Optimal Play Order for God of War Series Revealed

Quick Links

• All God Of War Games In The Series

• Most Popular Orders To Play The God Of War Games

• Best Order To Play The God Of War Games

• Alternate Order To Play God Of War Games

Diving into the God of War series can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, especially for newcomers. With a saga spanning both the Greek and Norse mythologies, deciding the best starting point among the numerous games is crucial. Fans often debate the ideal way to experience Kratos' journey—some advocate for a deep dive into the original Greek Saga, while others suggest starting with the more recent Norse Saga. This guide aims to help you navigate through the epic world of God of War, ensuring you capture every significant moment.

All God Of War Games In The Series

The God of War franchise boasts a total of 10 games, though only eight are crucial for the full Kratos experience. You can skip God of War: Betrayal (2007), a mobile game with minimal narrative impact, and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018), a text-based adventure on Facebook, without missing key story elements. Here's the list of essential games:

1. God of War 1
2. God of War 2
3. God of War 3
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarok

Most Popular Orders To Play The God Of War Games

When embarking on a series as expansive as God of War, you have two primary approaches: release order or chronological order. Each method provides a unique perspective on Kratos' saga, influenced by the series' prequels and sequels.

Release Order

Playing the games in release order follows the timeline of their launch, offering a nostalgic journey for long-time fans. However, you'll encounter variations in production quality, especially with titles like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta. This order also allows you to witness the evolution of gameplay and design firsthand.

The release order is:

1. God of War 1 (2005)
2. God of War 2 (2007)
3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
4. God of War 3 (2010)
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarok (2022)
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

Chronological Order

For those more interested in the narrative arc, playing in chronological order is the way to go. Be prepared for shifts in gameplay and graphics, as the starting game, Ascension, is often considered the weakest. Yet, this order allows you to follow Kratos' story from its earliest moments.

The chronological order is:

1. God of War: Ascension
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War 1
4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
5. God of War 2
6. God of War 3
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarok
9. God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla (Free DLC)

Best Order To Play The God Of War Games

Finding the perfect order to play the God of War series can be contentious among fans, but the following sequence balances both story and gameplay effectively, preventing new players from feeling overwhelmed.

We recommend playing in this order:

1. God of War 1
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
4. God of War 2
5. God of War 3
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarok
9. God of War Ragnarok Valhalla Mode

Begin with the iconic God of War 1, then delve into its prequels, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, to enrich your understanding of Kratos' past. Follow up with God of War 2 and 3, which should be played back-to-back due to their immediate narrative connection. Conclude the Greek Saga with Ascension, then transition to the Norse Saga with God of War (2018), Ragnarok, and the Valhalla DLC.

Note that Ascension might not be everyone's favorite due to its perceived weaker elements. If it's not your cup of tea, consider a recap on YouTube to keep up with the story. Despite this, the game's action-packed sequences are worth experiencing if you can stick with it.

Alternate Order To Play God Of War Games

If the older games feel a bit dated and you're hesitant to start with them, there's an alternative path that begins with the Norse Saga, offering a fresh and modern entry into the series.

While this approach might raise eyebrows among purists, it has its merits. The Norse games boast enhanced combat, stunning visuals, and a narrative that benefits from the mystery surrounding Kratos' Greek past.

The alternate order is:

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarok
3. God of War Ragnarok Valhalla Mode
4. God of War: Ascension
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
6. God of War 1
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
8. God of War 2
9. God of War 3