All God of War Games in Order: Chronological & Release Order (2026)

Credit:- Sony Interactive Entertainment

Few franchises in gaming history have managed to reinvent themselves as spectacularly as God of War. From a brutal, mythology-fueled hack-and-slash on the PlayStation 2 to one of the most critically acclaimed action-adventure series in gaming.

Two mythologies, 9 significant entries, multiple platforms, and over two decades of releases, God of War can seem uninviting. However, that’s far from the truth! We will break down every God of War game in both chronological story order and release order. So, you can choose the path that suits you best.

How to Play God of War Games in Chronological Order

The chronological order follows the in-universe story timeline. With this approach, you will experience Kratos’ youth in Sparta all the way through the Norse apocalypse. This is the definite order for experiencing the full arc of Kratos’ transformation.

However, keep in mind that following this order requires jumping between very different gameplay eras and styles.

GameRelease YearPlatforms

God of War: Sons of Sparta	2026	Original: PS5
God of War: Ascension	2013	Original: PS3
God of War: Chains of Olympus	2008	Original: PSP Remaster: PS3
God of War (2005)	2005	Original: PS2 Remaster: PS3, PS Vita
God of War: Ghost of Sparta	2010	Original: PSP Remaster: PS3
God of War II	2007	Original: PS2 Remaster: PS3, PS Vita
God of War III	2010	Original: PS3 Remaster: PS4
God of War (2018)	2018	Original: PS4 Port: PC
God of War Ragnarök	2022	Original: PS4, PS5 Port: PC

How to Play God of War Games in Release Order

Playing in release order is how millions of fans originally experienced the series. Two decades later, it still remains the most natural way to appreciate how the franchise evolved.

1. God of War (2005)

Metacritic: 94 | Platforms: PS2, PS3, PS Vita

The game that started it all! Seeking redemption for a dark pact with Ares, Kratos is chosen by the gods of Olympus to become their instrument of vengeance. He must slay the God of War himself. This game introduced the fixed-camera, chain-blade combat system and cinematic brutality that would define the series for a decade.

2. God of War II (2007)

Metacritic: 93 | Platforms: PS2, PS3, PS Vita

Kratos is betrayed by Zeus while serving as the God of War, with his godhood stripped away. He must exact revenge and reclaim what is rightfully his. God of War II improved on nearly every aspect of its predecessor. This game is widely considered one of the greatest sequels in gaming history.

3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)

Metacritic: 91 | Platforms: PSP, PS3

Sun God Helios gets abducted, and Kratos ventures into the Underworld to restore order. God of War: Chains of Olympus was originally a PSP game and was praised for delivering a perfect God of War experience on the handheld.

4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)

Metacritic: 86 | Platforms: PSP, PS3

The story of Ghost of Sparta is set between the two original games. Players learn about Kratos’ brother Deimos, who has been imprisoned by the Gods since childhood. The game earned universal praise for its emotionally resonant story and polished gameplay.

5. God of War III (2010)

Metacritic: 92 | Platforms: PS3, PS4

The epic conclusion to the Greek saga. Kratos gets betrayed again and must tear through every Olympian deity standing between him and Zeus. It is considered the most visually spectacular entry in the Greek era. God of War III is best experienced through its 2015 remastered version on PS4.

6. God of War: Ascension (2013)

Metacritic: 80 | Platforms: PS3

This is the final Greek era game to be released. It remained the earliest entry point into Kratos’ life for a long time. Ascension follows his escape from imprisonment after killing his family. It is the only mainline God of War game to feature multiplayer, an online mode for up to eight players that received a mixed reception.

7. God of War (2018)

Metacritic: 94 | Platforms: PS4, PC (2022)

The reinvention that changed everything! Players were introduced to bearded and weary Kratos in ancient Norway. The game follows their adventure together, Atreus and Kratos, as they set out to fulfill the dying wish of Kratos’ wife. The shift to an over-the-shoulder camera, along with a deeply emotional father-son narrative, created one of the greatest games ever made.

8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)

Metacritic: 94 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC (2024)

The Norse era’s definitive conclusion! Kratos and Atreus journey across all Nine Realms to prevent or survive Ragnarök itself. This entry also includes the Valhalla DLC, in which Kratos processes his Greek past in the Norse afterlife. It rounds out the entire Norse saga in one complete package.

9. God of War: Sons of Sparta (2026)

Metacritic: TBD (Released February 12, 2026) | Platforms: PS5

The most recent entry in the franchise! Sons of Sparta is a 2D Metroidvania following a 13-year-old Kratos and his 11-year-old brother Deimos. They train at the Agoge in Sparta and explore the region of Laconia. The story is narrated by an adult Kratos. He recounts events to his daughter Calliope, tying the new entry intimately to the franchise’s emotional core.

New to God of War? Where to Start

For a brand-new player in 2026, the best entry point depends entirely on what you want from the experience! You can start with God of War (2018) as it has the best production values and the Norse saga is self-contained enough for newcomers.

Start with God of War (2005) if you want the full Kratos story from the very beginning and don’t mind dated graphics and mechanics. The Greek trilogy can be a perfect ramp to end on a high note with the Norse trilogy.

Playing in chronological order is not advisable for new players, since the games are true prequels. They’ll be best appreciated once you already know and love Kratos’ full journey.

Are you looking to get into the world of God of War for the first time? Or just looking for a revisit? Let us know in the comments.