How Many God of War Games Are There?
The God of War franchise is a celebrated staple of PlayStation, renowned for its compelling action and deep mythological narratives. Across various platforms, Sony has released a total of ten main God of War games. These include major console titles, portable spin-offs for PSP, and even a unique mobile game. It’s important to note that this count excludes supplementary materials like the non-narrative AR game “God of War: Mimir’s Vision” and any appearances in crossover fighting games, which don’t advance the core story. There are also several novels and comic series that expand the universe, but our focus here is solely on the interactive game experiences.
God of War: The Complete Playlist
Tracing the epic saga of Kratos, from his rage-fueled rampage across ancient Greece to his more reflective journey through the Norse realms, requires navigating a rich history of game releases. The franchise has evolved significantly in gameplay, storytelling, and graphical fidelity over two decades. Whether you prefer to experience the story as it unfolded for players upon release or delve into Kratos’s life in chronological sequence, understanding the complete list is key. This guide will outline both approaches, helping newcomers and seasoned fans alike chart their course through the monumental narrative of the God of War series.
God of War Games By Release Date
Playing the God of War games in the order they were released offers a unique perspective on the franchise’s evolution. This method allows players to witness the progression of graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling techniques as they improved over time. It’s how most original fans experienced Kratos’s journey, encountering each narrative revelation as it was intended. For those who appreciate seeing a series grow and mature, starting with the original 2005 title and progressing through each subsequent release is a rewarding path. Below is a list of all ten main games in the order of their initial release.
- 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)
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
For many newcomers to the God of War universe, the most practical and recommended starting point is the 2018 soft reboot, simply titled God of War (2018). This game reimagines Kratos with a new setting and a more mature narrative focus, making it an excellent entry point without requiring extensive knowledge of the Greek saga. Its widespread availability on PS4, PS5, and PC, coupled with its modern gameplay and stunning visuals, makes it highly accessible. While chronologically later, it effectively serves as a fresh beginning for Kratos’s story, introducing him as an older, more tempered figure, allowing players to connect with his journey and character development immediately.
For PlayStation God of War (2018)
God of War (2018) transformed the franchise, shifting Kratos from Greek mythology to the Norse realms. This acclaimed title introduced players to an older, more introspective Kratos, who now endeavors to guide his son, Atreus, while grappling with his violent past. The game masterfully blends intense combat with a deeply emotional father-son narrative, redefining the series for a new generation. It’s highly accessible on modern platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (with a free upgrade available), and PC, ensuring a broad audience can experience this pivotal chapter. Its success paved the way for the ongoing Norse saga and solidified its place as a gaming masterpiece.
God of War Games in Chronological Order
For those who desire to experience Kratos’s tumultuous life story in narrative sequence, playing the God of War games chronologically offers the most comprehensive understanding of his character and motivations. This approach traces his tormented origins as a Spartan warrior, his ascent and fall as the God of War, and his eventual journey to fatherhood in a new land. Be advised that some minor spoilers for character backgrounds and plot developments will be present in these summaries. Understanding the timeline helps piece together the full arc of Kratos’s vengeance, suffering, and redemption across two distinct mythologies.
1. God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension stands as the earliest point in Kratos’s timeline. It delves into his initial betrayal of Ares, exploring the torment he endured after inadvertently killing his family. Framed by the Furies for breaking his blood oath, Kratos fights to sever his ties to Ares and escape their vengeful pursuit, ultimately setting him on a path of relentless defiance against the gods.
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Set during Kratos’s decade of servitude to the Olympian gods, Chains of Olympus sees him undertaking various tasks to earn redemption. He confronts dark forces, including Persephone, to prevent the sun god Helios from being lost forever, battling personal demons and sacrificing a chance at peace with his daughter for the greater good.
3. God of War (2005)
The original God of War depicts Kratos’s final, desperate mission for Athena: to stop Ares’s destructive rampage in Athens. His quest for Pandora’s Box leads to a climactic confrontation with his former master. Upon defeating Ares, Kratos receives the vacant mantle of the God of War, setting the stage for future conflicts with Olympus.
4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Following his ascension to godhood, Ghost of Sparta sees Kratos plagued by visions of his past. He embarks on a personal odyssey to Atlantis, uncovering secrets about his mother and his long-lost brother, Deimos. This journey brings him into direct conflict with Thanatos, the God of Death, revealing more about his tragic family history.
5. God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D side-scroller, while often overlooked, details Kratos’s increasing wrath and defiance against the other Olympians. Framed for the murder of Argos, Hera’s giant, Kratos’s rampage through Greece draws the ire of Zeus, further fueling the growing animosity between the new God of War and the other deities.
6. God of War 2 (2007)
In God of War 2, Zeus intervenes directly, killing Kratos for his insatiable destruction. Resurrected by Gaia, Kratos seeks vengeance, traveling back in time with the Loom of Fate to rally the Titans against the Olympians. This leads to the grand assault on Mount Olympus, culminating in a shocking revelation of Kratos’s parentage.
7. God of War 3 (2010)
The concluding chapter of the Greek saga, God of War 3, picks up immediately with the Titans’ assault on Olympus. Kratos systematically dismantles the Greek pantheon, ultimately confronting Zeus in a brutal showdown that brings widespread destruction. His final act of sacrifice releases hope upon a ruined world, marking the end of his vengeance-driven era.
8. God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
Released as a Facebook Messenger text adventure prior to the 2018 game, A Call from the Wilds serves as a brief prequel. It introduces Atreus, Kratos’s son, and explores his burgeoning extrasensory abilities and his bond with his mother, Faye. Though no longer officially playable, it offers a glimpse into Atreus’s early life before the main events of the Norse saga.
9. God of War (2018)
Many years after the Greek saga, God of War (2018) finds Kratos in the Norse lands of Midgard, raising his son Atreus. Together, they embark on a somber journey to scatter Faye’s ashes from the highest peak. Their adventure exposes them to Norse gods and creatures, forcing Kratos to confront his past while teaching Atreus about his true nature.
10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)
God of War Ragnarok continues the Norse adventure three years after the previous game, as Fimbulwinter nears its end and the prophesied Ragnarök approaches. Kratos and Atreus, now older and more capable, journey across all Nine Realms, encountering powerful new foes like Odin and Thor, while Atreus grapples with his identity and destiny. The game expands upon the themes of family, fate, and breaking cycles of violence.
What’s Next for God of War?
While no new God of War game has been officially announced following the monumental success of Ragnarok, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Kratos and Atreus. The ending of Ragnarok leaves plenty of narrative potential for further stories within the Norse universe or perhaps entirely new mythologies. Beyond games, a live-action God of War TV series is currently in development for Amazon’s Prime Video. This adaptation will bring the story of the 2018 game to the screen, led by new showrunner Ronald D. Moore, promising to expand the franchise’s reach to a wider audience.
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