In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

This guide explores the optimal ways to experience the God of War series, catering to different preferences. The series boasts ten games, but only eight are crucial for a complete narrative experience. Two, God of War: Betrayal and God of War: A Call from the Wilds, can be safely omitted.

All Essential God of War Games:

1. God of War 1
2. God of War 2
3. God of War 3
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök

Popular Playthrough Orders:

• Release Order: This follows the original game release sequence, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, note that some earlier titles may not match the production quality of later entries.

  1. God of War 1 (2005)
  2. God of War 2 (2007)
  3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  4. God of War 3 (2010)
  5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
  6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
  9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but be aware of potential inconsistencies in gameplay and graphics across different titles. The initial game in this order is often considered the weakest.

  1. God of War: Ascension
  2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
  3. God of War 1
  4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
  5. God of War 2
  6. God of War 3
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök
  9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Free DLC)

Recommended Playthrough Order:

This order balances narrative coherence with gameplay progression, offering a smoother experience for newcomers. It starts with the original, then strategically incorporates prequels before moving to the sequels. God of War: Ascension, often considered the weakest, is placed later; consider skipping it and watching a summary if needed.

1. God of War 1
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
4. God of War 2
5. God of War 3
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

Alternative Playthrough Order:

This approach prioritizes the modern, higher-quality Norse Saga games first, offering a more consistent gameplay experience before tackling the older Greek Saga titles. This might be preferable for players who value modern gameplay over strict chronological order.

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
4. God of War: Ascension
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
6. God of War 1
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
8. God of War 2
9. God of War 3

Ultimately, the best order depends on individual preferences. This guide provides options to suit various playstyles and priorities.