In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

This guide explores the optimal ways to experience the God of War series, catering to different preferences. The series boasts ten games, but eight are crucial to the overarching narrative. Two, Betrayal and A Call from the Wilds, can be safely omitted.

All Essential God of War Games:

1. God of War 1
2. God of War 2
3. God of War 3
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök

Popular Play Orders:

• Release Order: This follows the chronological release dates, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, the quality varies across titles.

  1. God of War 1 (2005)
  2. God of War 2 (2007)
  3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  4. God of War 3 (2010)
  5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
  6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
  9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but the gameplay consistency suffers due to the varying ages and qualities of the games.

  1. God of War: Ascension
  2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
  3. God of War 1
  4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
  5. God of War 2
  6. God of War 3
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök
  9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Free DLC)

Recommended Play Order (Balancing Story and Gameplay):

This order starts with the original, then strategically incorporates prequels before moving to the sequels, culminating in the Norse Saga. Ascension, often considered the weakest, can be skipped with a story recap if needed.

1. God of War 1
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
4. God of War 2
5. God of War 3
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

Alternative Play Order (Norse Saga First):

This order begins with the visually stunning and mechanically refined Norse Saga, potentially enhancing the mystery surrounding Kratos' past. This approach might be preferable for players less tolerant of older game mechanics.

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
4. God of War: Ascension
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
6. God of War 1
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
8. God of War 2
9. God of War 3

Ultimately, the best order depends on individual preferences. Consider your tolerance for older game mechanics and your priority between narrative coherence and gameplay evolution when making your decision.