The God of War series has become one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, evolving from its roots in the PS2 era into a seminal action-adventure saga. Known for its dynamic action gameplay, the series introduced players to the fierce Spartan demigod Kratos, whose quest for divine revenge captivated audiences. Over the past two decades, God of War has refined its action mechanics while deepening its lore and narrative, featuring a more seasoned and empathetic Kratos.
With the release of God of War Ragnarok, which has solidified its place among the greatest games ever, we've crafted a detailed chronology for those eager to embark on or revisit Kratos's epic journey.
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!
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 provides background lore. We’re also not including PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its inclusion in the God of War canon.
There are also God of War stories told through novels and comics, though this list focuses solely on games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
Although God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended for new players. Available on both PS4 and PS5, as well as PC, it serves as an excellent entry point into the series.
For PlayStation God of War (2018)
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God of War Games in Chronological Order
These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension, the seventh game by release date but the first chronologically, delves into Kratos's early transformation from a Spartan demigod into the God of War. Set months after Kratos was manipulated into killing his family by Ares, Ascension follows Kratos's refusal to honor his oath to Ares, leading to a vengeful pursuit by the Furies. Kratos's journey ends with him leaving his Spartan home, 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 mission to rescue Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, during his ten-year servitude to the gods. The narrative explores Kratos's struggle with the promise to return Helios to Olympus and the tempting offer from Persephone to reunite with his daughter.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
God of War (2005)
Set roughly 10 years after Ascension, the original God of War follows Kratos as he nears the end of his servitude. Tasked with defeating Ares to save Athens, Kratos's journey leads him to obtain Pandora’s Box and ultimately become the new God of War. The game's narrative is enriched with flashbacks detailing Kratos's past and his pact with Ares.
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 game and God of War 2, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's familial ties as he journeys to Atlantis, meeting his mortal mother and long-lost brother Deimos. The game's climax sees Kratos battling the God of Death, Thanatos, but ends with him further estranged from the Olympians.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D sidescroller is part of the God of War canon, where Kratos faces off against the gods' attempts to curb his bloodlust. Framed for killing Argos, Kratos's defiance sets the stage for the events of God of War 2. While no longer available on modern mobile platforms, it can be played via a Java emulator.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
God of War 2 (2007)
God of War 2 sees Kratos pitted against Zeus. After rejecting Athena's plea for peace, Kratos is killed by Zeus but is revived by Gaia. Kratos's quest for revenge leads him to the Sisters of Fate, where he learns of his true parentage and recruits the Titans for a future war against Olympus.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review
God of War 3 (2010)
Following directly after God of War 2, this game concludes Kratos's Greek saga. As Kratos and the Titans battle the Olympians, Kratos's quest leads him through the Underworld and back to Earth for a final confrontation with Zeus. The game ends with Kratos releasing hope to mankind amidst a ruined world.
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 his extrasensory abilities, set before the events of God of War (2018). Although no longer playable, complete playthroughs are available on YouTube.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
God of War (2018)
Set years after God of War 3, this game shifts Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard. Alongside his son Atreus, Kratos fulfills his late wife Faye's wish to spread her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms. Their journey through various realms introduces them to Norse mythology figures and explores Kratos's challenges with fatherhood and hidden truths.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
God of War Ragnarok (2022)
This plot synopsis is intentionally vague to avoid spoilers.
Set three years after God of War (2018), Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the Nine Realms during Fimbulwinter, leading to the prophesied Ragnarök. The game focuses on Atreus's exploration of his identities and powers, with Kratos and Atreus traversing all nine realms in a quest to defeat the Asgards and survive the apocalypse.
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?
Sony has yet to announce another God of War game, though the success of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok suggests future entries. The latest development is God of War: Ragnarok's PC release, and we've provided a comprehensive guide to the PC port.A God of War TV series is also in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the story of God of War (2018). Production faced challenges in 2024 following the departure of key creatives.
Looking for more in order guides? Explore these other chronological adventures:
- Assassin's Creed Games in Order
- Halo Games in Order
- Batman Arkham Games in Order
- Resident Evil Games in Order
- Pokemon Games in Order
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