The God of War series has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of PlayStation's iconic franchises, beginning its journey with the PS2 and evolving into a landmark action-adventure saga. Spanning over two decades, the series has refined its action mechanics while deepening its narrative, all anchored by the complex character of Kratos, the Spartan demigod who has grown more empathetic with age.
With God of War Ragnarok achieving legendary status, we've crafted a comprehensive timeline for fans eager to explore or revisit the entire 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 a total of 10 God of War games across various platforms, including six on home consoles, two on portable consoles, one on mobile, and a unique text-adventure on Facebook Messenger.
God of War: The Complete Playlist
Here’s the full roster of God of War titles, presented in their release order:
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 God of War: Mimir’s Vision, an AR mobile game that enriches the lore but doesn't progress the main storyline. Additionally, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is omitted despite its humorous nod to the God of War universe.
The series also spans into novels and comics, but this guide focuses solely on the games.
Which God of War Game Should You Play First?
While God of War: Ascension marks the chronological beginning, God of War (2018) is the ideal starting point for newcomers. It's accessible on PS4, PS5, and PC, offering a fresh entry into Kratos's world.
God of War (2018) for PlayStation
Upgrade to the PS5 version via the PlayStation Store or purchase from Amazon.
God of War Games in Chronological Order
These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story developments.
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension is the first game in the series chronologically and the seventh by release date. It delves into Kratos's early days, revealing his transformation into the God of War after being manipulated by Ares to kill his family. Kratos's refusal to honor his oath to Ares sets him on a path of vengeance against the Furies, culminating in his departure from Sparta, still haunted by his past.
Available on: PS3 | IGN’s God of War: Ascension Review
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
In Chains of Olympus, Kratos, halfway through his ten-year servitude to the gods, undertakes a mission to rescue Helios from the underworld. His encounter with Persephone challenges his loyalty to the gods and his desire to reunite with his daughter, setting the stage for further internal conflict.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Chains of Olympus Review
- God of War (2005)
The original God of War follows Kratos as he nears the end of his servitude, tasked with defeating Ares to save Athens. His journey to obtain Pandora’s Box and confront Ares is interwoven with flashbacks that reveal his pact with Ares and the tragic consequences that follow. Kratos's victory over Ares leads to his ascension to the God of War, yet he remains tormented.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War Review
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos's journey to Atlantis, where he reconnects with his mortal mother and long-lost brother Deimos. Their battle against Thanatos ends in tragedy, further fueling Kratos's rage against the Olympians.
Available on: PS3 (Origins Collection), PSP | IGN’s God of War: Ghost of Sparta Review
- God of War: Betrayal (2007)
In this mobile 2D sidescroller, Kratos's continued rampage leads to a confrontation with Argos, orchestrated by an assassin to frame him. His defiance against Zeus's messenger sets the stage for the events of God of War 2. While no longer available on modern platforms, it remains part of the canon.
Available on: N/A (previously available on mobile) | IGN’s God of War: Betrayal Review
- God of War 2 (2007)
God of War 2 sees Kratos challenging Zeus after rejecting peace. Killed by Zeus, Kratos is revived by Gaia and manipulates the Loom of Fate to alter his destiny. His quest leads to a confrontation with Zeus, revealing his true parentage and setting the stage for a war against Olympus.
Available on: PS3 (God of War Collection), PS2 | IGN’s God of War 2 Review
- God of War 3 (2010)
God of War 3 concludes Kratos's Greek saga with a cataclysmic battle against the Olympians. Betrayed once more, Kratos descends into the Underworld, teams up with an old ally, and ultimately faces Zeus in a final showdown. His victory comes at a great cost, leading him to release hope to mankind.
Available on: PS4 (Remastered), PS3 | IGN’s God of War 3 Review
- God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018)
This text-adventure on Facebook Messenger introduces Atreus and explores his extrasensory abilities and relationships with Kratos and Faye. Set before God of War (2018), it's no longer playable but can be experienced through online playthroughs.
Available on: N/A (previously available on Facebook Messenger)
- God of War (2018)
In this reboot, Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a journey through the Norse realms to fulfill Faye's dying wish. Their adventure introduces them to Norse mythology's key figures and delves into Kratos's struggles with fatherhood and Atreus's heritage, culminating in the onset of Fimbulwinter.
Available on: PS5, PS4 | IGN’s God of War 2018 Review
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Set three years after God of War (2018), Ragnarok follows Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the impending Ragnarök. The game expands on Atreus's identity and powers, introducing new characters like Odin and Thor. Their journey through the Nine Realms and the Realm Between Realms is a quest for survival and self-discovery.
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?
While Sony has not announced a new God of War game, the success of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok suggests more adventures are on the horizon. The recent PC release of Ragnarok and a forthcoming TV series on Amazon’s Prime Video, adapting the 2018 game, indicate the franchise's continued expansion.
For fans of chronological guides, explore similar timelines for other iconic series like Assassin's Creed, Halo, Batman Arkham, Resident Evil, and Pokémon.
