This post details all of the God of War games in the series in order. Listed in both release order and story chronology.
The God of War games were available on PlayStation exclusively until recently, when the God Of War PC game was launched on Steam in 2022.
With all these in mind, let’s check out below how to play God of War games in order, based on their release date, but also story chronology!
From: David Jaffe and Santa Monica Studio, Sony | Genres: Action, Adventure, Hack and Slash, Mythology, Platformer, Puzzle, Combat.
This God of War game series is listed in release order (including details for each game in the overall GoW storyline). Then in chronological order below so you can play them to follow the story chronologically
God of War Game Series in Order (Based on Release Date)
Story overview: The God of War franchise tells the tragic and violent story of the warrior Kratos and his dealings with the gods.
The ancient world would eventually both praise and damn the infamous “Ghost of Sparta” as the mortal who slayed a god, but long before his battle with Ares, Kratos sought absolution from his past sins by pledging himself as a champion to the gods.
These brutal crusades in the name of Olympus became legendary, but would have far-reaching consequences.
Let’s check out the GoW games in order of release below!
1. God of War I
First Released: 2005 for PS2.
Plot: Unleash the power of the gods and embark on a merciless quest as Kratos, an ex-Spartan warrior driven to destroy Ares, the God of War.
Armed with the lethal double chain blades known as the Blades of Chaos, Kratos must carve through the darkest creatures of mythology…
Chronology: Set between the events of Chains of Olympus (2008) and Ghost of Sparta (2010). See below for the full list in chronological order.
For more game details, see my post: God of War I for PlayStation 2, 3 and PS Vita on Amazon.
*God of War I is available from Amazon. (affiliate link)
2. God of War II
First Released: 2007 for PS2.
Plot: Once the mighty warrior Kratos was a slave to the gods, bound to do their savage bidding.
After destroying Ares, the God of War, Kratos was granted his freedom by Zeus and even given the ousted god’s throne on Olympus.
Chronology: Set between the events of Betrayal (2007) and God of War III (2010).
For more game details, see my post: God of War II for PlayStation 2 on Amazon US & UK.
*Available from Amazon. (affiliate link)
3. God of War: Betrayal
Released: 2007 for mobile phones with Java ME. The only GoW game made for mobile phones. It is no longer available officially to be downloaded & played on mobile devices.
It was also known as “God of War Mobile” and it was considered the worst game in the series.
Through emulation, it can still be played on Android devices and even Windows.
Chronology: Set between the events of Ghost of Sparta (2010) and God of War II (2007).
For more game details, see my post: God of War: Betrayal for Java ME Mobiles.
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus
First Released: 2008 for PSP.
Plot: Kratos is pushed to the edge as he is ordered by the gods to journey to the very depths of the underworld after the world plunges into darkness.
There he must face the most feared creatures of Greek mythology and is forced to choose between his own personal redemption and saving the ancient world from certain destruction.
It is a choice that will shake the immortals from their perches on Mt. Olympus.
Chronology: Set between the events of Ascension (2013) and God of War (2005).
For more game details, see my post: God of War: Chains of Olympus for PS3 and PSP on Amazon.
*Available on Amazon. (affiliate link)
5. God of War III
First Released: 2010 for PS3.
Plot: Play as ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos. From the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus. To the dark depths of Hades once more.
He must seek revenge on those who have betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, as well a selection of new weapons, Kratos will take on mythology’s darkest creatures.
While solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus and the mighty Zeus himself.
Chronology: Set immediately after the events of God of War II (2007).
For more game details, see my post: God of War III for PS3 and Remastered for PS4 on Amazon.
*Available on Amazon. (affiliate link)
6. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
First Released: 2010 for PSP.
Chronology: Set between the events of God of War (2005) and Betrayal (2007).
Plot: Continuing the story of Kratos’ ascension to power as the God of War. Yet this rise is not without its consequences.
In his quest to rid himself of the nightmares that haunt him, Kratos must embark on a journey that will reveal the origins of lost worlds, and finally answer long-awaited questions about his dark past.
Armed with the deadly chained Blade weapons, he will have to overcome armies of mythological monsters, legions of undead soldiers, and amazingly dangerous and brutal landscapes throughout his merciless quest.
For more game details, see my post: God of War: Ghost of Sparta for PSP and PS3.
7. God of War: Ascension
First Released: 2013 for PS3.
Plot: Vengeance is born in the fires of betrayal. Six months have passed since Kratos stood over the bodies of his wife and child, his hands stained with their blood – tricked by Ares into murdering the only people he ever loved.
Swearing to avenge them, Kratos broke the blood oath that bound him to Ares, but oaths to Olympus are not so easily broken…
Sentenced to an eternity chained within a prison for the living damned, Kratos battles insanity at the hands of the Furies. He will be tested as he seeks freedom, redemption for his sins, and the clarity to avenge his family.
Chronology: The first in Kratos’ story.
For more game details, see my post: God of War: Ascension for PS3 on Amazon US and UK.
*Available on PS3 from Amazon. (affiliate link)
8. A Call from the Wilds
Released: February 2018, as a text-based web game on Facebook Messenger. As a taster for the main GoW release, set in a new Norse era.
Plot: Play as Atreus, son of Kratos as you venture into the Norse Wilds beyond your home for the first time. Drawn in the wilds telepathically, by the voice of a dying deer.
Available to play on Facebook. (In order to start the adventure, click the “Send message” button on after following the link I shared to the game).
9. God of War 4
First Released: 2018 for PS4. January 2022 for PC under the name “God of War”.
Chronology: Set after the events of God of War III (2010).
Plot: A New Beginning – His vengeance against the gods of Olympus far behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the lands of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same.
Second Chances – As mentor and protector to a son determined to earn his respect, Kratos is faced with an unexpected opportunity to master the rage that has long defined him.
Questioning the dark lineage he’s passed on to his son, he hopes to make amends for the shortcomings of his past…
This is the first God of War game that was not a PlayStation-exclusive game (we won’t count the Facebook and mobile games here).
For more game details, see my post: God of War 2018 for PlayStation 4 on Amazon.
*Available on PS4 from Amazon. Also available for PC via Steam.
10. God of War 5: Ragnarok
Release date: November 9th. Available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Plot: Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go.
Against a backdrop of Norse Realms torn asunder by the fury of the Aesir, they’ve been trying their utmost to undo the end times. But despite their best efforts, Fimbulwinter presses onward.
Witness the changing dynamic of the father-son relationship as they fight for survival. Atreus thirsts for knowledge to help him understand the prophecy of “Lokiâ€.
As Kratos struggles to break free of his past and be the father his son needs. See for yourself how fate will force a choice upon them: between their own safety or the safety of the realms. All the while, hostile Asgardian forces assemble…
Venture through all Nine Realms towards the prophesied battle that will end the world. Vanquish Norse gods and monsters alike in fluid, expressive combat. And explore in wonder through stunning mythological landscapes. [Source: Amazon]
*Available on PS4 and PS5 from Amazon. (affiliate link)
GoW Games in Story Order
Below is my list of all of the God of War games from the main series, listed chronologically based on the story.
This means, that if you want to follow the story from the rise of Kratos up to the latest events and follow the story line, you will have to play the games in a different order than the release date one.
(I’ve excluded Betrayal and A Call from the Wilds games since these are not part of the main story line).
Here is the God of Wars series of games to play based on the story order:
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- (2005) God of War
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War II
- God of War III
- (2018) God of War
- God of War: Ragnarok
Wrapping up
Now you know both the release date order of all the God of War games, as well as the order in which you should play these games if you want to follow the story line from start to its current end.
Most likely, even more GoW games will be launched in the future and I will make sure to keep the list updated.
Check out my latest PlayStation 5 Games News and Reviews. And also by Insomniac Games: Spyro the Dragon Games, Listed in Order.