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In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

Author : Matthew Update : Feb 27,2025

Mastering the God of War Game Order: A Comprehensive Guide

New to the God of War franchise and unsure where to begin? This guide navigates the complexities of the series, offering several approaches to ensure a rewarding experience. With multiple games spanning Greek and Norse sagas, the optimal playing order is a subject of much debate among fans.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles):

While ten God of War games exist, only eight are crucial to the overarching narrative. God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook) can be safely omitted. The essential titles 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 Playing Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

Release Order: This mirrors the games' original release dates, offering a historical perspective on the series' evolution. However, note that the quality and gameplay mechanics vary across titles.

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 Ragnarök (2022)
God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but be prepared for inconsistencies in gameplay and graphical quality. The starting game is often considered the weakest.

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 Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Free DLC)

Recommended Order (Balancing Narrative and Gameplay):

This order considers both story and gameplay progression, providing a smoother, more engaging experience for newcomers.

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

Note: God of War: Ascension is often cited as the weakest entry. Consider skipping it and watching a summary if needed.

Alternative Order (Norse Saga First):

This approach prioritizes modern gameplay and visuals, starting with the critically acclaimed Norse Saga. It might sacrifice some narrative context but offers a potentially more enjoyable entry point for some players. Consider this approach if you prioritize gameplay over strict chronological order.