The God of War series has become a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic franchises, beginning in the PS2 era with its gripping action gameplay, a compelling narrative of divine revenge, and the unforgettable protagonist, Kratos. Over the span of two decades, the series has evolved into a seminal action-adventure saga, refining its action mechanics while delving deeper into its lore and enhancing its storytelling, all centered around an older, more empathetic Kratos.
With the monumental success of God of War Ragnarok, which has firmly established itself among the all-time greats, we present a comprehensive chronology of the series for those eager to embark on or revisit this epic journey.
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How Many God of War Games Are There?
Sony has released a total of 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
Below is a list of every God of War game released to date, complete with images and development studios:
God of War (2005) - Santa Monica Studio
God of War II - Santa Monica Studio
God of War: Betrayal - Sony Online Entertainment
God of War: Chains of Olympus - Ready At Dawn Studios
God of War Collection - Bluepoint Games
God of War III - Santa Monica Studio
God of War: Ghost of Sparta - Ready At Dawn Studios
God of War Origins - Ready At Dawn Studios
God of War Saga - SCE Studios Santa Monica
God of War: Ascension - Santa Monica Studio
We've excluded the second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as it's an AR game that doesn't contribute to the main narrative but rather provides background lore. Similarly, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, despite its inclusion in the God of War canon, is not part of this chronology.
There are also God of War stories told through novels and comics, but this list focuses solely on the games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
While God of War: Ascension is the first game chronologically, starting with God of War (2018) is advisable for new players. It's available on PS4, PS5, and PC, making it an accessible entry point into the series.
For PlayStation God of War (2018)
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God of War Games in Chronological Order
These descriptions contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
1. God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension, the seventh game by release date but the first chronologically, is a tale of revenge that delves into Kratos's early transformation from a Spartan demigod to the God of War. Set months after Kratos is tricked into killing his family by Ares, Ascension follows Kratos as he breaks his oath to Ares, prompting the God of War to unleash the Furies—beings who enforce oaths—against him. Kratos's journey ends with him leaving his Spartan home, still tormented by his grief.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
In Chains of Olympus, a PSP title, Kratos embarks on a quest during the midpoint of his ten-year servitude to the gods. Tasked by Athena to rescue the Titan Helios, Kratos faces Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who offers him a chance to reunite with his daughter. Kratos must navigate the moral and apocalyptic consequences of his choices.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
3. God of War (2005)
Set ten years after Ascension, the original God of War begins with Kratos attempting suicide by jumping off a cliff, only to be saved by Athena. The game flashes back to Kratos's final task: defeat Ares and save Athens. Kratos's journey to obtain Pandora’s Box and confront Ares is fraught with trials, ultimately leading to his ascension to the God of War.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Ghost of Sparta, another PSP game, occurs between the first two God of War games. Kratos seeks closure on familial matters, traveling to Atlantis to reunite with his mother and confront his kidnapped brother, Deimos. The game culminates in a battle against Thanatos, leaving Kratos more embittered towards the Olympians.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
5. God of War: Betrayal (2007)
This mobile 2D sidescroller is canon, as confirmed by Sony Santa Monica's animation director. It follows Kratos's conflict with the gods, who send Argos to stop him. Framed for Argos's death, Kratos's actions set the stage for God of War 2. Betrayal is not available on modern platforms but can be emulated.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
6. God of War 2 (2007)
In God of War 2, Kratos, now ostracized by Olympus, continues his rampage, prompting Zeus to kill him. Revived by Gaia, Kratos seeks to alter his fate using the Loom of Fate, only to discover his true parentage. He recruits the Titans for an assault on 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
7. God of War 3 (2010)
Picking up immediately after God of War 2, Kratos and the Titans wage war against the Olympians. Kratos faces betrayal and journeys through the Underworld, culminating in a final confrontation with Zeus. He ends his quest for vengeance and sacrifices himself to spread hope to mankind.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
8. God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
A Call from the Wilds, a Facebook Messenger text-adventure, introduces Kratos's son Atreus and provides background on his abilities and relationships. Set before God of War (2018), it's no longer playable but can be experienced through YouTube playthroughs.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
9. God of War (2018)
Set years after God of War 3, Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a journey through the Norse realms to fulfill Faye’s dying wish. Their travels introduce them to Norse mythology figures and challenge Kratos's role as a father and mentor. The game concludes with the onset of Fimbulwinter, heralding Ragnarök.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
10. God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Given the recent release of Ragnarok, this summary avoids major spoilers.
Set three years after God of War (2018), Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the end of Fimbulwinter and the approach of Ragnarök. The narrative focuses on Atreus's exploration of his identity and powers, with encounters involving Odin, Thor, and other Norse figures. The game sets the stage for potential future stories while offering a New Game Plus mode for continued play.
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 not yet announced a new God of War game, but given the success of the recent entries, more is expected. The latest development includes the PC port of God of War: Ragnarok, and we have a guide covering all you need to know about it.
Additionally, a God of War TV series is in development for Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the 2018 game's story. However, production faced setbacks in 2024 after the departure of key personnel.
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