The God of War series has captivated gamers for over 15 years with its enthralling blend of Greek and Norse mythologies. Players embark on an epic journey alongside the fierce protagonist Kratos as he battles legendary deities and creatures.
While each game stands on its own, playing the God of War titles in chronological order enhances the experience. You gain a deeper understanding of the lore and appreciate character growths and evolutions.
Join us as we guide you through a comprehensive timeline, unveiling the ideal sequence to play these acclaimed games. Whether you’re a newcomer seeking the full adventure or a longtime fan craving a nostalgia-filled replay, this overview offers key insights and highlights.
Setting and World Lore Explained
The God of War saga transports players across multiple realms steeped in ancient mythologies. While the earlier games are entrenched in Greek mythology and the later in Norse, some mystical realms reappear across the changing backdrops. Understanding the settings and lore helps newcomers appreciate the rich contexts underpinning Kratos’ adventures.
The initial Greek setting introduces iconic realms like Mount Olympus, ruled by the pantheon of Greek gods like Zeus, Athena, and Ares. The underworld and Tartarus represent the afterlife realms where souls face judgment. Mortals inhabit environments like Athens, Sparta, and the Island of Creation. Each realm is guarded by mystical beasts and creatures like cyclopes, gorgons, and minotaurs.
The power of the primordial Titans, like Atlas and Cronos, still influences events, though the Olympians overthrew them. Pandora’s Box grants godlike powers, while the destructive force of Pandora plays key roles. Oracles convey prophetic visions of fate and destiny. Local legends and myths surrounding Greek city-states and wars provide backstories.
When Kratos journeys to Midgard in the Norse era, layers of different lore emerge. The Norse gods, known as the Æsir, including Odin and Thor, rule the Nine Realms connected by Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. Prominent locations like Asgard, Vanaheim, and Jötunheim appear.
Midgard, the mortal realm, still houses beasts and monsters, but some threats are unique like the Draugr undead warriors. Nordic myths of Ragnarök and prophecies of Fimbulwinter drive the plot. We learn of Loki and his role in these apocalyptic prophecies. The nature of the dwarven race, giants, and Valkyries gets explored.
Throughout the changing backdrops, some throughlines remain. The concept of fate and destiny guided by oracles and prophecies continues. Kratos interacts with the dead in the afterlife across mythologies. His relationships with his immortal family endures as a core theme. By understanding the rich lore and legends behind each setting, players appreciate the interconnected stories spanning eras.
The blend of grounded locations like Ancient Greece and Scandinavia with fantastical environments creates an immersive experience. The interweaving of actual historical civilizations and beings with exotic mythological creatures grounds the lore. The layers of complex legends, secrets, and prophecies hidden in each setting give every realm significance and purpose. God of War doesn’t just use these mythologies as superficial backdrops – they provide intricate canon that enriches the unfolding narrative.
How to Play God of War Games in Order: Diving Deep into the Lore
The God of War saga spans multiple eras, blending realms from revered mythologies. Playing the games in chronological order fully immerses you in the riveting narrative.
While the overarching story remains coherent even if playing the titles out of sequence, you’ll gain finer nuances about characters’ motivations by following the in-game timeline. Momentous revelations in later games pack an elevated punch when you’ve journeyed through the entire odyssey. Ready to dive in? Here are all the God of War games in their chronological order:
God of War: Ascension (2013)
The iconic God of War series might lead you to believe that the chronological debut would feature the inception of the legendary Spartan, Kratos. However, Santa Monica Studio, with its uncanny knack for storytelling, took a different route. Instead of showcasing Kratos’ beginning in the initial installment, they intriguingly reserved it for the last chapter of the Greek saga, namely, “God of War: Ascension.” This installment catapults players back to a poignant time, precisely six months after a devastating event where Kratos was deceived into taking the lives of his own wife and daughter.
While “Ascension” touches upon many story elements familiar to series enthusiasts, it masterfully unveils previously unexplored details, painting a richer backdrop for the characters’ actions and desires. Embracing the spirit of the God of War series, players find themselves ensnared in a world where Kratos seeks retribution by hunting down Greek mythical beings.
His fury, this time, is laser-focused on the Furies, daunting enforcers known to penalize oath breakers. Their duality is apparent when they, ironically, join forces with Ares to scheme against Olympus through the birth of a child named Orkos. However, when Orkos falls short of their anticipated greatness, they, in collusion with Ares, pivot their attention to Kratos.
Devotees of the series might recall that Kratos once entered a dark pact, offering his soul to Ares in a desperate plea for unmatched power. “Ascension” delves deeper, shedding light on Ares’ intentions behind the deal – to manipulate Kratos as a mere pawn in his larger game of treachery. Ares, in his sinister wisdom, believed that by forcing Kratos to eliminate his family, he’d rid him of any distractions, ensuring his undivided allegiance.
As the saga unfolds, Kratos, driven by rage and vengeance, confronts and defeats the Furies, hoping their end would liberate him. However, a plot revelation sees Orkos disclose his role as the keeper of Kratos’ oath. Displaying a rarely seen side, Kratos hesitates but ultimately ends Orkos’ life. This act frees him from Ares’ hold but resurrects haunting memories of his family’s tragic end, propelling him into a quest for redemption that permeates the entire series.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Journeying forth into Kratos’ chronicles, we dive into the compelling narrative of “God of War: Chains of Olympus.” Designed for the PSP, this chapter unravels during the midpoint of Kratos’ decade-long obligation to the divine beings. This tenure, if honorably fulfilled, promises to unshackle Kratos from the relentless nightmares of his haunted history.
As players navigate this world, Kratos is entrusted with a monumental mission by Athena: to extract Helios, the illustrious Titan God of the Sun, from the gloomy depths of the underworld. Amidst his perilous quest, Kratos stumbles upon the formidable Persephone, the revered Queen of the Underworld.
As their paths entwine, Persephone tempts Kratos with an irresistible offer: a chance to be reunited with his departed daughter. However, this reunion comes with world-altering consequences. Torn between personal desires and overarching duty, Kratos grapples with the weighty decision of restoring Helios to his celestial realm, all while confronting the heart-wrenching prospects of his daughter’s return.
God of War (2005)
2005 saw the spectacular launch of the now-famous God of War series, presenting a unique blend of Greek mythology with adrenaline-pumping action. We meet Kratos, a relentless warrior, tired and drained from performing lethal errands at the behest of the Olympian deities. Wishing to find a respite from his harrowing past and the haunting nightmares it brought, Kratos sought assistance from the gods. Athena, a figurehead among them, gave Kratos a shimmer of hope: to achieve the peace he desires, he must vanquish Ares, the current God of War. Ares wasn’t just any adversary; he was the puppet master behind the strings of Kratos’ ceaseless anguish.
As players traverse through ancient realms, they encounter a poignant flashback, painting a tragic picture of Kratos’ history. An oracle, intending to serve justice, binds the ashes of Kratos’ deceased family to his skin, rendering him a haunting, ashy-white appearance. This macabre transformation would forever remind him of his past deeds. With a mission now clearer than ever, Kratos embarked on a quest to retrieve the enigmatic power within Pandora’s Box.
Harnessing its unparalleled strength, he waged a fierce duel against Ares. Through grit, strategy, and unwavering determination, Kratos managed to defeat the very embodiment of war. However, victory came with its emotional toll. Engulfed in despair, Kratos contemplated ending his life. But destiny had other plans. Athena intervened and elevated him to a divine status, crowning him as the new God of War atop the mighty Mount Olympus.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Navigating the timeline as we play God of War games in order, “Ghost of Sparta” emerges as an exception, serving as the sole midquel set amidst Kratos’ divine reign. Often, the series delves deep into Kratos’ struggle to confront the haunting visuals of his past misdeeds. Yet, in this episode, his quest evolves. Kratos seeks answers, attempting to decipher mysterious visions that trace back to his youth.
This voyage of self-discovery propels Kratos to the submerged city of Atlantis. And as layers unfold, players are introduced to a shocking revelation – Kratos had a brother, Deimos. Bearing a unique birthmark, Deimos was seen as a threat by the gods. Prophecies whispered tales of a “marked warrior” destined to end the gods’ reign. Misinterpreting the lore, the gods believed Deimos was this foreseen nemesis. Kratos’ quest deepens when he discovers his mother, on the brink of unveiling a monumental secret about his lineage (hinting at Zeus). Alas, Greek tragedies seldom offer easy answers, and she’s transformed into a grotesque beast before she could divulge any more.
In the depths of his journey, Kratos reunites with Deimos, but their reunion is not without its hurdles. Together, they face off against the formidable god of death, Thanatos. While Deimos meets a tragic end, a twist awaits – the prophecy’s “marked warrior” wasn’t referring to Deimos but Kratos himself, symbolized by his tattoo and the ash-white hue of his skin. For those who’ve been ardently following the series, this revelation might not be a total surprise. Still, “Ghost of Sparta” enriches the lore, intertwining with other games, and concludes with a visual nod to the armor Kratos proudly wears at the outset of “God of War 2”.
God of War: Betrayal (2007)
Journeying into the mobile realm, the 2007 release of “God of War: Betrayal” added a unique twist to the franchise’s narrative. Presented as a 2D sidescroller, Sony Santa Monica’s animation expert, Bruno Velazquez, endorsed its legitimacy within the iconic God of War storyline.
The gods, growing increasingly perturbed by Kratos’ insatiable thirst for violence, attempt to thwart his endeavors using Argos, a multi-eyed colossus loyal to Hera, the revered Queen of the Gods. But the plot thickens when an enigmatic assassin frames Kratos for Argos’ murder, pushing his already strained ties with Olympus to the brink.
Not one to back down, when Zeus dispatches a messenger hoping to halt Kratos’ rampant trail of destruction, Kratos’ response is characteristically ruthless. Defying the pantheon yet again, “Betrayal” offers a tantalizing hint of what’s on the horizon, teasing that Zeus’ wrath would soon unleash upon Kratos. Given its 2007 launch, prior to the smartphone boom, accessing “Betrayal” on contemporary platforms is a tad tricky. Nevertheless, if you’re an ardent fan keen to play God of War games in order, you’d need to resort to a Java emulator. Yet, if you opt to bypass it, rest assured, the essence of the overarching storyline remains intact.
God of War 2 (2007)
As you further immerse yourself and play God of War games in order, 2007’s “God of War 2” seamlessly continues the narrative from “Betrayal.” The saga finds Kratos at the helm of Spartan legions, charging forward in their dominance over Greece. But this isn’t a mere leadership role from the shadows; Kratos is hands-on, leading the frontlines as they lay siege upon the unsuspecting inhabitants of Rhodes.
In a dramatic turn of events, Zeus, the king of the gods, steps in, demanding Kratos’ undivided allegiance. Ever defiant, Kratos’ refusal draws Zeus’ ire, culminating in a deadly face-off where Zeus strikes down Kratos using the formidable Blade of Olympus. Yet, in the realm of gods and mortals, death isn’t always the end. With Titan Gaia’s aid, Kratos evades the clutches of the afterlife. Fueled by revenge and a thirst for justice, he embarks on a quest, seeking out the Sisters of Fate. His aim? To rewrite his destiny and avoid his grim fate at Zeus’ hand.
Navigating a path filled with challenges, Kratos triumphs over the Fates and embarks on a strategic move. He resurrects the Titans from a bygone era, predating their annihilation in the Great War. With the Titans by his side, Kratos ascends Mount Olympus, ready for the ultimate confrontation. As revelations surface, Kratos learns of his lineage, discovering his status as Zeus’ progeny, thus adding depth to their bitter rivalry.
God of War 3 (2010)
The year 2010 witnessed the illustrious release of “God of War 3” exclusively on PlayStation 3. Standing as the seventh chronicle in this enthralling saga, this game marked the end of Kratos’ adventures in the Greek era, bringing his story full circle. When we reunite with Kratos, he’s bending time itself, hoping to rewrite history and avert Zeus’ deception. His objective is clear: locate the elusive Pandora, use her to unlock the secrets of Pandora’s Box, and bring down Zeus, the formidable King of the Gods.
While staying true to its roots, “God of War 3” enhances the gaming experience with revamped features. The gameplay feels reminiscent of the preceding chapters, but players get to explore a refreshed magic system, enjoy diverse camera perspectives, and experience the thrill of downloadable content (DLCs). Kratos, ever the fearsome warrior, wields the powerful Blades of Exile as his primary armament.
Throughout his odyssey, he stumbles upon an arsenal of secondary weapons, each unveiling a unique magical ability to amplify his combat prowess. In addition to these, the game introduces novel movement mechanics, adding depth to Kratos’ capabilities. One notable addition is the range-grab combat grapple, allowing Kratos to seamlessly traverse ledges, pull adversaries and objects, and further intensify the combat dynamics. Some sequences even see Kratos leveraging harpies as a means to cross vast chasms.
God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
A prelude to the 2018 “God of War,” “A Call from the Wilds” is a captivating text-based adventure rolled out on Facebook Messenger. This brief narrative, spanning around 30 minutes, serves as a delightful introduction to Atreus, Kratos’ intriguing son. The tale sheds light on Atreus’ mystical abilities and offers snippets into his dynamics with both Kratos and his mother, Faye. Transporting players to a timeline predating “God of War 2018,” the story unfolds when Faye is still a presence in their lives.
Though “A Call from the Wilds” appears to have vanished from its original platform, its essence within the series isn’t paramount. For fans eager to play God of War games in order and immerse themselves in every fragment of Kratos’ journey, this narrative can be bypassed. However, for those with a penchant for completeness, thorough playthroughs are readily available on platforms like YouTube, ensuring no stone remains unturned.
God of War (2018)
The year 2018 ushered in a transformative chapter in the esteemed God of War saga. This iteration, while serving as a soft reboot, unfolds an unspecified duration post the events of “God of War 3.” Our fierce protagonist, Kratos, leaves the intricate web of Greek deities and now treads the mystical terrains of Midgard within Norse mythology (distinct from the Midgar of Final Fantasy 7, mind you). New horizons brought new relationships. Kratos finds love again in Faye, and their union gifts them a son, Atreus. However, as the game unravels, Faye’s demise becomes the catalyst for a profound quest — to spread her ashes atop the loftiest peak.
The journey isn’t devoid of perils. An enigmatic assailant, seemingly immune to pain, ambushes Kratos, setting the stage for a profound father-son odyssey. This narrative breaks the mold; instead of Kratos’ trademark vendetta-driven quests, the heart of the tale underscores his aspirations of fatherhood, shielding Atreus from the burdens of divine lineage. Together, they navigate Norse realms, seeking the giant-inhabited land of Jötunheim.
Familiar faces aid them, like the inventive dwarves, Brok and Sindri, and the benevolent goddess, Freya. But challenges are aplenty, from confronting Norse deities, including Thor’s offsprings, to a deadly showdown with Baldur, Freya’s son. The saga culminates with revelations: Faye’s giant lineage, prophesied journeys, and Atreus’ true identity – Loki, a name deeply entrenched in Norse folklore.
God of War Ragnarök (2022)
The climax of the 2018 God of War sets the stage for the events in “God of War Ragnarök.” A post-credits scene drops a bombshell – an enigmatic visitor, recognized by his iconic hammer, stands as none other than Thor. Yet, this encounter, foreseen as a future event, seamlessly bridges into the narrative of Ragnarök.
Fast forward a few years from the events of its predecessor, Midgard stands on the precipice of the Fimbulwinter. This prophesied three-year-long snowstorm strips the realm of its warmth and magic. The unintended consequences of Baldur’s demise trigger this chilling precursor to the impending Ragnarök.
Although we must tread lightly to avoid spoiling the nuances of “God of War: Ragnarök,” players can anticipate an expansive journey through the nine Norse realms. Kratos and Atreus will confront iconic deities like Thor, Tyr, and Odin. The game promises answers, unraveling mysteries left by the preceding chapter. After all, isn’t uncovering these truths a primary allure of diving into the narrative? Coupled, of course, with the sheer thrill of battling legendary Norse entities!
Tips For Newcomers
God of War’s thrilling world is an incredible ride for newcomers, but it helps to have some tips to get started on the right foot. Here are some pieces of advice to consider when playing God of War for the first time:
- Choose “Give Me A Balanced Experience” difficulty – God of War allows you to tailor the difficulty, and for first-timers “Give Me A Balanced Experience” is recommended. You’ll be challenged but it won’t be punishing, letting you learn the gameplay.
- Start upgrading Leviathan Axe – Your primary weapon, the Leviathan Axe, can be upgraded early on to increase damage. This gives you an advantage in battles. Be on the lookout for Frozen Flames to enhance its frost power as well.
- Unlock shield combat skills – Learning parrying and shield-based skills quickly is useful, especially for close-quarters fights against mobs of enemies. The shield can also be used offensively to stagger foes. Prioritize talents like Shield Bash in the skill tree.
- Experiment with Atreus – Your son Atreus can be a valuable ally in combat thanks to his bow skills. Try out his different arrow types like electric and summon arrows to disable and damage enemies. Upgrade his bow regularly too.
- Keep Atreus close – When fighting, keep Atreus close by. Not only can he assist offensively, but you need to be near him to protect him when enemies target him. Letting him wander could get him killed.
- Search for artifacts – Exploration is rewarded, so take time scouring optional areas. You’ll find lore artifacts that expand the backstory and items like Idunn Apples for health upgrades. Thorough searches also yield crafting materials.
- Use runic attacks – Kratos’ blades and axe have special runic attacks that are recharged over time. Get in the habit of unleashing these more cinematic, high-damage abilities when the meters are full, especially during boss battles.
- Parry at the last second – Mastering parrying is critical, especially against heavy-hitting enemies. Time it right as attacks are incoming for maximum impact. Dodging is still useful but parrying opens up finishers.
- Keep Atreus stocked – Make sure you fill up Atreus’ quiver by crafting arrows when it’s running low. Running out of arrows cripples one of your major offensive tools.
- Experiment with skills – Play around with new combos and abilities you unlock. The skills really expand your combat options and open up new tactics. Lean into skills that suit your playstyle.
- Die and learn – Dying is part of the journey, so don’t get discouraged. Study enemy attack patterns and experiment with strategies each attempt. With patience and skill, you’ll eventually overcome any challenge.
- Take in the journey – Most importantly, soak in the immersive journey and enjoy exploring the rich worlds. God of War’s combination of combat, storytelling, and discovery make it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Memorable God of War Bosses
The God of War series is renowned for its larger-than-life boss battles that truly test your combat skills and endurance. These memorable clashes with towering beasts and powerful gods live long in players’ memories. Here are some standout epic encounters and tips on how to topple these daunting foes:
- Hydra – Right at the start of the first God of War, Kratos must battle this massive serpentine beast while trapped on a ship. Dodge its poisonous acid attacks and cauterize the neck stumps as you dismember its heads one-by-one until none remain.
- Pandora’s Guardian – To claim Pandora’s Box, Kratos fights this huge minotaur creature across falling platforms. Think vertically – shooting it causes chunks of ceiling to drop onto it, inflicting major damage as you evade its charges.
- Ares – The original God of War builds to this emotionally charged showdown between master Ares and his former protégé. Parry Ares’ linear attacks for openings to drain his health meters until a brutal quick-time event finishes him.
- Colossus of Rhodes – This massive statue animated by Zeus offers an intense opening battle in God of War 2. When it slams its fists down, quickly freeze them with the Golden Fleece, then use Thera’s Bane to return its projectiles back onto it.
- Theseus and the Minotaur – God of War: Ascension pits you against not one but two larger-than-life foes – use the minotaur’s brute force against the agile Theseus and divide and conquer. When they merge, unleash charged heavy attacks to defeat the hybrid monstrosity.
- The Stranger – This relentless mysterious brawler serves as the first major boss in the 2018 God of War. To beat him, you’ll need to master parrying his various unblockable grab attacks until an opportunity for a brutal finisher appears.
- Baldur – Kratos battles the seemingly invincible Aesir god Baldur several times throughout the 2018 game. Only in the final confrontation can the spell granting Baldur invincibility be broken, opening him up to damage and Kratos’ full wrath.
- Sigrun – This formidable Valkyrie queen in God of War offers blisteringly quick aerial attacks and high damage. Stay mobile, counter her dive bomb attack, and chip away patiently – she tests every combat skill you’ve honed up until this climax.
- Thor – The God of Thunder finally clashes with Kratos in God of War Ragnarök, wielding his iconic Mjölnir hammer. His devastating area attacks can quickly overwhelm you, so memorize his tells and utilize parries wisely as you weather his onslaught.
Best God of War Weapons and Power-Ups
One of the joys of God of War is finding and upgrading the diverse arsenal of weapons and magical abilities Kratos wields. Here are some of the most empowering and fun weapons to discover across the series that really expand your combat potential:
- Blades of Chaos – Kratos’ iconic chained blades given to him by Ares inflict high damage with their fiery rage. Leveling them up fully unlocks moves like the Cyclone of Chaos for clearing hordes of enemies.
- Barbarian Hammer – This massive hammer unlocked in the first God of War deals crushing damage on stunned enemies. Nothing tops smashing a minotaur’s skull in! Charge it up to inflame the hammerhead too.
- Blade of Artemis – This divine gigantic sword from the first game has insane range and lets you dish out supercharged attacks. It also emits harmful waves of energy while spinning.
- Spear of Destiny – This God of War II spear throw creates a vortex that pulls in enemies, leaving them vulnerable to combos. It softens up tough foes from a distance.
- Nemean Cestus – These devastating gauntlets you acquire in God of War III unleash shockwaves and rapid punches, great for breaking guards and disrupting clusters of enemies.
- Leviathan Axe – This exquisitely crafted frost axe in the 2018 release deals high damage and freezes enemies. Tossing and recalling it never gets old. Make sure to keep upgrading it.
- Chaos Blades – An evolved version of the Blades of Chaos return in the 2018 game with fire attacks that can trigger explosions. Their extended range and crowd control abilities make them invaluable.
- Mjölnir – Thor’s hammer is temporarily usable in God of War Ragnarök. It gives you control over lightning and the ability to pound enemies into oblivion.
- Blessings – These God of War: Ascension power-ups augment certain abilities like Hades’ Revenge increasing attack damage after taking damage. Mix and match to suit your playstyle.
- Relics – Relics like the Golden Fleece bracers in God of War II enable parrying and reflecting projectiles back. They introduce new combat mechanics beyond weapons.
- Runic Attacks – These special moves have cooldowns but dish out massive damage when you need to quickly turn the tide in key battles.
- Wrath Abilities – Forms like Medusa’s Gaze and Lightning Fury in God of War III offer temporary transformations into stronger states with unique attacks.
In addition to augmenting your weapons, prioritizing artifacts, relics and other power-ups that complement your preferred abilities can really amplify your overall might. With Kratos’ vast arsenal, you have options to customize your own god-slaying style.
