"Chronological Guide to Playing God of War Games"

God of War's Norse-set masterpieces have firmly established it as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises. Originating during the PS2 era, the God of War series made its mark with exceptional action gameplay, an enthralling tale of divine revenge, and the unforgettable protagonist, the Spartan demigod Kratos. Two decades on, God of War has evolved into gaming's definitive action-adventure series, seamlessly blending refined action with deeper lore and a more compelling narrative, all centered around an older, more empathetic Kratos.

With God of War Ragnarok securing its place among the all-time greats, we've crafted this comprehensive chronology for those looking to experience (or re-experience) 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 single God of War release since the dawn of the gods. 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’re excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as this AR game doesn’t contribute to the ongoing narrative but instead provides players with background lore from the world of God of War. We’re also omitting PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale from this chronology, despite its humorous inclusion in the God of War canon.

There are also several God of War stories told through novels and comics, though this list focuses solely on the games.

Which God of War Game Should You Play First?

Although God of War: Ascension is technically the first game in the series chronologically, a more practical starting point would be God of War (2018). Not only is it available on both PS4 and PS5, but it's also playable on PC, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers to the series.

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God of War Games in Chronological Order

These descriptions contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Ascension, the seventh God of War game by release date but the first chronologically, delves into a tale of revenge and the early days of Kratos's transformation from a Spartan demigod to the God of War.

Set months after Kratos was tricked into killing his wife and daughter by the Greek God of War Ares, Ascension follows Kratos as he refuses to honor his oath to Ares. This defiance sets off a chain of events where Ares unleashes the Furies—three beings tasked with punishing betrayal—against Kratos. Kratos must defeat them to free himself from his oath. The game concludes with Kratos leaving his Spartan home, still haunted by his grief.

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

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

Kratos's journey continues in the PSP game God of War: Chains of Olympus, set five years before the events of the original God of War during his ten-year servitude to the gods.

Kratos is tasked with rescuing Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld at Athena's behest. Here, he encounters Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who tempts Kratos with a chance to reunite with his daughter. Kratos grapples with the apocalyptic consequences of this choice 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 roughly ten years after Ascension, God of War begins with Kratos, overwhelmed by grief, attempting suicide by jumping off a cliff into the Aegean Sea. The game then flashes back three weeks to reveal the events leading to this moment.

As Kratos nears the end of his servitude to the gods, Athena assigns him one final task: defeat Ares and save Athens from his siege. Promised forgiveness for his past atrocities, Kratos embarks on a quest to obtain Pandora’s Box and confront Ares. His journey takes him through hell and back, culminating in a victory over Ares. Despite his triumph, Kratos remains haunted by his past, leading to his cliff jump. Athena saves him and offers a throne on Olympus, marking the completion of his ten-year journey to become the God of War.

Throughout the game, a narrator provides crucial backstory about Kratos’s life, revealing how he once served as a revered captain in the Spartan army. On the brink of death and defeat, he pledged himself to Ares in exchange for victory. Ares answered, defeating the barbarians but binding Kratos to his service with the Blades of Chaos.

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 original God of War and God of War 2, Ghost of Sparta is the second PSP game in the series. The title refers to Kratos's nickname, earned due to his pale-white appearance resulting from an oracle’s curse that bound the ashes of his wife and child to his skin.

Ghost of Sparta resolves two key familial narratives: Kratos journeys to Atlantis, where he encounters his mortal mother and his long-lost brother Deimos, who was kidnapped by the gods to prevent the fulfillment of a prophecy that threatened Olympus. The climax sees Kratos and Deimos battling Thanatos, the Greek God of Death. Despite their victory, Kratos's story ends on a somber note, leaving him more embittered and furious with the Olympians.

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

5. God of War: Betrayal (2007)

This 2D sidescroller for mobile devices is officially part of the God of War canon, as confirmed by Sony Santa Monica animation director Bruno Velazquez. The gods, displeased with Kratos's relentless bloodlust, attempt to halt his conquest using Argos, a multi-eyed giant serving Hera. Kratos is framed for Argos's murder by an unknown assassin, further straining his relationship with Olympus. When Zeus sends a messenger to stop Kratos's rampage, Kratos responds with violence, setting the stage for God of War 2 with the ominous message: "Soon, the fury of Zeus would rain down upon [Kratos]."

God of War: Betrayal was released before smartphones became prevalent and is not available on modern mobile platforms. It can be skipped without missing crucial plot points, though those interested can play it using 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 off against Zeus, the King of Olympus. Already ostracized for his relentless destruction, Kratos rejects Athena's plea for peace and continues his rampage across Greece. This defiance leads Zeus to intervene directly, killing Kratos on the battlefield.

Kratos finds an ally in Gaia, the mother of Titans and Earth, who offers him a chance to rewrite the past and save his life. Following her guidance, Kratos ventures to the Underworld and confronts the Sisters of Fate. After more battles, Kratos gains control of the Loom of Fate and returns to the moment of his death. His plan to kill Zeus is thwarted when another Olympian intervenes, revealing Kratos's true parentage. Using the Loom's power, Kratos recruits the Titans for his future war against Olympus. The game ends with Kratos leading the Titans in 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)

Set immediately after God of War 2, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga and his war against Zeus and the Olympians.

Kratos and the Titans clash with the Olympians, causing catastrophic destruction. Betrayed once again, Kratos returns to the Underworld, where he allies with an old friend to confront Zeus. Back on Earth, Kratos embarks on a brutal journey, culminating in a final showdown with Zeus. Declaring an end to his vengeance, Kratos sacrifices himself to release hope to humanity, leaving the world in ruins.

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 Wilds is a text-adventure released on Facebook Messenger ahead of the 2018 God of War game. This ~30-minute story introduces Kratos's son, Atreus, and provides insight into his extrasensory abilities, while fleshing out his relationships with Kratos and his mother, Faye. The story takes place before the events of God of War 2018, when Faye is still alive.

Although no longer playable, A Call from the Wilds can be safely skipped. Those interested can find complete playthroughs on YouTube.

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

9. God of War (2018)

Set many years after God of War 3, the 2018 God of War game transports Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he lives with his son, Atreus. Their journey begins with fulfilling Faye’s dying wish: spreading her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms.

Their trek is far from simple, as they navigate multiple realms and encounter various figures from Norse mythology, including Baldur, Freya, Thor’s sons Magni and Modi, and the last living giant, Jörmungandr. Throughout their adventure, Kratos grapples with fatherhood and the secrets he keeps from Atreus about his past and true identity.

The game concludes with the onset of Fimbulwinter, a three-year precursor to Ragnarök, signaling the end of the world.

Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review

10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Given the recent release of Ragnarok, this plot summary remains intentionally vague to avoid spoilers.

God of War: Ragnarok, the latest and most narrative-rich installment, is set three years after the 2018 game, as the Nine Realms approach the end of Fimbulwinter and the onset of Ragnarök.

Many characters from the previous game return, joined by new figures such as Odin and Thor. The focus remains on Kratos and Atreus, with a deeper exploration of Atreus's newly discovered identities and powers. As Kratos and Atreus, players journey through all nine realms and the Realm Between Realms, embarking on personal quests of identity and a broader mission to defeat the Asgardians and survive Ragnarök.

Ragnarok concludes with an open-ended narrative, leaving room for future God of War stories. Players can continue their adventure with the New Game Plus mode.

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 from the 2018 game. Production faced setbacks in 2024 following the departure of showrunner Rafe Judkins and executive producers Hawk Ostby and Mark Fergus.

For more chronological gaming guides, explore these other series:

• Assassin's Creed Games in Order
• Halo Games in Order
• Batman Arkham Games in Order
• Resident Evil Games in Order
• Pokemon Games in Order