Optimal Play Order for 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

Diving into the God of War series for the first time can feel like embarking on an epic journey across mythological realms. With over a dozen games spread across the Greek and Norse Sagas, choosing where to start can be daunting. Fans often debate the best way to experience the saga, with some advocating for a deep dive into the Norse Saga first, while others insist on the full Greek experience. This guide aims to help you navigate the best order to enjoy all the epic moments the God of War series has to offer.

All God Of War Games In The Series

The God of War series comprises 10 games, but only eight are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Kratos' journey. 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 out on significant plot points. Here's the list of essential titles:

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 tackling a series as extensive as God of War, players typically choose between release order and chronological order. Both approaches have their merits, especially considering some games are prequels to the main trilogy.

Release Order

Opting for the release order means you play the games as they were initially released, providing a historical perspective on the series' evolution. Keep in mind that side titles like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta might not match the main trilogy's production quality. Here's the release order:

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 the storyline is your priority, playing in chronological order lets you follow Kratos' saga from start to finish. However, be prepared for a varied experience in graphics and gameplay, with Ascension often considered the weakest entry. The chronological order is:

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 agreement on the best way to play the series, but the following order considers both narrative flow and gameplay progression, helping new players enjoy the saga without feeling overwhelmed:

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 move to its prequels, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, to enrich your understanding of Kratos' journey. Follow up with God of War 2 and God of War 3 back-to-back, as the story continues seamlessly. After completing the Greek Saga with Ascension, transition to the Norse Saga with God of War (2018), followed by Ragnarok and its Valhalla DLC.

While Ascension is often cited as the weakest link, it's worth pushing through for its action-packed sequences. If it's not to your liking, consider skipping it and catching up via a recap on YouTube.

Alternate Order To Play God Of War Games

If the older games feel too dated, there's an alternative way to immerse yourself in the God of War universe: start with the Norse Saga and then explore the Greek Saga. While controversial among purists, this approach offers a fresh take on Kratos' story with the enhanced gameplay and visuals of the newer titles. The mystery of Kratos' past can enhance the narrative experience of both God of War (2018) and Ragnarok.