If you’re considering immersing yourself in the God of War franchise for the first time, you may feel a little lost. With a diverse lineup that stretches across the Greek and Norse Sagas, pinpointing the starting point can be daunting.
Opinions vary among fans; some recommend bypassing the older Greek installments to dive into the newer Norse Saga, while others may see this as unthinkable. To assist you, we’ve crafted a detailed guide outlining the best methods for engaging with the God of War series, making sure that you enjoy every monumental moment along the way.
Comprehensive List of All God of War Games
In total, there are ten God of War titles, although only eight are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the narrative. Two games that can be overlooked without sacrificing significant plot elements are God of War: Betrayal (2007)—an inconsequential mobile game—and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018), which is a text adventure on Facebook. The following titles are pivotal to Kratos’ expansive journey:
- God of War 1
- God of War 2
- God of War 3
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok
Popular Play Orders for the God of War Series
When tackling a series as expansive as God of War, players generally adopt one of two main strategies: release order or chronological order. Given that several titles serve as prequels within the trilogy, discerning which approach offers the most enriching experience is essential.
Release Order
Playing in release order means you will follow the sequence in which each title was launched. This method mirrors the experience of many long-time fans. It’s crucial to note that games like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta may offer a different production quality compared to the core trilogy. This approach also enables players to witness the natural evolution in gameplay mechanics and aesthetics over time.
The release order timeline is as follows:
- God of War 1 (2005)
- God of War 2 (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 (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
- God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)
Chronological Order
If you are particularly interested in the overarching narrative, playing in chronological order may be your best bet. Be aware of the potential for graphic disparities and variability in gameplay quality as you transition between titles. Many enthusiasts regard the first installment as the weakest link, so don’t let your experience with it color your impressions of the series as a whole.
The chronological order is structured as follows:
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War 1
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War 2
- God of War 3
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok
- God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla (Free DLC)
Optimal Play Order for God of War Games
Although there isn’t a universally accepted order that suits everyone—some might even vehemently disagree—here’s a recommended sequence that considers both narrative depth and gameplay flow. This method will help newcomers avoid feeling overwhelmed or fatigued by the series. The suggested play order is:
- God of War 1
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War 2
- God of War 3
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok
- God of War Ragnarok Valhalla Mode
Start with the original God of War, and instead of jumping directly into the sequel, play its prequels—Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta. Afterward, continue with God of War 2, followed directly by God of War 3, ensuring a seamless transition as the third installment continues the second’s storyline. After God of War 3, conclude the Greek Saga with Ascension.
For the latter half of the series, engage with God of War (2018), followed by Ragnarok, and finally enjoy the fantastic Valhalla DLC.
It’s worth noting that God of War: Ascension is often critiqued as the least favorable entry. If you find it less engaging, consider skipping it and watching a recap to catch up on its plot. However, the game does showcase some remarkable action sequences, making it worth experiencing if possible.
Alternative Play Order for God of War Games
While the classic God of War titles represent some of the pinnacle offerings from PlayStation, their age can be a detriment to the experience for some gamers. An alternative pathway introduces new players to the world of God of War: beginning with the Norse Saga before delving into the Greek Saga.
This approach might seem sacrilegious to dedicated fans; however, there are compelling reasons to consider it. The Norse installments boast superior combat mechanics, higher production values, and stunning graphics. Additionally, approaching the story without prior knowledge of the Greek context may cultivate a sense of intrigue surrounding Kratos’ character and his troubled past.
The alternative God of War play order is as follows:
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok
- God of War Ragnarok Valhalla Mode
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War 1
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War 2
- God of War 3
Leave a Reply