The God of War series has established itself as one of PlayStation's most iconic franchises, evolving from its origins on the PS2 into a seminal action-adventure saga. With its roots in the PS2 era, the series introduced players to the intense action gameplay and the epic tale of divine revenge centered around the Spartan demigod Kratos. Over the past two decades, God of War has refined its action mechanics, delved deeper into its lore, and crafted a more compelling narrative, all while showcasing the growth of an older, more empathetic Kratos. With the latest installment, God of War Ragnarok, securing its place among the greatest games ever, we present a comprehensive chronology of the series for those looking to experience (or revisit) the journey from its inception.
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 instead provides players with background lore from the world of God of War. We’re also excluding PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its inclusion in the God of War canon.
There are several God of War stories told through novels and comics as well, though this list only includes games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
Although God of War: Ascension is technically the first game in the series chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is recommended for newcomers. Available on both PS4 and PS5, as well as on PC, it serves as an excellent 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 God of War game by release date but the first chronologically, delves into the early days of Kratos’s transformation from a Spartan demigod into the God of War. Set months after Kratos is tricked into killing his family by Ares, the game follows his struggle against the Furies, who punish his betrayal of Ares. The narrative concludes with Kratos leaving Sparta, still haunted by his grief.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Set halfway through Kratos’s decade-long servitude to the gods, Chains of Olympus sees Kratos tasked with rescuing Helios from the underworld. His journey leads him to confront Persephone, who tempts him with a chance to be reunited with his daughter, forcing Kratos to grapple with 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 approximately a decade after Ascension, the original God of War begins with Kratos attempting suicide, only to be pulled back by a flashback to his final mission: defeat Ares and save Athens. Through intense battles and flashbacks, we learn of Kratos’s past as a Spartan captain who sold his soul to Ares for victory, marking his path to becoming the God of War.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Taking place between the first God of War and God of War 2, Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos’s familial ties as he seeks his mother and long-lost brother Deimos in Atlantis. Their reunion leads to a battle against Thanatos, further deepening Kratos’s resentment toward the gods.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
- God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D sidescroller, canon to the series, follows Kratos as he's framed for the murder of Argos by an assassin, further straining his relationship with Olympus. Despite its unavailability on modern devices, it sets the stage for the events of God of War 2.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
- God of War 2 (2007)
In God of War 2, Kratos’s defiance against the gods culminates in a battle with Zeus, who kills him. Revived by Gaia, Kratos manipulates time to alter his fate, leading to a climactic confrontation that sets up the events of God of War 3.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review
- God of War 3 (2010)
God of War 3 continues directly from its predecessor, concluding Kratos’s Greek saga with a devastating war against the Olympians. His quest ends with a sacrifice that releases hope to humanity, signaling the end of his vengeance.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
- God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
A text-adventure on Facebook Messenger, A Call from the Wilds introduces Atreus and provides context for his abilities and his relationship with Kratos and Faye. Set before the events of God of War (2018), it's no longer playable but can be experienced through online playthroughs.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
- God of War (2018)
Set years after God of War 3, this installment shifts Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he and his son Atreus embark on a journey to fulfill Faye’s dying wish. Their adventure through the Nine Realms explores themes of fatherhood and identity, culminating in the onset of Fimbulwinter.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Set three years after the previous game, Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the end of Fimbulwinter and the looming threat of Ragnarök. The narrative focuses on Atreus’s growth and the duo's quest to survive the apocalypse, leaving the door open for future stories.
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 more entries are likely. The latest development is the PC release of God of War: Ragnarok. Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, though it faced delays in 2024 following the departure of key creatives.Looking for more in order guides like this? 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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