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If you're new to the God of War series and considering diving into its expansive universe, you might be wondering where to start. With over half a dozen games spanning the Greek and Norse Sagas, choosing the right entry point can be daunting. Fans often debate whether to skip the Greek games and jump straight into the Norse Saga, or to experience the entire saga from the beginning. This guide will help you navigate the best order to play the God of War series, ensuring you don't miss any of its epic moments.
All God Of War Games In The Series
The God of War series comprises 10 games, but only eight are essential for a complete experience. You can skip God of War: Betrayal (2007), a mobile game with minimal narrative impact, and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018), a text-based adventure on Facebook, without missing significant story elements. Here's the list of the key games that trace Kratos' 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
Most Popular Orders To Play The God Of War Games
When approaching a long-running series like God of War, you have two main options: release order or chronological order. Given that several titles serve as prequels to the main trilogy, it's worth considering which method provides the best experience for these critically acclaimed games.
Release Order
Playing in release order is straightforward: follow the sequence in which the games were originally released. This is how many long-time fans experienced the series. However, keep in mind that some titles, like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, may not match the production quality of the main trilogy. Playing in release order also allows you to witness the evolution of gameplay mechanics and design improvements over time.
The release order 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're more interested in the story, playing in chronological order is the way to go. Be prepared for some variation in graphic quality and gameplay as you move between games. The first game in this order is often considered the weakest, so don't let it color your view of the entire series.
The chronological order is 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)
Best Order To Play The God Of War Games
While there's no universally agreed-upon order, the following sequence considers both narrative and gameplay to provide a balanced experience for new players. This order helps prevent feeling overwhelmed or burned out by the series.
- 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
Begin with the original God of War, then play its prequels, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, to fill in the backstory. Follow with God of War 2 and 3, which should be played consecutively as the third game directly follows the second. After completing God of War 3, play Ascension to finish the Greek Saga. Then, move on to the Norse Saga with God of War (2018), followed by Ragnarok, and finally, the Valhalla DLC.
God of War: Ascension is often considered the weakest entry. If you find it unenjoyable, consider skipping it and watching a recap on YouTube to catch up on its story. However, it does offer some impressive action sequences, so it's worth trying to push through if you can.
Alternate Order To Play God Of War Games
If the older God of War games feel dated, there's an alternative order that can ease you into the series: starting with the Norse Saga before tackling the Greek Saga. While some fans might find this approach sacrilegious, it has its merits. The Norse games boast improved combat, higher production values, and stunning visuals. Additionally, not knowing the Greek games' context can add a layer of mystery to the narratives of God of War (2018) and Kratos' tragic past.
The alternate order to play the God of War games 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
