The God of War franchise has become an institution in the gaming world since the first title disappeared in 2005.
Many successful sequels followed, but what were they and what was the game’s timeline?
God of War game release order
God of War (2005)
The first entry in the God of War series introduced the game’s hack and slash style and strategy elements.
It also introduces Kratos, the tormented and complicated protagonist of the franchise.
God of War 2 (2007)
The second part inherits the narrative of the first part, but significantly improves the quality of the game.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Chains of Olympus is a prequel to GoW I, originally released on the PSP and later on the PS3 as part of the GoW: Origins Collection.
God of War III (2010)
The third game marks the end of the original trilogy and provides a introspective conclusion to Kratos’ journey.
God of War: Soul of Sparta (2010)
This is the second GoW game on the PSP and will be playable on the PS3 the year after its release.
The story takes place between the events of GoW I and II, which see Kratos visiting the mysterious underwater city of Atlantis.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension is the seventh installment in the series, and is chronologically the first chapter in Kratos’ story.
Read on to learn how to play the game in narrative order.
God of War (2018)
The latest version is more character-driven, with players taking control of an older, introspective Kratos trying to teach his son how to fend for himself.
It has all the identifiable battles and puzzles, but veers from the ancient Greek world to Norse mythology.
It’s also the first game in the series to be ported to PC.
God of War: Ragnarok (expected 2022)
The next game will see Kratos and his precocious son Atreus return.
It’s slated for a 2022 release, but no exact date has been announced.
God of War timeline order
According to GuideFall, if you want to experience Kratos’ story in chronological order, you’ll have to play the game asynchronously from the release date.
To do so, however, means you’ll have to move between consoles, since both of those games are on portable devices.
They recommend the following sequence:
- promote
- Chain of Olympus
- God of War (2005)
- Soul of Sparta
- God of War II
- Ares III
- God of War (2018)
The upcoming but unreleased God of War game Ragnarok was suggested as the last game.