Home News "God of War: Chronological Play Guide Released"

"God of War: Chronological Play Guide Released"

Author: Zoe May 05,2025

The *God of War* franchise, a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic lineup, has captivated gamers since its inception during the PS2 era. Renowned for its thrilling action gameplay and the compelling tale of Kratos, the Spartan demigod, the series has evolved over two decades into a seminal action-adventure saga. The latest entries have refined the action mechanics while deepening the lore and enhancing the narrative, with a more mature and empathetic Kratos at its heart. With *God of War Ragnarok* solidifying its status among the all-time greats, we present a comprehensive chronology for those eager to dive into or revisit the epic journey of Kratos.

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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 — 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 AllGod of War [2005]Santa Monica StudioGod of War IISanta Monica StudioGod of War: BetrayalSony Online EntertainmentGod of War: Chains of OlympusReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War CollectionBluepoint GamesGod of War IIISanta Monica StudioGod of War: Ghost of SpartaReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War OriginsReady At Dawn StudiosGod of War SagaSCE Studios Santa MonicaGod 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 provides background lore. 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 the first game chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended for newcomers. Available on PS4, PS5, and PC, it offers a fresh entry point into the series.

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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 but first chronologically, delves into Kratos’s early transformation into the God of War. Set months after Kratos unwittingly kills his family under Ares's manipulation, he defies Ares, sparking the narrative of Ascension. The Furies, tasked with punishing betrayal, pursue Kratos, leading to a tale of revenge and liberation. The game concludes with Kratos abandoning his Spartan home, still haunted by 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 halfway through his decade-long servitude to the gods. Tasked by Athena to rescue Helios, Kratos confronts Persephone, who offers him a chance to reunite with his deceased daughter. The game explores Kratos's internal conflict between his duty and personal desires.

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

God of War (2005)

Set roughly ten years after Ascension, this game opens with Kratos's suicide attempt, then flashes back to explain his journey. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks Pandora’s Box to confront the God of War. His victory and ascension to the God of War throne mark the end of his servitude, though his past continues to haunt him.

Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review

God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)

This PSP game, set between the first two main entries, follows Kratos as he seeks closure about his family. His journey leads him to Atlantis, where he reunites with his mother and brother Deimos. Their battle against Thanatos ends in victory but further fuels Kratos's fury against the Olympians.

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

God of War: Betrayal (2007)

This mobile game, part of the God of War canon, sees Kratos framed for the death of Argos by an unknown assassin, straining his relationship with Olympus. Zeus's messenger attempts to stop Kratos’s rampage, but Kratos responds with violence, setting the stage for God of War 2. The game is no longer available on modern mobile platforms but can be experienced through a Java emulator.

Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review

God of War 2 (2007)

In this sequel, Kratos's ongoing rampage leads Zeus to kill him. Resurrected by Gaia, Kratos seeks to change the past using the Loom of Fate. His quest to defeat Zeus is complicated by revelations about his lineage, culminating in his leading the Titans against Olympus.

Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review

God of War 3 (2010)

Directly following God of War 2, this game concludes Kratos’s Greek saga. His battle against the Olympians leads to further betrayal and a descent into the Underworld. Kratos's final confrontation with Zeus ends his quest for vengeance, but at great cost to the world.

Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review

God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)

God of War: A Call from the Wilds, a Facebook Messenger text-adventure, introduces Kratos's son Atreus and his extrasensory abilities. Set before God of War (2018), it adds depth to the relationships between Kratos, Atreus, and Faye. Though no longer playable, it's not essential to the main storyline.

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

God of War (2018)

Set years after God of War 3, this game transports Kratos to Norse mythology's Midgard. With his son Atreus, Kratos fulfills Faye’s dying wish to spread her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms. Their journey uncovers Norse gods and mythical beings, with Kratos grappling with fatherhood and secrets about his past and Atreus’s identity. The adventure leads to the onset of Fimbulwinter, heralding Ragnarök.

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

God of War Ragnarok (2022)

Given the recency of Ragnarok's release, this plot synopsis is intentionally vague to avoid spoilers.

God of War: Ragnarok continues the saga three years later, as Fimbulwinter ends and Ragnarök looms. Kratos and Atreus explore the Nine Realms, facing old and new characters like Odin and Thor. The focus shifts towards Atreus’s development and their quest to thwart Ragnarök. The game leaves room for future stories, with a New Game Plus mode for additional playthroughs.

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 hasn’t announced a new *God of War* game, the success of *God of War (2018)* and *Ragnarok* suggests more entries are likely. *God of War: Ragnarok* has been released on PC, and we've covered everything you need to know about this port. Additionally, a *God of War* TV series is in development for Amazon's Prime Video, adapting the 2018 game's story, though it faced delays following the departure of key creatives in 2024.

Looking for more in-order guides? Explore these other chronological adventures: