The God of War series, an iconic franchise in the PlayStation universe, has evolved from its origins in the PS2 era into a seminal action-adventure saga. Initially captivating gamers with its intense action gameplay and the compelling tale of divine revenge led by the Spartan demigod Kratos, the series has matured over 20 years. It now offers a refined blend of action, deep lore, and a narrative centered around an older, more empathetic Kratos. With the release of God of War Ragnarok, which has been celebrated as one of the greatest entries in the series, we present a comprehensive chronology for fans new and old to explore the saga 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!
God of War [2005]Santa Monica Studio
God of War IISanta Monica Studio
God of War: BetrayalSony Online Entertainment
God of War: Chains of OlympusReady At Dawn Studios
God of War CollectionBluepoint Games
God of War IIISanta Monica Studio
God of War: Ghost of SpartaReady At Dawn Studios
God of War OriginsReady At Dawn Studios
God of War SagaSCE Studios Santa Monica
God of War: AscensionSanta Monica Studio
We’re excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as this AR game doesn’t add 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 comical 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 technically the first game in the series chronologically was God of War: Ascension, realistically you'll probably want to start with God of War (2018). Not only is it available on both PS4 and PS5, you can also play it on PC. It's a great starting point for anyone just getting 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, is a revenge tale that explores the early days of Kratos’s transformation from a Spartan demigod into the God of War. Set months after Kratos was manipulated into killing his wife and daughter by the Greek God of War Ares, Kratos refuses to honor his oath to Ares. This refusal sets into motion the story of Ascension, where Ares seeks revenge through the Furies, three beings tasked with punishing betrayal. Kratos must kill them to free himself from his oath. The story ends with Kratos leaving his Spartan home behind, still tormented by his grief.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Kratos’s next adventure unfolds in the PSP game God of War: Chains of Olympus. Set halfway through Kratos’s ten-year servitude to the gods, the game follows Kratos as he rescues Helios, the Titan God of the Sun, from the underworld at Athena's behest. Here, Kratos faces Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who offers him a chance to reunite with his daughter. Kratos must grapple with the apocalyptic consequences of this reunion and his duty to return Helios to the gods.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
- God of War (2005)
Set roughly 10 years after Ascension, the first God of War game begins with Kratos succumbing to his grief and attempting suicide by jumping off a cliff. Before hitting the water, the game flashes back three weeks to reveal the events leading to this moment. Tasked by Athena to defeat Ares and save Athens, Kratos seeks to obtain Pandora’s Box to achieve his goal. Throughout his journey, Kratos confronts his past as a revered Spartan captain who made a pact with Ares for victory against barbarians. After defeating Ares, Kratos ascends to become the new God of War, yet remains haunted by his past.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Ghost of Sparta, the series’ second PSP game, takes place between God of War and God of War 2. Kratos, known as the "Ghost of Sparta" due to his pale appearance from an oracle’s curse, seeks closure on familial narratives. He journeys to Atlantis to encounter his mortal mother and his long-lost brother Deimos, kidnapped by the gods in their youth. The climax sees Kratos and Deimos battling the God of Death, Thanatos, but despite their victory, Kratos's fury towards the Olympians only grows.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
- God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D sidescroller is officially part of the God of War canon. In Betrayal, the gods attempt to stop Kratos's rampage using Argos, a giant that serves Hera. Kratos is framed for Argos's murder, further straining his relationship with Olympus. Zeus sends a messenger to stop Kratos, but Kratos responds with violence, setting the stage for God of War 2. Betrayal isn’t available on modern mobile devices but can be experienced via a Java emulator.
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 faces Zeus, the King of Olympus. After rejecting peace and continuing his rampage, Zeus kills Kratos on the battlefield. With help from Gaia, the mother of Titans, Kratos seeks to rewrite his past and save his life. His journey leads him to the Sisters of Fate, where he uses the Loom of Fate to return to his moment of death and recruits the Titans for a war against Olympus, setting 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)
Set directly after the previous game, God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Grecian saga. Kratos and the Titans battle the Olympians, leading to catastrophic consequences. Betrayed once more, Kratos descends into the Underworld, teams up with an old ally, and embarks on a killing spree that culminates in a final showdown with Zeus. Kratos ends his vengeance and sacrifices himself to release hope to mankind, leaving the world in ruins.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
- God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
God of War: A Call from the Wilds is a Facebook Messenger text-adventure released before 2018’s God of War. This ~30-minute story introduces Kratos's son Atreus and explores his extrasensory abilities, as well as his relationships with Kratos and his mother, Faye. Set before the events of God of War 2018 when Faye is still alive, the story is no longer playable but can be experienced through complete playthroughs on YouTube.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
- God of War (2018)
Set many years after God of War 3, the 2018 God of War transports Kratos to the Norse realm of Midgard, where he lives with his son, Atreus. Their journey to fulfill Faye’s dying wish to spread her ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms is fraught with encounters from Norse mythology, including Baldur, Freya, and Thor's sons. Kratos struggles with fatherhood and the secrets he keeps from Atreus. The adventure leads to the onset of Fimbulwinter, signaling the approach of Ragnarök.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Given the recency of Ragnarok's release, this plot synopsis is intentionally vague to avoid spoilers.
Set three years after 2018’s God of War, God of War: Ragnarok unfolds as the Nine Realms near the end of Fimbulwinter and the beginning of Ragnarök. The game brings back many characters and introduces new ones like Odin and Thor, focusing on the adventures of Kratos and Atreus. As players, you'll explore all nine realms and the Realm Between Realms, delving into personal quests of identity and a larger quest to defeat the Asgards and survive Ragnarök. Ragnarok leaves the door open for future stories, with a New Game Plus mode available for those who've completed the game.
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 critical and commercial success of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok suggests future entries are likely. The most recent development is God of War: Ragnarok arriving on PC, and we've compiled a guide to everything you need to know about the PC port.
A God of War TV series is also in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the story of 2018’s God of War. Production faced challenges in 2024 following the departure of key creatives.
Looking for more in order guides like this? Take a look at 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
