How to Play the God of War Games in Order?
The God of War video game series has been a beloved franchise for many years, with its first installment released in 2005. The series has evolved over the years, and the games have become increasingly complex and challenging. However, playing the God of War games in order is essential to understand the story and characters. In this article, we will guide you on how to play the God of War games in order, including the original trilogy and the recent soft reboot.
Understanding the God of War Games Timeline
Before we dive into the list of games, it’s essential to understand the God of War games timeline. The franchise is divided into two timelines: the Greek mythology trilogy and the Norse mythology games. The Greek mythology games follow the story of Kratos, a Spartan warrior who serves the Olympian gods, while the Norse mythology games take place years later and follow Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey to the Nine Realms.
The Greek Mythology Trilogy
The Greek mythology trilogy consists of the following games:
- God of War (2005): This game sets the stage for the entire franchise, introducing Kratos, a Spartan warrior who serves the Olympian gods. The game follows Kratos as he seeks revenge against the gods for killing his family.
- God of War II (2007): In this game, Kratos seeks to overthrow Zeus, the king of the gods, and becomes the God of War. The game introduces new characters and mechanics, including the ability to wield the Blades of Chaos.
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) and God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010): These two games are spin-offs that take place between God of War II and the next main installment. Chains of Olympus follows Kratos as he searches for his daughter Calliope, while Ghost of Sparta explores Kratos’ relationship with his brother Deimos.
The Norse Mythology Games
The Norse mythology games take place many years after the events of the Greek mythology trilogy and follow Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey to the Nine Realms. The Norse mythology games consist of:
- God of War (2018): This game is a soft reboot of the franchise, introducing a new narrative and characters. The game follows Kratos and Atreus as they journey to the Nine Realms to spread their wife and mother’s ashes.
- God of War Ragnarök (2022): The sequel to the 2018 game, God of War Ragnarök takes place nine years after the events of the first game and follows Kratos and Atreus as they face the end of the world, Ragnarök.
Playing the God of War Games in Order
To play the God of War games in order, follow this list:
| Game | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | PlayStation 2 |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | PlayStation 2 |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 2008 | PlayStation Portable |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | 2010 | PlayStation Portable |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | PlayStation 4 |
| God of War Ragnarök (2022) | 2022 | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
Tips for Playing the God of War Games in Order
- Start with the original God of War game to understand the character of Kratos and the world of Greek mythology.
- Play God of War II next to understand the consequences of Kratos’ actions in the first game.
- The two spin-off games, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, can be played at any time and provide additional backstory and insight into Kratos’ past.
- The 2018 God of War game is a soft reboot and can be played without knowledge of the previous games, but playing the Greek mythology trilogy first will provide more context and understanding of the characters and world.
- God of War Ragnarök is a direct sequel to the 2018 game and should be played in order to understand the characters and story.
Conclusion
Playing the God of War games in order provides a rich and immersive gaming experience, allowing players to understand the characters, story, and world of the franchise. By following the list of games in chronological order, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the series and its evolution over the years. Whether you’re a newcomer to the franchise or a seasoned fan, playing the God of War games in order is essential to fully appreciate the series.
