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 choice of starting point crucial.
Essential Games & Skipped Titles:
Ten God of War games exist, but only eight are essential for a complete narrative experience. God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook) can be safely omitted.
Popular Play Orders:
Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.
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Release Order: This follows the games' original release dates, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, the quality varies between titles. The order is: 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)
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Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but the gameplay experience may be inconsistent due to variations in game quality across the titles. The order is: 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 a progressively engaging gameplay experience:
- 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 approach strategically places prequels to enhance understanding and avoids immediate immersion in the potentially less polished earlier titles. Ascension, while considered the weakest, offers impressive action sequences. Consider skipping it and watching a recap if it proves too challenging.
Alternative Play Order (Norse Saga First):
For players prioritizing modern gameplay and visuals, starting with the Norse Saga offers a compelling alternative:
- 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
This approach sacrifices chronological order but provides a smoother transition into the series' improved mechanics and aesthetics. The mystery surrounding Kratos' past might be enhanced by experiencing the Norse Saga first.
