Optimal Order to Play God of War Series

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All God Of War Games In The Series
Most Popular Orders To Play The God Of War Games
Best Order To Play The God Of War Games
Alternate Order To Play God Of War Games

If you're new to the God of War series and considering diving into its expansive universe, you might feel daunted by the number of games. With a collection spanning the Greek and Norse Sagas, deciding where to start can indeed be overwhelming. Fans have varying opinions—some advocate skipping the Greek games to jump directly into the Norse Saga, while others believe this approach misses crucial context. This guide aims to help you navigate the best order to fully immerse yourself in the epic saga of Kratos, ensuring you don't miss any pivotal moments.

All God Of War Games In The Series

The God of War series comprises 10 games, though only eight are essential for experiencing Kratos' complete journey. Two titles, God of War: Betrayal (2007) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (2018), can be skipped without impacting the overarching narrative or gameplay significantly. The essential games 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 Ragnarok

Most Popular Orders To Play The God Of War Games

When embarking on a series as extensive as God of War, you can choose between two primary approaches: release order or chronological order. Given that several titles act as prequels to the main trilogy, it's important to consider which method will enhance your experience of these acclaimed games.

Release Order

Opting for release order is straightforward: play the games in the sequence they were released. This is how many long-time fans first experienced the series. Be aware, though, that games like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta might not match the production quality of the main trilogy. Playing in release order allows you to witness the evolution of gameplay mechanics and design as the series progressed.

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 focused on the storyline, playing in chronological order might be preferable. However, be prepared for potential shifts in graphic quality and gameplay as you navigate through games of varying polish. The first game in this sequence, Ascension, is often considered the weakest in the series, so keep an open mind as you start.

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

There's no universal solution that will please every fan, but the following order considers both narrative and gameplay to provide a balanced experience for newcomers. This sequence aims to prevent burnout and ensure you appreciate the series' progression.

We recommend playing the God of War games in the following order:

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 prequel, Chains of Olympus, followed by Ghost of Sparta. Next, play God of War 2 and God of War 3 consecutively, as the third game continues directly from the second. After completing God of War 3, move on to Ascension to wrap up the Greek Saga.

Then, transition to the Norse Saga with God of War (2018), followed by Ragnarok, and finally, explore the Valhalla DLC in Ragnarok.

While God of War: Ascension is often seen as the weakest link, it still offers intense action. If you find it challenging, consider skipping it and catching up via a YouTube recap, though pushing through can be rewarding.

Alternate Order To Play God Of War Games

If the older God of War games feel dated, there's an alternative approach: starting with the Norse Saga before delving into the Greek Saga. While some fans might find this sacrilegious, it has its merits. The Norse games boast improved combat, stunning visuals, and higher production values. Moreover, experiencing the Norse games first can add a layer of mystery to Kratos' past and the events of both God of War (2018) and Ragnarok.