What is the Order of God of War Games?
The God of War series is a beloved franchise of action-adventure games that has been thrilling gamers for over two decades. With eight main games and several spin-offs, it can be overwhelming to keep track of the order in which to play them. In this article, we’ll break down the God of War games in chronological order, highlighting the key events and storylines that connect them.
The Early Years: God of War (2005) and God of War II (2007)
The series began with the release of God of War in 2005, developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio. The game follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior who seeks revenge against the Olympian gods for killing his family. The game’s success led to the development of God of War II, which was released in 2007. The sequel continues Kratos’ quest for revenge, as he battles against the gods and monsters of Greek mythology.
The God of War Trilogy (2007-2010)
The next three games in the series form a trilogy, with each installment building upon the previous one. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) is a prequel to the original God of War, exploring Kratos’ adventures before the events of the first game. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) is another prequel, set between the events of God of War and God of War II.
The Soft Reboot: God of War (2018)
After the trilogy, the series underwent a soft reboot with the release of God of War (2018). Developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio, this game is a soft reboot because it maintains the core character of Kratos, but introduces significant changes to the gameplay, story, and setting. The game takes place many years after the events of the original trilogy and follows Kratos and his son Atreus on a journey to spread their wife/mother’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms.
The Order of God of War Games:
Here is the chronological order of the God of War games:
| Game | Release Year | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | Kratos seeks revenge against the Olympian gods |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | Kratos continues his quest for revenge |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 2008 | A prequel to the original God of War, exploring Kratos’ adventures before the events of the first game |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | 2010 | A prequel to God of War and God of War II, set between the events of the two games |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | Kratos and his son Atreus journey to spread their wife/mother’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms |
Conclusion:
The God of War series has undergone significant changes over the years, from its early days as a brutal action-adventure game to its more recent iterations, which focus on storytelling and character development. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the series, understanding the order of the God of War games is essential to appreciating the story and characters. By following the chronological order outlined above, you’ll be able to experience the series in the intended way, with each game building upon the previous one to create a rich and immersive gaming experience.
Additional Tips:
- If you’re new to the series, start with the 2018 God of War game, as it is a soft reboot and can be played as a standalone game.
- If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, play the original God of War trilogy, which features more brutal combat and a darker tone.
- Pay attention to the story and characters in each game, as they are interconnected and build upon each other.
- Don’t be afraid to explore the game’s world and side quests, as they often provide valuable insights into the game’s lore and characters.
