Kratos growing increasingly resentful of the Olympians.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
God of War: Betrayal (2007)
A mobile 2D sidescroller, Betrayal is canon, with Kratos framed for killing Argos, a giant serving Hera. His defiance against the gods escalates, setting the stage for God of War 2. The game is no longer available on modern platforms but can be emulated.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
God of War 2 (2007)
Kratos’s rampage against Olympus reaches a climax in God of War 2, where he faces Zeus. After being killed by Zeus, Kratos allies with Gaia to alter the past. His quest leads him to the Sisters of Fate, enabling him to rally the Titans for an assault on Mount Olympus, setting up the events of God of War 3.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review
God of War 3 (2010)
Following directly from its predecessor, God of War 3 concludes Kratos’s Greek saga. He and the Titans wage war on the Olympians, leading to a final confrontation with Zeus. Kratos ends his vengeance and sacrifices himself to restore hope to humanity.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
A text-adventure on Facebook Messenger, A Call from the Wilds introduces Atreus and his extrasensory abilities, set before the 2018 game. While no longer playable, its story can be experienced through YouTube playthroughs.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
God of War (2018)
Years after the events of God of War 3, Kratos and his son Atreus journey through Norse realms to fulfill Faye’s dying wish. Their trek through the Nine Realms uncovers truths about Kratos's past and Atreus's identity, leading to the onset of Fimbulwinter.
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 the impending end of the world. Kratos and Atreus navigate the realms, facing new and returning characters, with a focus on Atreus's growth and the duo's quest to survive Ragnarok.
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 recent titles suggests more stories to come. God of War: Ragnarok has been released on PC, and a TV series based on the 2018 game is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, though it faced delays due to key personnel changes in 2024.
For more chronological game 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
