God of War Franchise: Chronological Order Revealed

This guide explores the optimal order to play the God of War games, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans. The series spans two sagas – Greek and Norse – and includes several prequel titles, making the ideal playing order a subject of much debate.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles Only):

The series boasts ten games, but only eight are crucial to the overarching narrative:

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War II (2007)
3. God of War III (2010)
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
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)

Popular Playing Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

• Release Order: This follows the games' original launch sequence, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, the quality varies between titles. The release order is: 1, 2, 4, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8.

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, beginning with the earliest events in Kratos' life. However, this order presents a less consistent gameplay experience. The chronological order is: 6, 4, 1, 5, 2, 3, 7, 8.

Recommended Playing Order:

This order balances narrative coherence with a progressively engaging gameplay experience:

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

This sequence starts with the foundational game, then incorporates prequels to build context before tackling the main Greek saga. Finally, it transitions seamlessly to the Norse saga. While Ascension is often considered the weakest entry, it provides crucial narrative closure for the Greek arc.

Alternative Playing Order (Norse Saga First):

For players prioritizing modern gameplay and visuals, starting with the Norse saga offers a compelling alternative:

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

This approach might lessen the impact of the older games' dated aspects, but it sacrifices the chronological narrative flow.

Ultimately, the best order depends on individual preferences. Consider your priorities – narrative continuity, gameplay evolution, or a balance of both – to select the playing order that best suits your experience.