All God Of War Games in Order: Ultimate Guide for Gamers

The God of War series, known for its intense action and rich storytelling, has evolved significantly since its inception, spanning multiple platforms and mythological eras. To fully appreciate Kratos' journey, it's essential to understand the correct order in which to play these games.

God of War Games in Release Order

For those who want to experience the series as it was originally released, here is the order:

God of War (PS2) – The game that started it all, where Kratos is tasked with killing Ares after serving the gods for 10 years.
God of War II (PS2) – Continues Kratos' saga with his betrayal by Zeus and his subsequent war against Olympus.
God of War: Betrayal (Mobile) – A side-scrolling adventure that takes place after the first game, where Kratos leads his army to victory.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP) – Follows Kratos as he investigates the abduction of the Sun God Helios, leading to a conspiracy in the underworld.
God of War III (PS3) – The climactic conclusion to Kratos' war against the Olympian Gods, where he confronts and defeats several major Greek Gods.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (PSP) – A prequel to God of War, exploring Kratos' relationship with his brother Deimos.
God of War: Ascension (PS3) – A prequel to the entire series, set six months after Kratos breaks his blood oath to Ares.
God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook) – A Facebook game that serves as a side story.
God of War: Mimir's Vision (iOS/Android) – A companion app to the 2018 God of War, offering additional lore and insights.
God of War (PS4) – A soft reboot set in Norse mythology, where Kratos has a son named Atreus.
God of War Ragnarök (PS4/5) – The latest installment, continuing Kratos and Atreus' journey through the Nine Realms.

God of War Games in Chronological Order

For a more coherent narrative experience, playing the games in chronological order is recommended:

God of War: Ascension – The earliest game in the timeline, where Kratos battles the Furies and breaks his bond with Ares.
God of War: Chains of Olympus – Follows Kratos five years into his service to the gods, investigating the abduction of Helios.
God of War – The original game where Kratos is tasked with killing Ares.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta – A prequel to God of War, focusing on Kratos' relationship with his brother Deimos.
God of War II – Continues Kratos' saga with his betrayal by Zeus and his war against Olympus.
God of War III – The conclusion to Kratos' war against the Olympian Gods.
God of War (PS4) – The soft reboot set in Norse mythology, where Kratos has a son named Atreus.
God of War Ragnarök – The latest installment, continuing Kratos and Atreus' journey through the Nine Realms.

Additional Tips for Playing the Series

Understanding the Side Games

While the mainline games are crucial for the narrative, the side games offer additional context and character development. God of War: Betrayal and God of War: Mimir's Vision are side stories that can be skipped if you're looking for a more streamlined experience, but they do provide some interesting insights into Kratos' world.

Remasters and Collections

Several games in the series have been remastered or included in collections, making it easier to play through the series. For example, God of War Collection and God of War Origins Collection include remastered versions of the earlier games, while God of War Saga collects multiple titles in one package.

Norse Era vs. Greek Era

The series transitions from Greek to Norse mythology with the 2018 God of War. This shift introduces new characters and settings, such as Atreus and the Nine Realms, which are central to the latest games. Understanding this transition helps in appreciating the evolution of Kratos' character and the world he inhabits.

Character Development and Lore

Kratos' journey is as much about his personal growth as it is about his battles. Paying attention to his relationships, particularly with his son Atreus in the Norse era, adds depth to the story. The lore of both Greek and Norse mythologies is intricately woven into the games, making the series rich in narrative and historical context.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience through the God of War series, appreciating both the release order and the chronological narrative.