In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

This guide explores the optimal order to play the God of War games, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans. The series boasts a rich history spanning Greek and Norse sagas, making the decision of where to start a daunting task.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles):

While ten games exist, only eight are crucial to the overarching narrative. We can safely omit God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook). The core eight are:

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 Ragnarök

Popular Play Orders:

Two main approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

Release Order: This follows the original game launch sequence. While offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay, it presents inconsistencies in graphical fidelity and overall quality across titles.
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 Ragnarök (2022)
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)
Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow but sacrifices gameplay consistency. The initial game in this order is often considered the weakest.
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 Ragnarök
9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Free DLC)

Recommended Play Order:

This order balances narrative coherence with gameplay experience, avoiding overwhelming the player.

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 Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

This sequence strategically places prequels to enhance the overall experience. Note that Ascension is often considered the weakest entry; a YouTube summary might suffice if the gameplay proves frustrating.

Alternative Play Order (Norse Saga First):

For players prioritizing modern gameplay and visuals, this order presents a compelling alternative. It starts with the superior mechanics of the Norse saga, building anticipation for the Greek saga's backstory. Consider this approach if you're less concerned with strict chronological order.

God of War (2018)
God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök 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